RIBtype® base-sheet is used on marking devices to hold type. It is affixed to hand stamps, coders, self-inkers, print wheels, and print heads. Standard base sheet sizes are 7 ¼” x 17” and 14” x 18”. When cutting-to-size, cuts are always made between ribs. Length tolerance is +/ 1/32" or 2%, whichever is larger. Smaller tolerances, when necessary, are available by quote. The ribs run in the long direction. Base material can also be ordered in custom sizes or in the form of coder rings. The standard thickness is .155”, but special thicknesses are available. The back is plain unless adhesive backing is specified.
RIBtype® is most commonly made from natural rubber that has a red-orange face and gray ribs that set it apart from other brands whose ribbed type is often made of solid gray rubber. In certain applications, natural rubber may not be the best choice. Aggressive inks, harsh environments, marking on heated materials, and other factors may make a different material more suitable for your RIBtype® needs.
Listed below are basic properties of the different rubbers and synthetic rubbers we use. Additional charges do apply for specialty rubbers. Please note that colors indicated are the colors of the material we use. Not all natural rubber, PVC, silicone, etc. is made in the same colors as ours.
Base sheet can be ordered in large sheets or cut-to-size to suit your application.
Base sheet is readily available in natural rubber and buna, but can also be made in other materials.
Red/Gray Natural Rubber is best for general purpose use with alcohol and water-based inks. RIBtype natural rubber type has a red-orange face with gray ribs. It is available in standard 50 durometer or soft 30 durometer.
Black Buna is oil and acid resistant and is best for use with oil-based inks or when the type is exposed to petroleum products. It is available in hard 90-durometer, standard 50-duro or soft 30-duro. Hard buna works well in recipricating air/electric powered printers. Soft buna helps in printing large, bold characters on uneven surfaces.
Black Neoprene is very similar to buna. It is oil and acid resistant and makes excellent imprints. It is frequently used in place of 50-durometer buna.
Green PVC is flexible plastic material that provides greater durability in some applications. It is oil and acid resistant and is sometimes recommended for printing small text on plastic or film and for printing on abrasive surfaces such as Tyvek or brake shoes. Because PVC transfers less ink imprints may dry faster. Excellent for air/electric-powered recipricating printers.
Black EP (EPDM) is excellent for use with acids, caustics, alcohols, glycols, and water based inks. It is not recommended for use with kerosene based inks. EP is available in 50 durometer and 70 durometer.
Silicone This blue-and-white (blue face/white ribs) material is used primarily with thermal ink-transfer printers and for hot stamping. It has a high heat tolerance, making it a low cost alternative to metal type.
Products Available in Special Materials
RIBtype® Type: Available in all materials
Deep Relief: Available in natural rubber, neoprene, and EP
RIBtype® Basesheet: Readily available in natural rubber and buna. Neoprene, PVC, and silicone can also be made.