Not A Flash In The Pan

What are pre-inked “flash stamps”, and how exactly are they different from stamps that use traditional rubber dies?

Pre-inked flash stamps, such as MaxLight, PSI and Super Slim, get their name from the process used to create their die plate. Artwork for the die is created the traditional way, using a design program such as Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator. However, whereas artwork for a rubber stamp die is then set up to be laser engraved, the artwork for a pre-inked flash stamp is printed onto a sheet of vellum using a standard desktop printer.

The vellum is then placed inside of a “flash machine”, such as the Trodat T1511M, along with the flash foam/die box. Once activated, the flash machine emits a flash of light, which pass through the vellum and transfer a negative of the die artwork on to the flash foam. The flash foam/die box is then filled with ink (pre-inked) and inserted into the flash stamp housing.

So, what are the benefits? In general, pre-inked flash stamps will deliver sharper impressions, generate higher-quality large impressions and will deliver more impressions before having to be re-inked than self-inking stamps using traditional rubber dies. Furthermore, the internal ink storage eliminates the need for a separate stamp pad or replacement ink cartridges, since pre-inked flash stamps can be easily re-inked when needed.

Be sure to check out all of the latest Flash Stamp Improvements that have been made to MaxLight, PSI and Super Slim pre-inked flash stamps, and don’t forget to log on to Order Manager and shop all of the great Trodat products we have available!