Last updated: May 31, 2024 5:00:00 PM EST
Have you ever stopped and thought about the level of impact a simple rubber stamp can have on your business? Probably not, but your competitors are, which is why the market share of different types of rubber stamps is expected to increase to $2.8 billion by 2031. The paperwork has grown due to legal compliance, and StampJam, the best rubber stamp maker online, has got your back.
This guide will introduce you to 5 types of rubber stamps and their uses, allowing you to enhance your business documents in a cost-effective, branded way.
Let’s get started.
The first use of stamps dates back to around 100 AD. Early stamps, made from thick hide or wood, operated similarly to modern stamps – dipped in ink to create an imprint.
The journey of rubber stamps began with Charles Goodyear and his vulcanized rubber experiment in 1839. Credit for the first rubber stamp design often goes to New York's James Orton Woodruff, who in 1866 created a rubber stamp using wooden plates and rubber letters.
In British India, the Gantz Brothers of Madras and Bloomfield & Co. of Calcutta were pioneers in rubber stamp manufacturing. Bloomfield's stamps were widely used by banks and government agencies like East India Railways. Since then, diverse designs have evolved, with StampJam now being the leading online rubber stamp maker.
Now that we know their history, let's explore the types of rubber stamps available today.
With a wide variety of rubber stamps available, each serves specific needs and preferences. Here’s a look at the different types:
Traditional rubber stamps feature a rubber face on a wooden, plastic, or metal base. They’re affordable, compatible with various inks, and include:
Wooden stamps feature a laser-engraved design on a wooden base, known for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Clear stamps use transparent acrylic blocks, making them ideal for precise alignment on designs or text.
Band stamps allow customization of numbers, letters, and combinations using adjustable rubber bands.
Pros: Simple design, durable, variety of ink choices, and affordability.
Cons: Requires manual care and a separate ink pad.
Pre-inked stamps contain an internal ink cartridge, offering high-quality impressions and a long life span of 20,000-30,000 impressions before re-inking is needed.
Pros: Quiet operation, durable, high-quality impressions, customizable designs.
Cons: Higher cost and not suitable for excessive use.
Self-inking stamps are ideal for high-volume stamping, with a built-in ink pad that automatically re-inks after each use.
Pros: Refillable ink pad, fast operation, long-lasting.
Cons: Limited ink colors, larger size, and higher initial cost.
Now that you're familiar with the types, you can select the best rubber stamp for your needs.
The best rubber stamp depends on your needs. For frequent use and high-quality impressions, consider self-inking or pre-inked stamps. For occasional use, traditional wooden stamps are economical and effective.
Rubber stamps are durable, with a rigid rubber base, while polymer stamps are softer, transparent, and flexible, but wear out faster with repeated use.
