PE Seal & Stamp

[MadamPirate PE]

Okay, so my thoughts:

1) I don't believe there is a stigma against using an ink seal versus an embossing seal. I've worked for multiple companies that used an ink seal (the self-inking one that goes "kerplunk" when you press it...so satisfying!), but only one engineer I have ever worked for used an embosser. Each and every one of them was just as ethical and great to work for. The type of seal they used made absolutely no difference to their credibility, work ethic, or how I felt about them.

2) Anyone can copy any seal. Do some make it harder? Yes. But there's no way you're going to protect yourself against everyone. We lock our doors at night, but that won't stop anyone from breaking my giant bay window to get inside. It just keeps an honest person honest, but we always need to watch out for the dishonest people, which means (see item 3).

3) There are ways to protect yourself using an ink seal in the digital world. Such as:


All said, if (when) I see that coveted green "pass" box on NCEES in December, I'm getting the self-inking cause, see the nice kerplunk comment above! But I also may get an embossing seal cause they just look freaking incredible!

That "ker-plunk" is SUPER satisfying the first time.

Now getting the damn thing to eject and be ready for stamping is a whole other story. *curses her weak hand strength*

 

[Booo]

Just to show off my PEness I have trained a seal to seal my drawings.

 

[Orchid PE]

And I told you there isn't, outside of your personal experience.

However it's not just my personal experience. Other engineers I know are aware of the stigma. And like it said earlier, rubber stamping isn't just associated with engineers. Rubber stamping is a well know term used to refer to people that don't check work. The term is common knowledge.




And there's a good reason up to around 2008-2010 many states were requiring embossing type seals. Approval to use rubber stamps for most of those states have only been around a relatively short time period. This is why the stigma is around. Embossing has been the main method of sealing for engineers for a majority of the time, and when rubber stamps come into the picture "rubber stamping" carried a stigma with it. This means any engineer that was actually using a physical rubber stamp prior to when states began allowing them was breaking the law.

 

[steel]

Beats me. People just starting ganging up on me because I informed them there is a stigma around using a rubber stamp, and they got upset because they use a rubber stamp.

But here's the thing: just because you personally have certain feelings toward ink seals (based on family history as well, I see) doesn't mean everyone who uses an ink seal is any less credible than you or any other embosser.

 

[Orchid PE]

And having an embossed seal on a piece of paper is just plain boss.

 

[Orchid PE]

But here's the thing: just because you personally have certain feelings toward ink seals (based on family history as well, I see) doesn't mean everyone who uses an ink seal is any less credible than you or any other embosser.

See post above.

 

[steel]

See post above.

You're not disproving me.

I'll say it again: just because an engineer uses an ink seal doesn't make them less of an engineer than you.

 

[Tiger15]

I have an embosser. But I'm also in a job where I will never have to stamp anything. I got an embosser because that what I wanted. And my state board requires every licensed PE to get a stamp/seal of some kind, even if they don't use it.

If I did have to stamp things regularly, I'd get an ink stamp because it's much more convenient and more common today than embossed seals, in my experience. But the industry is largely moving to electronic. So this whole ink vs embossed debate will be moot in a few year.

Also, I got mine from Custom Rubber Stamps & Embossing Seals | Acorn Sales They (among other companies) have a EB discount. But what really sold me on them was that they give free electronic seals with every purchase. Most companies charge extra for that.
For whatever it's worth I bough this "Hybrid Embosser" which can be used as a pocket embosser or a desk embosser.
Engineer Hybrid Seal Embosser - Acorn Sales

 

[MadamPirate PE]

But here's the thing: just because you personally have certain feelings toward ink seals (based on family history as well, I see) doesn't mean everyone who uses an ink seal is any less credible than you or any other embosser.

THIS IS MY WHOLE POINT.

 

[Orchid PE]

Embossing. Nobody likes "rubber stamper" type engineer.

Having grown up my entire life in the consulting engineering industry, and having a PE as a father, I can tell you I've never seen an engineer use a rubber stamp. Mainly because there is a negative connotation with them. Embossing is the respectable choice.

I'll say it again: just because an engineer uses an ink seal doesn't make them less of an engineer than you.

At what point did you think I said using an ink stamp made someone less of an engineer?

The facts I posted still stand correct. Nobody likes a "rubber stamper" type of engineer. This is the type of engineer that signs anything that comes across their desk. "Rubber stamping" is a negative connotation that is well known, and it comes along with using a physical rubber stamp.

Just because you and others were not familiar with the term and the stigma, that does not mean it does not exist in the engineering world.

 

[leggo PE]

So nobody has this number?
View attachment 23935

Everyone I know uses one of these!

I have something like this. Self-inking, BLUE INK. It’s nice, though I’ve never used it for anything but to stamp my code books for identification purposes.

I got my stamp from @PE Stamps and have zero regrets. Great customer service, quality product, and fast shipping if memory holds!

 

[leggo PE]

Which reminds me, @squaretaper LIT AF PE are you in to get the super cool California Bear stamp that’s offered? My stamp still has my maiden name on it, and it technically out of date, and that bear is pretty cool…

 

[Booo]

I’ve never used it for anything but to stamp my code books for identification purposes.

Haha. That's amazing.

 

[steel]

At what point did you think I said using an ink stamp made someone less of an engineer?

The facts I posted still stand correct. Nobody likes a "rubber stamper" type of engineer. This is the type of engineer that signs anything that comes across their desk. "Rubber stamping" is a negative connotation that is well known, and it comes along with using a physical rubber stamp.

Just because you and others were not familiar with the term and the stigma, that does not mean it does not exist in the engineering world.

You said, and I quote: "Embossing is the respectable choice." Implying that using any other type of seal is not respectable (incorrect).

Just because you use an embossing seal doesn't mean anyone who uses an ink seal uses it irresponsibly. You're assuming that every engineer who uses an ink seal misuses it. (also incorrect)

 

[MambaMentality24]

I have been in the Architecture/Engineering industry for almost 20 years. Worked with/for dozens of Registered Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professors in over 10 companies. I have NEVER heard of this "Embossing is the respectable choice" until I saw this thread.

 

[leggo PE]

Haha. That's amazing.

Ha! It was something I’ve seen others do in the past, and it made sense to me!

 

[steel]

Just because you and others were not familiar with the term and the stigma, that does not mean it does not exist in the engineering world.

Also, we know what the term "rubber stamping" is. Assuming we don't makes you look like a jerk.

 

[Orchid PE]

You said, and I quote: "Embossing is the respectable choice." Implying that using any other type of seal is not respectable (incorrect).

Correct. There are no stigmas with embossing type seals. It is the respectable choice as there won't be a single person out there that will ever initially think you are a rubber stamper. Going the ink route opens up the doors.

 

[steel]

Correct. There are no stigmas with embossing type seals. It is the respectable choice as there won't be a single person out there that will ever initially think you are a rubber stamper. Going the ink route opens up the doors.

See, if you automatically think of me as an irresponsible engineer solely cause I bought an ink stamp, that's YOUR problem, not mine.

Again: just because one choice seems respectable to you doesn't mean another choice isn't respectable.

 

[Tiger15]

...
Just because you and others were not familiar with the term and the stigma, that does not mean it does not exist in the engineering world.

If I can chime in.

"Stigma" is a very subjective thing that varies among different groups of people. @Orchid PE , I think you (and others) are speaking in far-too-broad generalizations. You say that in your experience, there's a stigma around using a rubber stamp. Sure; I accept that as your experience. But you have to be able to accept that other people have different experiences.

The "engineering world" is very large and diverse. Many different industries, regions, demographics, companies with their individual culture, etc. There could legit be some stigma in your engineering world and absolutely none in someone else's engineering world.

Let's all back away from the ledge.