Rubber stamp

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MODOInkStamp

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Rubber stamps seen in Museum of Genocide Victims Vilnius

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Dinosaur rubber stamp

Rubber stamp refers to a device for applying an inked design or lettering to a surface, typically paper. The term "rubber stamp" has also evolved to describe a situation where an individual or organization approves a decision without proper consideration, effectively acting as a mere formal endorsement of others' decisions.

History

The history of the rubber stamp is closely tied to the development of vulcanized rubber by Charles Goodyear in 1839. The first commercial rubber stamps were made in the mid-19th century, with the earliest known reference dating back to 1866 in France. The invention of the rubber stamp provided a quick and efficient way of marking documents, packages, and products, revolutionizing office work and the packaging industry.

Types

Rubber stamps come in various types, each serving different purposes:

• Traditional rubber stamps: Require a separate ink pad. These stamps are mounted on a handle made of wood, plastic, or acrylic.
• Self-inking stamps: Have an integrated ink pad that re-inks the stamp die after each impression.
• Pre-inked stamps: Use a special gel to hold the ink, allowing for thousands of impressions before re-inking is needed.
• Date stamps: Include adjustable date bands for marking documents with specific dates.

Uses

Rubber stamps are used in a wide range of applications, from business and office settings to crafts and hobbies. In business, they are used for stamping company logos, addresses, and other identifiers on documents and correspondence. In creative projects, rubber stamps are used for scrapbooking, card making, and fabric printing.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing process of rubber stamps involves several steps. The design is first created or selected, then transferred to a rubber sheet. The rubber can be cut by hand, laser engraved, or vulcanized to create the stamp die. The die is then mounted on a handle or into a self-inking mechanism.

Controversies and Criticisms

The metaphorical use of "rubber stamp" in politics and corporate governance has been a subject of criticism. It implies a lack of due diligence or independent thought, suggesting that decisions are made without genuine scrutiny or consideration of their merits.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of rubber stamps is tied to the materials used in their production, including rubber, plastic, and ink. Efforts to reduce their environmental footprint include using sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics or natural rubber, and refillable ink pads.

See Also

• Ink pad
• Vulcanization
• Charles Goodyear
• Office supplies

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