By Al Boese

It's not that we have a problem with modico's digital stamp system, we just wonder if it shouldn't be named differently. This is not to say we are questioning whether it is, in fact, a stamp making solution. This innovative desktop system does indeed produce "seal of approval" type stamps for conventional usage: bureaucratic endorsements, postage markings, inspection validation or proving payment. In fact, modico's game changing technology can create those basic office and institutional stamps better and faster than they have ever been created before. Without even breaking a sweat.

But the fact is that the modico system is not limited to standard "on paper" applications. Due to a selection of specialty ink formulations, one of these stamps can also imprint all kinds of other materials such as textiles, wood and metal and all kinds of different objects such as handbags, eggs and golf balls. And because the stamp images are created digitally, operators are able to design higher quality graphics - including fine lines and halftones up to 600 dpi. In this sense, modico imprint technology is more like silk screen or tampon printing, but without the time consuming pre-press and expense.

So what we really have here is a small format, low volume, custom graphics on-demand imaging system. That may be a bit of a lengthy product description, and yet that's what modico technology more or less is. Considering that this disruptive product line may represent an opportunity for a wide range of entrepreneurial enterprises, let's open the hood and see what this new stamp machine is all about.

OVERVIEW
The modico product line includes four components: the stamps, the exposure units, an extensive ink line and design/production software.

The stamps themselves merge form and function seamlessly, including several standard models for paper applications. These self-inking units range in size from 1-3/8" x .5" to a large 3.9" X 2.7" for the M-Series. The latter can imprint an area large enough for trade show ID badges or luggage tags. The compact P-Series models are designed to fit in a pocket, travel in a briefcase or handbag (the "P" stands for Pocket - inspection stamps, signature stamps and other uses where an individual may keep a stamp with them all day).

Modico's classiest stamp is undoubtedly the S-Series, a line of combination stamp/pens. These innovative gadgets slip into a shirt pocket and snap apart for on-the-spot imprinting or decorating anywhere. An S-Series pen could function, for example, as a mobile business card. They can also be used for actual writing and use standard pen refills.

Finally there are the whiz bang stamp models designed for more specialized applications such as golf ball marking and loyalty card validation.

It is worth noting that all of these stamps feature slick design and ergonomic "soft-feel" handling characteristics (modico's R45 stamp even won an international design award). While it may not be entirely necessary for stamps to look cool, there is no question that vendors of modico stamps will benefit from the eye catching hipness of these models when trying to market the product.

The exposure units deliver the core imaging technology that makes the whole custom imprint scenario work. Text and images are produced by exposing a microporous, foamed material print plate using an intense halogen light source. The process is similar to photographic platemaking machines and leaves the unexposed areas of the plate ink-receptive. When the self-inking stamp is pressed down by the user, ink is transferred through the unexposed spaces like a high tech stencil. The process is amazingly quick - the exposure process and stamp assembly takes less than one minute.

The images produced using modico's technology are razor sharp and can reproduce virtually any vector or bit-mapped logo or graphic faithfully. High resolution halftones up to 600 DPI can be imprinted on virtually any substrate, with sharp text in font sizes as small as your eyes can read.

In terms of workplace impact, the exposure units are compact, with no environmental baggage to deal with. The machines use no toxic chemicals and generate no harmful emissions.

While the hardware is cool, in many ways it is the extensive selection of inks that transcends the "stamp" label and moves us into specialty imprinting territory. Modico has developed a number of ink formulations to extend the range of applications well beyond paper. For example, the AS (All Surface) line is a fast dry ink formulated to adhere to non-porous materials, especially plastic. The official compatibility list includes metal, glass, wood, ceramics, leather and some foils.

FS (Fabric Stamp) inks broaden capabilities into textile marking, which could be a cottage industry in and of itself. The company indicates the formulation is colorfast and can be washed 50 to 60 times or more depending on the material.

Finally, the Stampsetter software package provides wizard-driven templates to help non-designer operators create and produce attractive stamp designs. The browser-based software does not have to be downloaded onto a computer. The software utility also provides cloud archiving of customer files.

BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
Having examined the evidence that digital stamps can make a better world for the future, the only remaining question is how to get modico stamps into the hands of the consumers and corporations who need them. It seems to us that this technology represents a serious business opportunity for sign shops, print shops, graphic design studios or any other type of service bureau. As a new profit center (and competitive differentiator) the system's cost vs potential ratio indicates a lot of upside in light of a relatively low cost of entry and operation. Modico claims that a producer can clear anywhere from $20 to $100 per stamp.

For example, the MS-900 sells for about $2,000 and can produce up to 150 stamps per day. The MS-1200 exposure unit - capable of producing the complete modico product line - sells for about $3000 and is rated for 400 stamps per day.

These units require little in the way of additional maintenance or operating costs and the light sources are good for up to 120,000 exposures or 40,000 stamps. If modico's profit margin estimates are accurate and you are producing 400 units a day, you may as well just sell the rest of your business and operate the stamp franchise.

With a modicum of visual merchandising initiative, it seems to us that clients would do most of the work in terms of coming up with new applications. Just show them some samples and the rest is history. Practical stamp applications like marking kids clothes for summer camp. Home styling applications like custom wall decorations. Special applications like one of a kind golf balls for the fund raiser. The fashionable stamp designs don't hurt either in terms of curb appeal.

As this beautifully engineered system emerges into the marketplace, it remains to be seen who will benefit from the untapped potential of this excellent disruptive technology.

[ Link to catalog page ]