Leimauksen

Leimauksen is the Finnish term for stamping or imprinting. It refers to the process of applying a design, mark, or text to a surface by pressing a die or stamp into or onto the material. The concept covers methods such as mechanical stamping, punching, and embossing/debossing, and is widely used in manufacturing, art, and quality control. In metalworking, stamping uses a press with hardened dies to strike a motif with controlled depth, producing a precise impression suitable for logos, serial numbers, or decorative patterns. Dies must be accurately aligned and endure repeated use. Materials commonly stamped include metals (steel, aluminum, copper), plastics, leather, and certain composites; foil-based hot stamping is used for decorative or branding effects on paper and textiles.

Process: the die is aligned with the workpiece, the press applies force, and the mark is formed. The resulting depth and clarity depend on tooling, material hardness, and required appearance. Variants include relief stamping that creates an embossed (raised) design or a debossed (recessed) design. In coin minting and official seals, stamping is executed with high precision to ensure legibility and security features.

Applications: identity marks, brands and logos, authenticity seals, security features, jewelry, and packaging. Quality control focuses on mark definition, depth consistency, and absence of distortion or surface damage. History traces stamping to ancient metalworking and coinage, where dies signified authority and value.

Safety: stamping operations involve significant forces, so guards, training, and personal protective equipment are required.