United Ribtype and Marking Supplies

What is RIBtype?

RIBtype is an interchangeable rubber stamp system that uses ribs on the back of each character to engage matching ribs on the mounting device. Think of it like a tongue and groove system for rubber type. You slide letters and numbers into place, press them into your stamper or roller, and you are ready to print.

Sets of letters and numbers are available in many sizes from 1/16 inch to 2 inch character heights. You can build your own messages, drop in date slugs or special legends, and change copy whenever production needs shift.

United RIBtype can also manufacture custom words, logos, multi line mats, and complex layouts for higher volume or critical applications where you want to reduce handling time and avoid spelling mistakes. If you're always printing "John's Tomato Farm", ordering a custom mat with that phrase provides you a single piece of rubber. This increases productivity & print quality.

Letter and Number Sets

Standard United RIBtype letter and number sets are supplied as assortments of characters. This lets you create messages such as product descriptions, model or lot numbers, shift identifiers, and more.

You can choose regular, condensed, bold, or bold condensed styles depending on how much copy you need in the space you have available. The 5A assortments contain the standard mix of letters, numbers, and punctuation for sizes from 1/16 inch up through 5/8 inch. Larger heights use slightly different assortments and counts which are outlined in the character set tables below.

Date Sets and Logomat Date Kits

United RIBtype date sets are available in several popular styles and sizes including A9, A10, A11, A13, U75, and U76. Add a “D” suffix to reference a date set. For example, DU76 is a 1/2 inch bold date set.

Assortments containing the complete date text for each day of the year can also be supplied on single Logomat pieces. These one piece date mats speed up changeovers and reduce the risk of missing or misplaced characters.

Styles and Character Heights

United RIBtype is available in several styles to balance readability and line length:

A Style		We stock many of the most common sizes in our shopping cart. Other sizes can be ordered on request.
B Style
U Style
G Style

A Style Regular is available in the following sizes: A7 1/16 inch, A8 5/64 inch, A9 7/64 inch, A10 1/8 inch, A11 9/64 inch, A12 3/16 inch, A13 1/4 inch, A14 5/16 inch, A15 3/8 inch, A15 1/2 7/16 inch, A16 1/2 inch, A17 5/8 inch, and A18 3/4 inch. Letter and number sets use the prefix “T”, for example TA16 is a 1/2 inch A style letter and number set.

Number only sets use the prefix “F” and include four of each number. For example, FA15 is a 3/8 inch number set. Value Pack number sets with twelve of each digit add the suffix “VP”, so FA15VP is a 3/8 inch Value Pack number set.

B Style Condensed is available in sizes B10 1/8 inch, B11 9/64 inch, B12 3/16 inch, B13 1/4 inch, B14 5/16 inch, B15 3/8 inch, B16 1/2 inch, B17 5/8 inch, B18 3/4 inch, and B19 1 inch. Letter and number sets use the prefix “T” (for example TB16). Number sets use the prefix “F” (such as FB15). Value Packs add “VP”, for example FB15VP.

U Style Bold is available in sizes U70 1/8 inch, U71 9/64 inch, U72 3/16 inch, U73 1/4 inch, U74 5/16 inch, U75 3/8 inch, U75 1/2 7/16 inch, U76 1/2 inch, U77 5/8 inch, U78 3/4 inch, and U79 15/16 inch. Letter and number sets use the prefix “T”, such as TU76. Number sets use the prefix “F”, such as FU15, and Value Packs add “VP”, such as FU15VP.

G Style Bold Condensed is available in sizes G73 1/4 inch, G74 5/16 inch, G75 3/8 inch, G76 1/2 inch, G77 5/8 inch, G78 3/4 inch, and G79 15/16 inch. Letter and number sets use the prefix “T” (for example TG76). Number sets use the prefix “F” (such as FG15), with Value Packs using the suffix “VP”, such as FG15VP.

Standard RIBtype direction is horizontal ribs. Vertical text on horizontal ribs, vertical ribs, and vertical text on vertical ribs are available on special order for an additional charge. This is useful when you need to mark the side of a case, apply codes in a tight space, or match existing artwork.

Materials and Durometers

Standard United RIBtype is supplied in 55 durometer natural rubber which works well with many porous applications and standard coding inks. For special applications we can supply alternative materials to address aggressive inks, solvents, or unusual substrates.

• Standard natural rubber, 55 durometer
• Softer 30 durometer natural rubber for light pressure or delicate materials
• Black Buna for oil and acid resistant applications
• Black EP (EPDM) for acids, caustics, and alcohols where kerosene based inks are not used
• Black Neoprene for certain solvent and oil exposures
• Green PVC for small text on plastics, Tyvek, and air or electric reciprocating printers
• Silicone for use with thermal or hot ink transfer printers

If you are having ink build up or background printing, deep relief logos and type can be specified to improve release and reduce maintenance. Email us details regarding your ink and application so we can recommend the best material.

Logo Mats and Custom RIBtype

Logo mats turn groups of characters into a single piece of type that drops into your ribbed base. They are ideal for messages that do not change, such as company names, regulatory statements, or long product descriptions.

Multiple line mats combine two or more lines on one piece. This improves registration between lines, makes it easier for operators to handle, and reduces spelling or spacing errors when setting up a job.

Logo mats are priced by the square inch. Quantity discounts apply when you order multiple identical pieces. If you submit a logo or artwork file a small artwork fee may apply. Contact us to quote your specific layout.

We also support special alignment, mirror image type, type on extra ribs, and other layout options for automated printers and unique marking devices.

RIBtype® is a registered trademark of United RIBtype Company.

Character Set Contents

The tables below show how many of each letter, number, and symbol are included in the standard 5A and 3A assortments and in the fonts only sets. Use these charts when you are planning long codes, multi line messages, or layouts that use many repeated characters.

Fonts Only Sets

The number of single letters and numbers in each set depends on the style and height:

Style A7 through A17 use character set 5A. Style A18 uses character set 3A. Fonts only A7 through A11 are set 5F. Fonts only A12 through A18 are set 4F.
Style B10 through B17 use character set 5A. Style B18 and B19 use character set 3A. Fonts only B10 and B11 are set 5F. Fonts only B12 through B19 are set 4F.
Style U70 through U76 use character set 5A. Style U77 through U79 use character set 3A. Fonts only U70 and U71 are set 5F. Fonts only U72 through U79 are set 4F.
Style G73 through G78 use character set 5A. Style G79 uses character set 3A. Fonts only G73 through G79 are set 4F.

The chart below outlines the number of characters included in each United RIBtype set. This is taken directly from the manufacturer data.

Resources and Help

For a complete overview of RIBtype styles, mounting options, and examples, review the United RIBtype brochure:
Click here for the RIBtype brochure (PDF).

Not sure which style or material is right for your ink and substrate, or need help choosing between sets and custom logo mats? Call us at (770) 554-1187 or email [email protected] with details about your application and we will help you specify the correct United RIBtype components.