Stamper Trail

The NAM is seeking to appoint an interactive company to design, make and install the mechanical stamper units and the stamps. The individual units must contain the following elements:

• Mechanical enclosed unit with as few moving parts as possible.

• Guidelines to ensure the booklet is placed in the stamp machine accurately to line up with the stamp positions, at two angles.

• Because of the nature of the activity the Museum envisages that some of our visitors may wedge other items underneath the stampers, so we need the ability to clear this path quickly and easily. We do not want a large aperture where fingers could be trapped.

• Ability to change the ink (and stamps if required) in the future and to have a spare set.

• The unit must be encased in a lockable fascia to ensure that the mechanism cannot be interfered with by visitors.

• The unit must be able to be operated with suitable force to provide a clear stamp, yet also not a danger to small fingers.

• Parts sourced should be generic and easily replaced without reference to a specialised supplier.

• The family stamper trail is aimed at 4-10-year-olds so the height of the machines needs to be commensurate with this age range. The Museum will agree the height with of unit in discussion with the successful contractor.

• The units must be robust enough to withstand large groups of visitors.

• Contain a place to detail instructions, hold replacement booklets and consumables. The instructional graphic panel will be produced in house, an agreed holder must be discussed with the Museum.

• Units must be powder coated to match the galleries - RAL references tbc.

• Ink must be fast drying.

• The units must have a warranty period of at least 5 years from the date of installation.

• Suitable units must incorporate a suitable cupboard space with adjustable shelf and kick plate to store consumables.