We’ve been supplying industrial marking solutions to manufacturers and hobbyists across the UK and around the world for well over a century. And while technology continues to evolve, there are certain questions that still crop up time and again. One of the most common being: “What’s the difference between a Standard and a reverse stamp?”
It may sound straightforward, but confusion around these terms can lead to incorrect tooling orders, production delays, and unnecessary cost. So, let’s set the record straight.
A Common Misunderstanding
Often, we see customers ordering reverse stamps, thinking they’re requesting a standard, legible mark. But, in the marking industry, the term reverse has a specific meaning. It refers to a stamp that leaves a backwards impression, not one that reads correctly on the part.
To help you avoid this pitfall, here’s a clear explanation of what we mean by standard (or positive) and reverse (or negative) in the context of marking stamps.
Standard (Positive or Normal) Marking
A standard stamp, which is also called a positive stamp, is what most customers are looking for when they want a clear, legible mark on a finished part.
When you look at the face of a positive stamp, the characters will appear backwards. This is deliberate. When the stamp is struck or pressed into a component, the resulting mark appears the right way round, just like printed text in a book.
This type of stamp is used across a huge range of industries, including aerospace, medical, defence, and general engineering, where traceability and clear identification are essential.
In summary:
Stamp face: Characters appear reversed
Impression on component: Legible and correctly oriented
Reverse (Negative) Marking
A reverse or negative stamp is the opposite. On the face of the stamp, the characters are the right way round and are easy to read at a glance. But when that stamp is used, it produces a reversed impression on the workpiece.
Why would anyone want that? It’s very common in the mould-making and forging industries. A reverse stamp is used to mark a die or mould. When that mould is later used to form a component, the final part ends up with a positive mark.
The reverse stamp creates a backwards impression in the tool, which then produces a legible mark on the actual product.
In summary:
Stamp face: Characters appear normal
Impression on component: Reversed/backwards
Some customers use reverse stamps in a slightly different way, by striking the reverse side of a thin metal sheet. This technique leaves a raised, legible mark on the front surface, as the metal is displaced outward rather than indented. It’s commonly used where a debossed mark on the visible face isn’t desirable, such as on decorative plates, name tags, or aesthetic components. In these cases, the stamp must be reverse so that the final raised impression reads correctly.
Which One Do I Need?
It all depends on where in the process the marking is being applied. If you’re stamping directly onto a finished part, you’ll almost certainly need a positive (normal) stamp. If you’re marking a tool or die that will be used to shape the final component, then a reverse (negative) stamp may be the right choice.
In some forging operations, both types are used in tandem—reverse stamps for the die face, positive stamps for the finished goods. That’s why clarity is so important.
To avoid mistakes, we always recommend using the specific terms standard or normal (positive) or reverse (negative) when placing your order. Describing the application can also help ensure we supply the correct tool the first time.
When in Doubt, Just Ask
At Pryor, we understand the pressures of manufacturing environments, tight deadlines, critical tolerances, and the need for full traceability. The last thing you need is a marking stamp that doesn’t do what you expect.
So if there’s ever uncertainty, we’re just a phone call or email away. Our technical team is happy to advise on the right tool for your application, whether you’re a hobbyist, or working in forging, aerospace, automotive, or medical manufacturing.
The Takeaway
Don’t let terminology trip you up.
Standard stamps = Backwards on the stamp, legible on the part.
Reverse stamps = Legible on the stamp, backwards on the part or die.
It may be a small distinction, but it’s one that can make all the difference.
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