"The new Ultimark mount design started with the die plate which needed to be flat and rigid. From there we designed the case and added an attractive handle."
The handle on the new Ultimark stamp features a full-width label on all sizes up to 64mm wide. This makes it easy for the user to identify which stamp they are selecting. Partial impressions of the 75 and 100mm wide stamps can either be centered or left justified in the label. A molded clear plastic lens, similar to the Ideal self-inking stamp, is provided to protect the label and also increase the perceived value of the stamp. "One of the requirements of the new mount is that it should have a retainer ring to hold the die into the die plate." The thickness of the stamp die has always been critical in designing a retaining ring system. Not only do pre-inked die materials differ in thickness, there are variances in the die floor thickness based on the stamp maker's manufacturing procedures and level of control.
Over the years other mounts using the retaining ring concept have been designed. However, they have required very strict tolerances of the stamp maker who has relied on the use of shims to create the correct thickness.
"At M&R, problems are an opportunity for solutions so we set our engineering staff the task of creating a better retaining ring system. The result of this development is the patent-pending "S.A.S." Retainer Ring that automatically adjusts to the stamp background thickness". (fig.1).
The S.A.S. (Self-Adjusting System) also provides a fast way for stamp makers to mount their pre-inked dies. Just place the stamp die (and ink reservoir if applicable) into the retainer ring and then place the mount over it (fig. 2). Press the mount down, and the retainer ring automatically snaps into the die plate (fig. 3 & 4) firmly and accurately securing the die in the mount without messy adhesives.
"RE-INKING IS CLEAN AND EASY"
The handle is easy to remove, providing access to ink tubes that can be used to replenish the stamp with ink (fig. 5). Channels on the die plate distribute the ink throughout the ink reservoir or stamp die.
"FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE"
The new Ultimark mounts are designed to be both functional and attractive. Initial market reaction has indicated that these new mounts will be a winner with both end users and stamp makers!
