Rubberstempel

Rubberstempel, the German term for “rubber stamp,” refers to a hand‑operated device that transfers ink onto paper or other surfaces through a flexible, often silicone, imprinting surface. The imprinting surface, or die, is typically created by carving or molding a design, symbol, text, or logo in reverse, which then appears correctly when the stamp is applied. Modern rubber stamps are commonly produced from polymer compounds that provide durability, fine detail resolution, and resistance to wear.

The use of rubber stamps dates back to the early 19th century, when they were employed for repetitive marking in offices, factories, and governmental institutions. In German‑speaking regions, rubberstempel became especially popular for certifying documents, endorsing approvals, and adding decorative elements to correspondence. Variants include self‑inking stamps, which contain an internal ink reservoir and a retractable pad, and pre‑inked foam stamps, which are disposable and often used for high‑volume tasks.

Rubberstempel are manufactured through several methods, such as laser engraving of a metal plate that is then used to create a negative mold, or direct digital printing onto the silicone surface. They are supplied with a variety of ink types, including pigment‑based inks for archival quality and dye‑based inks for vivid colors. The simplicity, low cost, and speed of application have maintained the rubberstempel’s relevance despite advances in digital document handling.