Technical Library: Setting Up a Rubber Stamp File

To set up this sample project, we are going to create four stamps of various sizes, using some of the different stampers that are available. You can find a variety of styles and sizes for your different stamp projects.

Set up a new page in your graphic software that has the same dimensions as the sheet of rubber you are engraving.

2)

To engrave and cut out multiple stamps in a single setup, measure the bottom of each stamper to find the correct size for the stamps you are creating. Draw boxes on the page to correspond with the stamper dimensions. Set the line width of each box to .001”. These boxes will be used to cut out the individual stamps after the stamps have been engraved.

3)

Insert your text, clip art, or logos so that the image looks like the image you want to stamp. Be creative and have fun! Next, mirror the graphics, so the text will stamp correctly. The Epilog software automatically inverts the artwork for you.

4)

Create another box around all of the stamps on the page using a line width of .001”. This line is called the “fence” and defines the outer boundaries to be engraved. The fence can be any closed polygon or ellipse - circles, ovals, rectangles, and squares are all acceptable. Multiple stamps, like the four we are creating, should all be placed within the same fence, and can be spaced fairly close together to eliminate waste.

Print the new file to the laser. If you have a low wattage system, you will have to either run the laser very slowly, or use multiple passes to get the depth you need. Start with a low power to break the surface of the rubber, then run again with a high power and slow speed. On the 120 watt laser, we used a raster setting of 100 speed, 100 power and a vector setting of 40 speed, 20 power, 500 frequency.

In the Driver, under the Raster Type setting, change “Basic” to “Stamp” in the drop-down menu. This will allow you to access two additional stamp options - shoulders and widening.

Shoulders: The Shoulders setting in the print driver adjusts the angle of the sides of the characters on your stamp. A higher shoulder number provides a wider angle and more support for the characters. The following drawing shows a side view of a character with the Shoulders set to 10, 25 and 50. Many users feel the default setting of 25 is ideal.

Widening: The Widening setting in the print driver adjusts the character weight. A higher Widening number provides a bolder character. The following drawing shows the difference in characters when their Widening set to 1 or 6. Many users feel the default setting of 1 is ideal.

Finally, print the file to the laser. When you have achieved the depth that you are looking for, remove the sheet of rubber and run it under running water to wash off the rubber dust. The reason we set the frequency to only 500 on the vector line is that a lower number will create a perforation, and your stamps won’t fall out of the sheet when you remove it - this will make for much easier cleaning! Punch out the stamps, and apply them to the stampers you purchased.