Stamping head with planetary gear mechanism

Abstract

A stamping machine including a planetary mechanism. The planetary mechanism includes multiple I die mounts 80M circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis. Multiple I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts 80M sharing respective planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the planetary rotational axes. The planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis. Each of the I die mounts 80M includes a multiple dies 53M for respectively stamping a plurality of characters of different widths. The dies 53M are angularly distributed asymmetrically on the die mounts 80M accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number of dies 53M on the die mounts 80M.

Description

[0001] STAMPING HEAD WITH PLANETARY GEAR MECHANISM

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a stamping head including a planetary gear mechanism which increases the number of available characters for selection in the stamping head.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] Text or decorative patterns may be produced on an article by means of a hot foil stamping machine, in which a foil is pressed between a heated stamping member and the surface of the article.

[0007] Hot foil stamping of titles, authors and other information on book bindings is accomplished traditionally by contract binderies and print shops. A series of letters and type fonts are assembled in a jig, either by hand, with the use of an automatic type caster, or by preparing an etched metal die from art work. The completed jig or die is transferred to a printing position where an overall imprint, for example, of the book title, author, report name and number, is simultaneously imprinted on the front and / or spine of the book.

[0008] In manual hot foil stamping machines designed for small volumes of for instance 1-100 items, the operator stands above the machine and manually places the article in the correct position and orientation for stamping by viewing the article from above while lowering by means of a lever the stamp die toward the article to be stamped. Normally, a trained operator is required to operate manual foiling stamping machines. Other semi-automated stamping machines, are calibrated by the method of "cut and try" by pre-aligning one or more alignment stops, placing one or more articles to be stamped and repeating the process by continuing to stamp articles until the machine is aligned. Such a calibration method generates production waste which may be justifiable only for high volume.

[0009] Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows schematically a foil stamping machine 10 as disclosed in United Kingdom patent application GB 1609461.7. Foil stamping machine 10 does not require a skilled worker for positioning and orienting the articles to be printed and does not generate production waste during calibration. Foil stamping machine 10, according to US patent US9649874B2 and United Kingdom patent application GB 1609461.7 is operated with a computer system including a camera and a display. A computer system may be configured to capture from the camera an image of the article prior to the stamping and presents the image on the display. A user selects a symbol using the computer system prior to the stamping onto the article. The user using the computer system positions the selected symbol as a displayed symbol superimposed on the image of the article.

[0010] The stamping machine may be previously calibrated to perform the stamping positioned on the article in the same position and orientation as the displayed symbol superimposed on the image of the article as presented to the user prior to the stamping.

[0011] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0012] Various stamping machines are disclosed herein including a planetary mechanism. The planetary mechanism includes multiple I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis. Multiple I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing respective planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the planetary rotational axes. The planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis. Each of the I die mounts includes a multiple TV, dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths. The dies are angularly distributed asymmetrically on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number TV, -I of dies on the die mounts. Respective mounting surfaces of the TV, dies may be convex with varying curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number N l of dies on the die mounts. The character n}may be selected for stamping by selecting the j-th die mount from the I die mounts and by rotating the j-th die mount around the planetary rotational axis thereof so that the ri-th character faces a positive radial direction from the central revolution axis.

[0013] Various rotatable die mounts are disclosed herein each having a rotational axis. The rotatable die mount includes multiple N, dies for respectively stamping multiple N, characters of different widths. The V, dies are angularly distributed asymmetrically in accordance with the respective character widths on the stamping head to maximise the number TV, of dies on the rotatable die mount. Respective mounting surfaces of the TV, dies may be convex with varying curvature in accordance with the respective character widths to maximise the number N, of dies on the rotatable die mount. The characters for stamping may be selected in accordance with a rotational angle about the rotational axis. Respective outer surfaces of the Ni dies are not radially equidistant from the rotational axis.

[0014] Various methods are disclosed herein for selecting a die in a stamping machine. The methods are performed using a planetary mechanism including multiple I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis. Multiple I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the respective planetary rotational axes. The planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis. Each of the I die mounts includes multiple TV, dies for respectively stamping a multiple N, characters of different widths. The dies are provided angularly distributed asymmetrically on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths thereby maximising the number Nt I of dies on the die mounts. A character n}is selected for stamping by selecting the j-th die mount from the I die mounts. The j-th die mount is rotated around the planetary rotational axis thereof so that the n-th character of Nj characters on the j-th die mount faces a positive radial direction from the central revolution axis. Respective mounting surfaces of the A dies may be provided with varying convex curvature in accordance with the respective character widths to maximising the number N, I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths.

[0015] A central gear may be provided to intermesh with the planetary gears. The central gear may be configured to rotate about the central revolution axis. A carrier may be configured to rotate around the central revolution axis. A locking mechanism when engaged may prevent the central gear from rotating while the carrier is configured to rotate to enable revolution of the planetary gears around the intermeshed central gear and to enable rotation of the planetary gears around the respective planetary rotational axes. The locking mechanism of the central gear, when disengaged may be configured to enable rotation of the central gear and the carrier together about the central revolution axis and to disable revolution of the planetary gears around the intermeshed central gear.

[0016] Various stamping machines are disclosed herein including a planetary mechanism. The planetary mechanism includes multiple I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis. Multiple I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing respective planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the planetary rotational axes. The planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis. Each of the I die mounts includes a multiple N, dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths. Respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex surfaces, enabling stamping up to an entire depth from respective outer surfaces to the mounting surfaces of the dies. At least of portion of the convex surfaces may include at least one of: a spherical surface, an ellipsoidal surface, a paraboloidal surface, hyperboloidal surface and a polyhedral surface. The stamping may enable avoiding contact between the mounting surfaces and an article being stamped.

[0017] Various methods of serially debossing multiple characters, using a stamping machine, the method comprising providing the stamping machine with a planetary mechanism including a plurality of I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis. Multiple I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the respective planetary rotational axes. The planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis. Each of the I die mounts includes multiple N, dies for respectively stamping multiple N, characters of different widths. Respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex surfaces. The serial debossing is enabled up to an entire depth from respective outer surfaces to the mounting surfaces of the dies. Contact may be avoided between the mounting surfaces outside perimeters of the dies and an article being stamped by virtue of the convex mounting surfaces of the N, dies. Respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies may be provided with varying convex curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, thereby maximising the number N, -I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths. The N, dies may be angularly distributed asymmetrically on the I die mounts, thereby maximising the number N, -I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths. Stamping of different characters may be performed at varying depths in accordance with respective outer surfaces of the N, dies not being radially equidistant from the planetary rotational axes.

[0018] The foregoing and / or other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective drawing showing detail of a foil stamping machine, according to United Kingdom patent application publication GB 1609461.7;

[0022] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate top and bottom isometric views of a stamping head, according to according to United Kingdom patent application publication GB 1609461.7;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a foil stamping machine, according to features of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a stamping head, according to an embodiment of the foil stamping machine shown in Figure 3;

[0025] Figures 5A and 5B respectively illustrate a front view and an isometric view of an exemplary rotational die mount, with a planar mounting surface, according to features of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a stamping head, according to features of the present invention;

[0027] Figures 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a front view and an isometric view of an exemplary rotational die mount with a convex curved mounting surface, according to features of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates an advantage using rotational die mount of Figures 7A and 7B, with a convex curved mounting surface over rotational die mount with a planar mounting surface, according to features of the present invention; and

[0029] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary rotational die mount, according to features of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to features of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The features are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

[0031] Before explaining features of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of design and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other features or of being practised or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows an isometric drawing showing detail of foil stamping machine 10, according to aspects of United Kingdom patent application publication GB 1609461.7. Stamping head 320 includes a planetary gear mechanism which allows selection of multiple characters 32. The planetary gear mechanism is further described in the following description and figures.

[0033] Reference is now made also made to Figures 2A and 2B which show isometric views of stamping head 320, from top and bottom respectively, according to aspects of United Kingdom patent application publication GB1609461.7. A carrier 87 is disposed between plates 89a and 89b and connects stamping head 320 mechanically and thermally to housing 322 (Figure 1). Carrier 87 as shown may be rotationally asymmetric to allow stamping head 320 to be oriented uniquely onto housing 322. Multiple rotatable die mounts 80 are shown. Rotatable die mounts 80 are shown as hexagonal prisms with six rectangular faces having rotational symmetry around an axis parallel to the hexagonal faces. Different dies for different fonts 32 or alphabets, e.g. small and capital letters, may be mounted / engraved / cast / milled respectively into the rectangular faces of rotatable die mounts 80. Rotatable die mounts 80 may be shaped as polygonal prisms, e.g. triangular providing three rectangular faces for three distinct dies 32, a square four rectangular faces respectively for four distinct dies 32, an octagonal prism with eight rectangular faces respectively for eight distinct dies 32, by way of example. Other geometries may be used for die mounts 80 such as a cylinder in which portions of the outer surface which support dies 32 are milled flat or cast flat. Rotatable die mounts 80 may be rotatably attached between plates 89a and 89b and located and secured with screws (not shown) which go through countersunk screw hole 88 (Fig. 2b) in plate 89b and fastens in plate 89a and / or axles 84 shared respectively with planetary gears 86. Rotatable die mounts 80 and respective planetary gears 86 are rotatable together about respective axes or axles 84.

[0034] Referring back to Figure 2A, planetary gears 86 are shown intermeshing with a central gear 85 with teeth facing outward. Fasteners 82 retain central gear 85 in proximity to plate 89a and may additionally connect together plates 89a, 89b and carrier 87.

[0035] A pin 83 is shown extending into one of multiple holes distributed circumferentially along central gear 85. Pin 83 represents a locking mechanism which disables rotation of central gear 85. When pin 83 engages the corresponding aperture in central gear 85, stamping head 320 is in font selection mode. Otherwise, pin 83 is shown in a non-engaged position in which central gear 85 is free to rotate with carrier 87.

[0036] During font selection, pin 83 engages central gear 85 while drive shaft 324 (Fig. 1) rotates and drives carrier 87 rotationally about the central axis which coincides with the centre of central gear 85. Central gear 85 is held in place by the locking mechanism such as by pin 83 which engages central gear 85, and prevents central gear 85 from rotating. However, carrier 87 which is shown connected to plates 89a and 89b is able to rotate. Rotating carrier 87 drives the planetary axes 84 to rotate about the central axis while planetary gears 86 individually rotate about respective axes 84 and further move circumferentially about central gear 85 with intermeshing gear action. As planetary gears 86 rotate about respective axles 84, rotatable die mounts 80 which share the same axle 84 also rotate die mounts 80 and expose different font / character dies 32a for each of die mounts 80.

[0037] After font selection, locking mechanism, e.g. pin 83 disengages from central gear 85. The disengagement of pin 83 releases central gear 85 which by a locking or clutch mechanism is now mechanically attached to carrier 87. Foil stamping / printing may now be performed for the font selected; in some embodiments, by XY motion of the object to be printed and vertical Z motion of stamping head 320. Character selection of the exposed font / character 32 of die mounts 80 is performed by rotation of stamping head 320 around the central axis.

[0038] Stamping head 320 as shown with twenty hexagonal movable die mounts 80 may provide one hundred and twenty characters 32a. In some cases, it is desirable to have available more than hundred characters on the stamping head.

[0039] By way of introduction, various embodiments of the present invention relate to improving the foil stamping machine as described in United Kingdom patent application GB 1609461.7. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to increasing the number of available characters than available in stamping head 320 by releasing a constraint that rotatable die mounts 80 are rotationally symmetric polygonal prisms. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the fact that different characters of the same font and same language are of different widths. The capital letter “W” is wider than the small letter “f” which in turn is wider than a colon In terms of angle on a rotating die mount around its rotational axis, the wider character such as “W” subtends a much larger angle than the colon. The set of rotating die mounts may be optimised to increase the number of available characters on the stamping head with trade-offs that the rotational angles for rotating the die mount are not the same for each character, nor is the depth of stamping (stamping motion in Z direction) necessarily the same as in the case of rotatable die mounts that are rotationally symmetric polygonal prisms. Other embodiments of the present invention include mounting dies on convex curved mounting surfaces rather than on flat faces of polygonal prisms. An advantage of mounting dies on convex curved surfaces will be described in the context of Figure 8 that a deeper impression may be available without the background flat face of polygonal prism making an unwanted impression on the article being debossed.

[0040] Reference is now made to Figure 3 which illustrates a later generation version foil stamping machine 30, with functionality similar to that of foil stamping machine 10. Foil stamping machine 30 is equipped with a stamping head 31, according to embodiments of the present invention. Reference is now also made to Figure 4, which illustrates an exploded isometric view stamping head 31. Stamping head 31 may be equipped with multiple rotational die mounts 80A, which differ from rotational die mounts 80 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, configured to rotate around respective planetary axes 84. Reference is now also made to Figures 5A and 5B which illustrate further details of rotational die mounts 80A, according to features of the present invention. Figures 5A and 5B respectively illustrate a front view and an isometric view of an exemplary rotational die mount 80A. While rotatable die mount 80, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B includes a hexagonal prism with six congruent rectangular faces having rotational symmetry around axis 84 parallel to the faces, rotatable die mount 80A is shown as an asymmetric heptagonal prism. Seven distinct stamping dies are mounted on mounting surfaces 51. Seven faces are shown of unequal widths, by way of example. Widths wl,w2,w3 of three faces are marked with width wl less than width w2 which is less than width w3. Unlike rotational die mount 80, mounting surfaces 51 of the dies are not radially equidistant from axis 84 which coincides with planetary rotational axis 84 as shown in stamping head 31. (Figure 4)

[0041] Reference is now also made to Figure 6, which illustrates a stamping head 31S, according to features of the present invention. Stamping head 31S is equipped with multiple rotational die mounts 80S, different from rotational die mounts 80 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, configured to rotate around respective planetary axes 84. Reference is now also made to Figures 7A and 7B which illustrate further details of a rotational die mounts 80S, according to features of the present invention. Figures 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a front view and an isometric view of an exemplary rotational die mount 80S which is characterised by the dies being mounted on a convex curved mounting service 51S. Specifically, mounting surface 51S may be cylindrically symmetric for rotations around axis 84. Upper surfaces 53S of the dies may be radially equidistant from axis 84.

[0042] Reference is now also made to Figure 8 which illustrates an advantage using rotational die mount 80S with a convex curved mounting surface 51S over rotational die mount 80 or 80A with a planar mounting surface 51. As shown, while debossing a character using rotational die mount 80, flat mounting surface 51 may make an inadvertent impression on the material being debossed. However, while debossing a character using rotational die mount 80S, a deeper impression may be debossed, due to convex curvature of mounting surface 51S, without mounting surface 51S also making an inadvertent impression on the material being debossed.

[0043] Reference is now made to Figures 9A and 9B which illustrate an exemplary rotational die mount 80M, according to features of the present invention. Mounting surface 51M in rotational die mount 80M may have a varying curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number N, of dies on rotatable die mount 80M. Rotational die mounts 80M may be used in a stamping head similar to stamping head 31S shown in Figure 6 with rotational die mounts 80M instead of rotational die mounts 80S. Each of I die mounts 80M includes a multiple A dies for respectively stamping multiple A characters of different widths. Dies 80M on the stamping head may be designed and selected to maximise the number A I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths. It is noteworthy that radial distances from rotational axis 84 to upper surfaces 53M are not necessarily the same and stamping depths (e.g. motion in vertical of Z direction) may vary according to the character being stamped (or at least the width of character being stamped) and for each rotational die mount 80M, the exact rotational angle and depth of stamping may be different with previously stored values for each stamping head.

[0044] The indefinite articles "a", "an" as used herein, such as "a die mount", "a character " has the meaning of "one or more" that is"one or more die mounts", "one or more character

[0045] The term “character" as used herein, includes alphanumeric, alphabetic and / or numeric characters, punctuation and special characters.

[0046] The term “debossing” refers to a process, usually stamping or pressing in which an image is impressed into a surface of a material. The term “embossing” is the opposite and refers to an image being raised from the surface of a material. The terms “stamping” and “debossing” are used herein interchangeably.

[0047] The term "die" as used herein refers to alphanumeric characters and / or special characters that are photo etched, machined, engraved on a metal, polymer, or other material for the purpose of serial debossing.

[0048] The term “angularly distributed” refers to dies mounted on a rotational die mount which may be selected by known rotation angles.

[0049] The term “circumferentially distributed” refers to angular distribution of multiple die mounts at a given radius on a planetary stamping head around a central revolution axis.

[0050] The term “symmetric” is used herein in the context of angular distribution and refers to rotation of a multiples of a constant angle to select angularly distributed dies. For a rotational die mount 80 which is based on a hexagonal polygonal prism, dies 32 are selected with multiples of sixty degrees, by way of example. The term “asymmetric angular distribution” as used herein refers to dies of a rotational die mount which are selectable by angles which are not necessarily an exact integral multiple of any angle.

[0051] The term “in accordance with” as used herein in the context of “in accordance with character widths” refers to an asymmetric angular distribution of dies mounted on a rotational die mount in which the angles for selection of respective dies vary in accordance with character width and optionally other parameters.

[0052] Although selected features of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described features.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stamping machine comprising: a planetary mechanism including: a plurality of I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis, wherein a plurality of I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing respective planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the planetary rotational axes, wherein the planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis; wherein each of the I die mounts includes a plurality of N, dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths, wherein the dies are angularly distributed asymmetrically, in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number N, I of dies on the die mounts.

2. The stamping machine of claim 1, wherein respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex with varying curvature in accordance with the respective character widths to maximise the number N, I of dies on the die mounts.

3. The stamping machine according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein character n}is selectable for stamping by selecting the / -th die mount from the I die mounts and by rotating the / -th die mount around the planetary rotational axis thereof so that the / / -th character faces the positive radial direction from the central revolution axis.

4. The stamping machine according to any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: a central gear configured to intermesh with the planetary gears, the central gear configured to rotate about the central revolution axis; a carrier configured to rotate around the central revolution axis; a locking mechanism which when engaged prevents central gear from rotating while the carrier is configured to rotate to enable revolution of the planetary gears around the intermeshed central gear and to enable rotation of the planetary gears around the respective planetary rotational axes.

5. A rotatable die mount having a rotational axis, the rotatable die mount comprising: a plurality of A dies for respectively stamping a plurality of A characters of differentwidths, wherein the Nt dies are angularly distributed asymmetrically on the stamping head in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number N, of dies on the rotatable die mount.

6. The rotatable die mount of claim 5, wherein respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex with varying curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, to maximise the number N, of dies on the rotatable die mount.

7. The rotatable die mount of claim 6, wherein the characters for stamping are selected in accordance with a rotational angle about the rotational axis, wherein respective outer surfaces of the Nt dies are not radially equidistant from the rotational axis.

8. A method for selecting a die in a stamping machine, the method performed using a planetary mechanism including a plurality of I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis, wherein a plurality of I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the respective planetary rotational axes, wherein the planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis, wherein each of the I die mounts includes a plurality of N, dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths, the method including the steps of: providing the dies angularly distributed asymmetrically in accordance with the respective character widths on the die mounts, thereby maximising the number N, I of dies on the die mounts; selecting character n}for stamping by selecting the / -th die mount from the I die mounts; rotating the / -th die mount around the planetary rotational axis thereof so that the / / -th character of Nj characters on the / -th die mount faces the positive radial direction from the central revolution axis.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: providing respective mounting surfaces of the Ni dies with varying convex curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, thereby maximising the number N, I of dies on the die mounts.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said rotating the / -th die mount around the planetary rotational axis includes: providing a central gear configured to intermesh with the planetary gears, the central gear configured to rotate about the central revolution axis; a carrier configured to rotate around the central revolution axis; locking the central gear by preventing the central gear from rotating while driving the carrier to rotate and to enable revolution of the planetary gears around the intermeshed central gear and rotation of the planetary gears around the respective planetary rotational axes.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: when disengaging said locking, enabling rotation of the central gear and the carrier together about the central revolution axis and disabling revolution of the planetary gears around the intermeshed central gear.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: stamping at varying depths in accordance with respective outer surfaces of the N, dies not being radially equidistant from the planetary rotational axes.

13. A stamping machine comprising: a planetary mechanism including: a plurality of I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis, wherein a plurality of I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the respective planetary rotational axes, wherein the planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis; wherein each of the I die mounts includes a plurality of Ni dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths, wherein respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex surfaces to enable stamping up to an entire depth from respective outer surfaces to the mounting surfaces of the dies.

14. The stamping machine of claim 13, wherein at least of portion of the convex surfaces includes at least one of: a spherical surface, an ellipsoidal surface, a paraboloidal surface, hyperboloidal surface and a polyhedral surface.

15. The stamping machine of claim 13, wherein said convex mounting surfaces are configured to enable stamping to avoid contact between the mounting surfaces and an article being stamped.

16. A method of serially debossing a plurality of alphanumeric characters, using a stamping machine, the method comprising: providing the stamping machine with a planetary mechanism including a plurality of I die mounts circumferentially distributed at a given radius around a central revolution axis, wherein a plurality of I planetary gears are respectively connected to the I die mounts sharing planetary rotational axes and configured to rotate together around the respective planetary rotational axes, wherein the planetary rotational axes are configured to revolve around the central revolution axis; wherein each of the I die mounts includes a plurality of N, dies for respectively stamping a plurality of N, characters of different widths, wherein respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies are convex surfaces; enabling the serial debossing up to an entire depth from respective outer surfaces to the mounting surfaces of the dies.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said enabling the serial debossing includes avoiding contact between the mounting surfaces outside perimeters of the dies and an article being stamped.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing respective mounting surfaces of the N, dies with varying convex curvature in accordance with the respective character widths, thereby maximising the number N, I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing the N, dies angularly distributed asymmetrically on the I die mounts, thereby maximising the number N, I of dies on the die mounts in accordance with the respective character widths.

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