Date stamps: Precision standard parts for tool and mold making
Our date stamps are high-quality marking elements, specially developed for the stringent requirements of modern tool and mold making. They enable permanent, clean, and precisely legible date marking directly on the injection molded part. As an experienced partner, Walz Normalien stands for utmost precision, low-wear engravings, and absolute functional reliability in every date indicator. Quality “Made in Germany.”
Standard engravings for every requirement
We carry date stamps with a variety of standard engravings, covering all common marking requirements in the industry. The engravings are designed for maximum readability and extremely long service lives. Since we generally carry our date stamps as stock items, they are usually shipped on the same day the order is placed.
Available standard engraving types:
MJ - Month/Year
M - Month
J - Years
WJ - Week/Year
I - Index 0-9
T - Day
TMJ - Day/Month/Year
S - Shift numbers
QJ - Quarter/Year
KAM/KNZ - Identification code
Without marking
S - Custom design
MJ: Month / Year (Classic date marking)
M / J: Single month or single year
WJ: Week / Year (Precise batch tracking)
I: Index 0–9 (Version management)
T / TMJ: Day or Day / Month / Year
S: Shift numbers for production monitoring
QJ: Quarter / Year
KAM / KNZ: Individual identification letters
Custom design: Customer-specific symbols or logos on request
Diameters and sizes for maximum flexibility
To ensure optimal integration into every injection mold, we offer our date stamps in all industrial standard diameters:
| Diameter (mm) | Typical application for date stamps |
|---|---|
| Ø2.6 / Ø2.8 / Ø3.0 / Ø3.5 | Micro injection molding and precision molds |
| Ø6 / Ø8 / Ø10 | Small to medium mold inserts |
| Ø12 / Ø16 | Standard tools in mold making |
| Ø20 / Ø25 | Large molds and heavy tool structures |
Series overview: The right date stamp for every project
Our product lines cover the entire spectrum from proven classics to technologically leading high-end systems.
Series DK / DA – Standard date stamp with height adjustment
The DK and DA series are classic date stamps with a screw-in setting insert and height adjustment. These date setters enable precise adjustment of the setting insert to the engraving and guarantee clean impressions in the component, while also offering low acquisition costs.
Series DAP – Date stamp without height adjustment
In the DAP series date indicator, the setting insert is fixed without height adjustment. This design is the ideal solution for thin-walled molded parts and visible parts where an absolutely flush seal and the highest surface quality are required.
DAC series – Specialist for rubber and elastomer injection molding
Thanks to the specially developed conical seat of the setting inserts, this date setter offers maximum tightness. It reliably prevents the penetration of material (burr formation), even with creeping media and high pressures.
DAR series – The patented detent stamp (technology leader)
The DAR series is our top technological product in the field of date stamps. The setting insert engages in 60 finely graduated positions and is therefore absolutely secured against rotation. The special feature: The higher the injection pressure, the stronger the locking effect. As the only date stamp on the market with this fine division, the DAR series guarantees maximum process reliability in high-performance production.
DAF, DARF and DAPF series – Mounting from the mold side
These special date stamps were developed for hard-to-reach tools. Thanks to an integrated threaded pin, they can be conveniently mounted and dismounted directly from the inside of the mold using an Allen key when the setting insert is removed. An enormous time saving during maintenance work.
Technical terms and synonyms
In practice, date stamps are often referred to differently. Depending on the region or application, terms such as date clocks, date adjusters or marking stamps are used. Regardless of the designation, they are indispensable as fixed components of modern standard parts systems for quality assurance and traceability in tool making.
Practical tips: Installation and maintenance of date stamps
For maximum service life and a consistently clean typeface in the injection molded part, the following points should be observed when using date stamps:
1. Correct fit during installation
Our date indicators are manufactured to tolerance m6 as standard. This enables an optimal press fit in an H7 mounting bore. When pressing in, ensure that the pressure is applied evenly to the main body to avoid deformation of the index insert.
2. Cleaning and protection against material residues
Despite the high degree of tightness (especially in the SEC series), minimal residues can settle in the engravings at extremely high pressures or with very low-viscosity plastics.
Recommendation: Clean the engraved surfaces regularly with a suitable mold cleaner or compressed air to maintain the legibility of the marking permanently.
3. Easy replacement of the inserts
A major advantage of the Walz systems is their interchangeability. When the year changes or a new index is required, the entire date indicator does not need to be removed.
Here’s how: Simply turn the insert counterclockwise with a suitable screwdriver (for series with height adjustment) or simply pull it off in the case of the O-ring version (DAO series).
4. Avoidance of height offset
For visible parts, a flush finish between the date indicator and the mold cavity is crucial. Use our DAP series (without height adjustment) for this purpose, or, for the DA series, ensure that the threaded spindle is precisely locked to prevent the insert from “wandering” during cycles.
Precision beyond the standard: Custom turned parts from Walz
Did you know that the production of our date stamps places the highest demands on turning and milling? The exact fits and complex internal geometries of the stamp housings are the result of years of experience in machining.
We use this expertise not only for our own standard parts. As a specialized manufacturing partner, we also offer contract manufacturing of high-quality precision turned parts:
Long turning: Ideal for slim, complex components with maximum precision.
Short turning: Efficient series production of sophisticated components for machine and tool construction.
Material diversity: We process tool steel, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals to perfection.
In addition to our standard date stamps, do you also need individual drawing parts or special series? Take advantage of our modern production capacity for your projects. Discover our precision turned parts using the long turning process.