Commerce has come a long way from the bartering system. When currency became the acceptable medium of exchange, it only made sense that a better system of marking products was needed.
The first barcode was created in 1952, but they weren’t put into use in commerce and the transaction process until 1974, when a pack of Wrigley’s gum was scanned in a supermarket in the state of Ohio.
Barcodes have become widely used and have been upgraded and improved in an ongoing process. From the days when a barcode took up a significant amount of the packaging and contained limited information to today’s Data Matrix codes that are significantly smaller and can hold more data, the barcode development process has been fast and focused on efficiency.
Here we will focus on Data Matrix codes, their importance, their history, and an in-depth look at:
How they’re generated
How they differ from other marking processes
What industry these are most common in and on which type of materials and parts are they commonly found
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, precision is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Laser marking technology, heralded for its unparalleled accuracy and versatility, has revolutionized industries from aerospace to consumer electronics.
As with any technological innovation, there are choices to navigate. Among the most debated is the match-up between Fiber Lasers and CO2 Lasers. Both come with their own set of advantages, applications, and intricacies.
Fiber Lasers: The Contender
Fiber lasers are high-powered, solid-state laser sources that produce focused beams of light for cutting and welding applications. These lasers are constructed from doped optical fibers as the gain medium. The light is generated by pumping a seed laser beam through an optical fiber with amplifying material inside, which then passes through a series of optical mirrors before emerging at the other end at a much higher power than when it was inputted.
Fiber lasers provide a number of advantages over traditional CO2 lasers, such as:
Superior precision
Longer lifecycles
Lower maintenance costs
More energy efficiency.
With their ability to deliver consistent results at fast speeds with minimal waste and downtime, fiber lasers have become the technology of choice for many industrial applications.
Fiber lasers also offer greater efficiency than other laser technologies due to their wavelength-specific operation and ability to generate high power in a short amount of time. They are relatively low maintenance compared to other laser systems, making them an economical choice for many applications.
The versatility of fiber lasers makes them ideal for many different applications such as cutting thin metal sheets in automotive parts manufacturing or welding complex shapes in medical devices. They can also be used for marking materials including plastics and metals.
Furthermore, fiber lasers are becoming increasingly popular as they can be used with a wide range of materials and offer very fast processing speeds. This makes them an ideal solution for industries such as automotive, medical device manufacturing, and electronics. Fiber lasers are also becoming increasingly used in the printing industry for fine engraving and marking applications.
Fiber Laser Applications in the Automotive Industry
Fiber laser applications span multiple industries due to their high energy efficiency and precision. In the automotive industry, fiber lasers are used to mark parts with serial numbers, ensuring traceability throughout the part’s life cycle.
CO2 Lasers: The Challenger
CO2 lasers are a type of laser that uses carbon dioxide gas to generate a beam of light with a wavelength in the infrared range. The beam emitted from a CO2 laser has a high level of accuracy and can be used to produce detailed designs with complex shapes. It can also be used to cut and engrave intricate patterns on many different types of materials.
The power of the beam also allows for faster cutting speeds than those achievable with other technologies, making it ideal for precision applications that require quick turnaround times. Because the beam is relatively broad, it is easier to cover larger areas at a speed that would otherwise be impossible with conventional methods.
CO2 lasers are well known for their relatively low cost and versatility. They can also have higher power outputs than other types of lasers while still being able to cut through tougher materials like steel. CO2 lasers have been used in a variety of industries, from woodworking to metal fabrication and even medical fields. In the woodworking field, CO2 lasers are often used for engraving and cutting. For example, they can be used to engrave intricate designs on furniture or to cut out pieces of wood with precise measurements.
Real-world examples of CO2 laser applications
CO2 lasers are used to cut and engrave a wide range of materials, including wood, plastics, leather, glass, paper, and metals. Additionally, CO2 lasers can be used to cut or mill three-dimensional shapes from hard materials such as steel and aluminum.
In the automotive industry, CO2 lasers are used for cutting sheet metal with high precision and accuracy. For example, many car body parts like doors and engine covers are now produced using CO2 laser-cutting machines. In addition to precision cutting of metal sheets, CO2 lasers can also weld thin sheets together to form more complex structures.
Moreover, CO2 lasers are becoming increasingly popular in medical treatments such as:
Skin resurfacing
Hair removal
Surgery.
They are more precise than traditional methods because their beams can target certain areas without damaging surrounding tissue.
Fiber Lasers & CO2 Lasers: Head-to-Head
While both types of laser technology offer similar power and precision, the efficiency of fiber laser machines is far superior. Fiber lasers can produce the same output as a CO2 laser with exponentially lower energy consumption and heat production.
Fiber lasers use up to 50% less electricity than their CO2 counterparts. Additionally, fiber lasers require much less maintenance, meaning fewer technical personnel and resources are needed for upkeep. This makes them ideal for industrial production environments where cost-effectiveness is a priority.
Fiber lasers offer a higher level of precision than CO2 lasers, making them more suitable for applications such as fine cutting in medical devices or intricate patterns on jewelry. The combination of high precision and low energy usage makes fiber lasers the preferred option for many industries.
In addition to their precise nature, fiber lasers also allow for faster cut speeds than CO2 lasers. This means that when it comes to completing large-scale projects quickly and accurately, fiber lasers are often the way to go.
Fiber Lasers vs. CO2 Lasers: The Bottom Line
CO2 lasers often produce higher power outputs than fiber lasers, making them ideal for applications that require cutting through hard materials such as metals. Fiber lasers typically are faster and are more energy efficient than CO2 lasers, making them ideal for precision machining and engraving.
When selecting the right laser for your needs, it is important to consider the output power requirements of the project, cost considerations, maintenance requirements, and any industry-specific considerations. It is also beneficial to consult with experienced experts to determine the best choice based on the specific application.
Technomark Knows Lasers: How to Learn More
Laser marking can be the most efficient method for part marking and traceability. If you’re looking for further details, consider downloading this resource:
Industry codes are used for a number of processes in the manufacturing industry, but perhaps the most critical application is part marking. Part marking can be used to identify and track parts within production systems and supply chains, and there are many different types of industry codes that can be used for this purpose.
DataMatrix is one of the most popular direct part marking codes, and it’s used extensively in government and military applications due to its high-security level. The code consists of two-dimensional symbols embedded with information about the product or part being marked. This code is also resistant to environmental hazards such as UV light or chemicals, making it well-suited for harsh work environments.
Metal part marking is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for identifying components in manufacturing processes. The process involves using laser engraving technology to mark metals with various symbols or text-based codes that help identify the component being marked. Metal part marking can be done quickly and accurately, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking for an efficient way to label their parts or products.
5 Common Code Types
Metal part marking using certain code types is highly accurate, making it a reliable way to identify components for various manufacturing applications. Examples of those code types include serial numbers, which provide a way to quickly identify parts in manufacturing processes, while QR codes and DataMatrix codes offer more detailed information such as product specifications or assembly instructions.
They can also be used to track products through the supply chain or store other types of data like part or product expiration dates. These are among the most common code types used in manufacturing:
Serial numbers
Barcodes
QR codes
UID marking
DataMatrix codes
1. Serial Numbers
Serial numbers are a popular type of code used in metal part marking. Serial numbers provide a means of tracking individual components, allowing manufacturing companies to monitor and control production lines more effectively.
They also allow for increased traceability and accountability, as each component can be easily identified at any time during the manufacturing process. Additionally, serial numbers allow for easy inventory management, ensuring that components are properly tracked from procurement to delivery. With serial numbers, businesses can better manage their stock levels and reduce waste by proactively addressing potential issues before they become problems.
2. Barcodes
Barcodes are commonly used to provide identification for individual components manufactured by businesses. Much like serial numbers, barcodes provide a means of tracking components, allowing companies to monitor and control production lines more effectively. In addition to traceability and accountability, barcodes also provide an efficient solution for inventory management.
Businesses can easily scan barcodes to keep accurate records of their stock levels with minimal effort. Barcodes are most commonly used in the retail industry where they are scanned at the point of sale in order to easily record and manage the sale of items. They are also widely used in many other industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations.
3. QR codes
QR codes are similar to barcodes but with the added benefit of storing more information. They can easily be scanned by most smartphones, making them a popular tool for marketing, product tracking, and customer engagement. QR codes are typically used for product labeling and tracking in supply chain operations. Businesses also commonly use them as a form of digital identification for their products, allowing customers to retrieve information about the item they are looking at quickly.
QR codes provide an efficient way for companies to track their products and keep accurate records while providing customers with an easy-to-use tool to access additional information about their purchases. Additionally, many consumer products are now marked with a unique QR code which allows companies to better track individual items through their entire lifecycle.
4. UID marking (Unique Identification)
UID marking, also known as Unique Identification, is an alternative to QR codes typically used in industrial and manufacturing applications. UIDs are encoded with a unique string of information that can be used to identify individual items or components within a larger production process.
This allows manufacturers to quickly and accurately track the lifecycle of their product during production, shipping, and ultimately in retail stores. In addition to providing accurate tracking of products throughout their lifespan, UID marking also offers companies the ability to access valuable data such as production date, batch code, expiration date and more. This information can then be used by companies for quality assurance purposes or for other analytics purposes.
5. DataMatrix codes
DataMatrix codes are a popular type of UID technology used in industrial and manufacturing applications. They are two-dimensional barcodes that contain encoded information regarding the product, such as production date, batch code, and expiration date.
DataMatrix codes can hold much more data than traditional linear bar codes, making it possible to identify individual items or components within a larger production process with greater accuracy. Additionally, these codes are significantly smaller than other UID types and can be read quickly, making them ideal for high-speed scanning operations.
DataMatrix codes are composed of two distinct components: the data and the error correction. The data component is a string of characters that contain information relevant to the product or item that it is associated with. This information can range from production date, to batch code and expiration date.
The error correction component, known as Error Correction Code or ECC, is used to detect any errors in the DataMatrix code, which makes it possible for scanners and other readers to still accurately read and interpret the code even if portions of it have been damaged or altered. The code is also capable of encoding a range of different data types such as numbers, text, URLs, images, and binary data.
This combination of data and error correction makes DataMatrix codes an ideal choice for UID technology in industrial and manufacturing applications. Their small size makes them easy to store while their ability to hold large amounts of data enables them to track complex production processes with greater accuracy than traditional linear bar codes. Furthermore, they can be read quickly, making them suitable for high-speed scanning operations.
DataMatrix codes are two-dimensional symbols made up of square and hexagonal modules arranged in a pattern. They can hold up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters and can be read from any direction.
DataMatrix codes are most commonly used in the automotive industry to track parts and components through the entire production process. They have also been seen in other industries such as aerospace and medical device engineering. In each of these cases, they provide detailed analytics on products throughout their lifespan and enable manufacturers to maintain accurate records of each part or component produced. The Difference Between DataMatrix Code and QR Code DataMatrix codes have unique shapes and sizes compared to standard barcodes and QR codes. While typical barcodes and QR codes are rectangular in shape, DataMatrix codes come in both square and circular designs. This makes them easy to distinguish from traditional barcodes and QR codes at a quick glance.
DataMatrix codes also offer better security than other types of industry coding systems due to their increased data capacity and ability to encode binary data. This makes it easier for malicious actors to decipher encoded information with the correct decryption key.
DataMatrix codes have numerous advantages over other types of coding systems. Their increased data capacity, unique shapes and sizes, and ability to encode binary data make them particularly secure against malicious actors attempting to access the encoded information. Their Error Correction Code (ECC) allows them to be scanned even if portions of the code are missing or damaged.
On the other hand, due to their increased complexity compared to standard barcodes and QR codes, DataMatrix codes require more specialized knowledge and technology for both encoding and decoding. This can lead to higher costs associated with the implementation and maintenance of the coding system.
In addition, DataMatrix codes are not as widely used as traditional barcodes and QR codes, which means that they may not be compatible with existing scanning hardware in many locations.
Best Practices for Direct Part Marking
When it comes to Direct Part Marking, proper placement and sizing of DataMatrix codes are essential for accurate scanning. In order to ensure that scanners are able to read the codes quickly and accurately, they should be placed in areas with minimal background interference.
The size of the code should be appropriate for the type of scanner being used – a code that is too small can be difficult to scan accurately. It’s important to make sure that the code is large enough so that when scanned, all of the encoded information can be captured in one pass.
It is also important to consider the durability of the code itself. DataMatrix codes are designed for applications in harsh environments, but it is still important to use a material that will resist damage from abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
It’s also important to make sure that any direct part marking ink or other material used can withstand these conditions too. Additionally, proper application of the code is essential for readability – it must be applied correctly and completely for scanners to read it accurately.
Direct Part Marking | Navigating the Options Effectively
Direct part marking is a critical component of manufacturing processes, and it is important to understand the differences between various types of codes, including DataMatrix codes.
It’s essential to ensure the code size and material are appropriate for its intended environment, and that it is properly applied for accurate scanning. With these components in place, DataMatrix codes can provide a reliable means of identification and tracking in harsh environments.
Iron Out Your Part Marking Concerns with Technomark
Still have questions about the right code or marking approach for your product line? Consider this resource:
Laser marking is a versatile process that uses laser technology to create permanent marks on materials such as plastics, metals, and other surfaces. The process works by focusing energy and heat from the laser beam onto a given material, which causes chemical changes in the material’s surface layer. This creates impressions that are highly visible and oftentimes indelible.
A few of the factors that make up this process include: 1. Laser Type: Different types of lasers are used for different types of marking applications. Generally speaking, CO2 lasers can be used for engraving and polymers while fiber lasers are ideal for marking metals.
2. Material: Different materials may require different laser parameters or even completely different types of lasers to achieve desired results. It’s important to consider the material’s properties before selecting a laser type.
3. Quality Requirements: The quality requirements of the applied mark determine which parameters must be considered during laser processing to ensure accuracy and precision. Common laser parameters include:
Pulse rate
Line width
Speed
Power density
Dwell time (the amount of time the laser is applied to a single spot)
4. Equipment Used: Depending on your application needs there are many different kinds of industrial laser marking machines available on the market today – each with their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when making selection decisions.
Laser marking offers many advantages over traditional marking methods such as stamping, printing, and engraving. Laser marking is fast, accurate, and permanent. It can also be used to mark a variety of materials without the need for additional setup or alteration. The laser beam never touches the material being marked, making it possible to achieve high-precision marks with no significant post-processing required.
These features make laser marking ideal for precision parts and items that require both high accuracy and longevity in their markings.
There are several factors related to the product line and marking requirements that must be considered when choosing a laser marking machine. Here we will dig a little deeper into some of those factors, including: 1. Marking requirements and specifications 2. Material compatibility 3. Marking speed and throughput 4. Maintenance and operational costs 5. Integration with existing production line 6. Safety considerations
1. Marking Requirements and Specifications
The marking requirements are important to consider when choosing among the options for high accuracy laser systems. The process should begin with an understanding of the specific needs of the product being marked—including size, shape, material, and desired end result. For example, if a product requires detailed engraving that is outside of the capabilities of some machines, then a different option may need to be chosen. Additionally, depending on the material being marked or engraved upon, different laser types may be more suitable than others in terms of speed and quality. It’s also important to consider how frequently the machine will be used and how many products it needs to mark per hour or day.
This will determine not only which type of laser marking system is most suitable but also whether faster systems require higher maintenance costs. Keeping these factors in mind can help ensure that the right machine is chosen for the job.
2. Material Compatibility
The right laser marking system should be compatible with the materials that need to be marked or engraved. Laser engraving on stone, glass or metal will require different laser types and power. For example, a CO2 laser is suitable for engraving woods, plastics, and some metals but might not be able to mark stainless steel perfectly due to its higher reflectivity.
On the other hand, fiber lasers are more suitable for metals such as aluminum, brass and titanium due to their higher power output. Therefore, it’s important to consider which material needs to be marked or engraved before choosing a laser marking machine.
3. Marking Speed and Throughput
Faster laser machines can process more work in less time, allowing businesses to realize faster cycle times and higher throughput.
Moreover, higher throughput can also enable businesses to take on bigger jobs that require more items to be marked or engraved in shorter amounts of time. For example, if a business needs to engrave 1000 parts per day, it will need a laser marking machine with high speed and throughput in order to meet its daily production requirements.
4. Maintenance and Operational Costs
In addition to the other considerations when choosing a laser marking machine, businesses should also be aware of the associated maintenance and operational costs. Regular maintenance is key for keeping these machines in optimal condition, as well as ensuring safety during use.
Operational costs will vary depending on the type of material that is being marked or engraved, such as energy consumption levels and safety requirements that must be met. In some cases, the cost of consumables like lasers may also add up over time. To ensure that businesses get the most out of their investment, they should factor in all long-term operational costs when selecting a laser marking machine.
5. Integration with Existing Product Line
When integrating a laser marking machine into existing product lines, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration. The first consideration is whether a new machine is compatible with any existing product lines, and the potential for physical compatibility and system integration should be assessed beforehand. Next, the safety of any operators or users must be taken into account to ensure they can use the machine safely.
The laser marking machine should also be equipped with any necessary features for interacting with other production processes or products in order to guarantee seamless integration. It is also essential to think about the cost-effectiveness of installing such a machine and consider how it will fit within current budgets and operational costs.
6. Safety Considerations
Safety is an incredibly important factor when it comes to the implementation of laser marking machines. Not only should any potential machine be capable of providing safe conditions for operators, but it should also have advanced features such as motion sensors and emergency stop buttons in order to quickly respond in cases of unexpected events.
All machinery must conform to necessary safety standards and regulations both from the local legislation and from any international or industry-specific standards. Manufacturers must also provide extensive safety information about their products, including a detailed user guide that can help users understand how to safely operate the machine.
Applications of Industrial Laser Marking Machines
Industrial laser marking machines are used to mark metal parts with information such as serial numbers or expiration dates. Permanent laser marking helps these industries maintain their standards of reliability while providing a cost-effective solution.
In addition to the technical requirements of accuracy and longevity, lasers can also be used for more decorative applications such as engraving images or logos. Industrial laser machinery is increasingly becoming an important part of manufacturing processes in these high-tech industries due to its versatility, cost efficiency, and ability to create permanent markings with precision. The following industries require reliable laser marking solutions to ensure long-lasting performance and accuracy:
Automotive
Aerospace
Electronics
Medical
A. Automotive Industry
Inventory management, quality control, and tracing defective parts are all typical uses of laser part marking in the automotive industry. Datamatrix codes effectively provide the information necessary for all of these processes and more. Marking on braking discs is one of the most common applications. However, laser marking systems can be effective for marking plastic as well.
B. Aerospace Industry
Laser Part Marking systems can mark on titanium, steel, and aluminum. Alphanumeric and 2D DataMatrix codes are ideal for aerospace applications, where tracing parts and identifying them are necessary at all times. Marking aircraft turbine blades is a prime example of the effective use of laser part marking.
C. Electronics Industry
Component identification, brand recognition, and counterfeit product reduction are all efficient applications of laser marking in electronics. This process is efficient for marking plastic connectors as well.
D. Medical Device Industry
Traceability and quality of care are priorities for the medical field, and laser marking provides an efficient way to improve both. From pacifiers to surgical instruments, the process improves the readability of product IDs.
Industrial Laser Marking Machine Selection | Consult the Experts
Now that you understand the various factors to weigh and the considerations that go into laser marking machine selection, you may have further questions. If you need the highly visible and permanent marks that laser marking machines provide, Technomark experts are available to discuss those questions, or consider this free resource:
If you’ve ever opened a new electronic device, tool, or home appliance, chances are you’ve seen a Data Matrix code.
While you may have thought it was a QR code, Data Matrix codes are an essential part of most manufacturing processes and act as an efficient means for component traceability. Data Matrix codes are also the only 2D barcode to have GS1 approval for regulated healthcare items.
QR codes on the other hand are larger and contain more data, such as website URLs, and are capable of encoding information not just in numeric and alphanumeric form, but also in Kanji and other multi-byte character sets.
No matter what industry, when it comes to industrial traceability for manufacturers, choosing the right type of code can leave a production run riddled with misinformation and the chance of getting lost.
Let’s break down the differences and similarities between QR and Data Matrix codes and why the latter is the preferred choice of the majority of manufacturers.
Direct Part Marking | QR vs Data Matrix Codes
While both QR and Data Matrix codes are in the public domain and can be used royalty free, Data Matrix codes have become the standard for anti-counterfeit measures, part identification, and internal tracking because they feature advanced error-correcting techniques that are more robust than QR codes.
This presents a unique benefit for manufacturers that need to ensure their products can be identified if part of the mark gets damaged or impeded.
Particularly necessary for complex and high stakes industries such as medical, aerospace, and defense, where hundreds to thousands of components are needed in order to assemble a finished product, Data Matrix codes can be read even if up to 50% of the mark gets damaged.
QR codes on the other hand have steadily been adopted in consumer-facing applications. These codes can be found everywhere from business cards to product packaging, containing links to websites, resumes, premium offers, and even restaurant menus.
QR codes have a lower level error-correcting built in, and can be rendered useless with even slight ware and tare. Just 30% of a QR code needs to be damaged before it becomes unreadable.
While these codes are perfect for consumer-forward use, marking a component or part with a QR code presents a real danger for misidentification pending the mark gets damaged.
Data Matrix vs QR Codes | Uses Cases and Applications
Data Matrix
Supply chain traceability
Anti-counterfeiting through serialization
Part identification
QR code
Additional product information
Usage instructions
Social sharing
Auto-linking for spare ordering and registration
Promotions, contests, and gamification
Specifications of Data Matrix vs QR Codes
While Data Matrix codes are typically reserved for industrial use cases, both types of marks can play a role in the manufacturing industry.
Since both DataMatrix and QR codes are GS1 approved, they can carry any GS1 ID keys including:
Medical, manufacturing, transport and IT equipment
Loyalty scheme members, doctors at a hospital, library members
Automobile parts
Medical device
Beyond GS1, specifications and requirements for each code are presented by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For more about how these codes work themselves, and how to create them, you can check out the relevant ISO standard for more detail.
Direct Part Marking | Best Practices and Proven Methods
Understanding the differences between QR codes and Data Matrix codes, and choosing which is best for your application can get overwhelming. That’s why its important to consult a trusted advisor and partner.
Technomark has been operating and supplying expertise with industrial marking equipment since 2000. Since 2018, Technomark North America is the only established OEM of dot peen and laser marking systems — the primary methods for direct part marking — with a headquarters in the USA.
Technomark has been at the forefront of industrial marking innovation, developing machines for seamless integration in manufacturing processes.
Our goal is to help our customers:
Increase machine uptime
Decrease total cost of ownership
Make part marking and identification simple and cost-effective
Bring new ideas to the table to increase efficiency
Your relationship with Technomark North America shouldn’t be limited to a strict supplier-to-customer interaction. We value communication above all else, which is why our team is dedicated to finding ways to solve your traceability challenges through a consultative process.
Interested in learning more about Direct Part Marking using Laser Technology? Check out our free ebook below:
Ask anyone inside the industrial manufacturing industry – part-marking is crucial to component traceability when working with large quantities. And while several different types of part-marking exist, Dot Peen marking technology has been a preferred solution for many years.
At a high level,Dot Peen marking machines use either electromagnetic or pneumatic force to rapidly oscillate a stylus, in turn indenting the marks onto the surface of the part.
One of the advantages of Dot Peen is that it’s very flexible and can be used in either manual or fully automated production lines. A lot of the applications Dot Peen serves are manual applications, however, with modular Dot Peen systems, you can start with a portable system and later convert it to an in-line system for integration with fully automated production lines.
The Basics of Dot Peen Marking
If you took apart a Dot Peen machine, one of the most important components you would find is a carbide or diamond-tip stylus.
The Dot peen process is considered a “low-stress” marking method because the mark is generated via material displacement rather than material removal. The carbide stylus strikes the material surface to produce the mark via a series of cold-formed stamped dots. Compared to Laser Marking Systems, Dot Peen does not induce thermal shock to the part surface since the material is cold-stamped rather than super-heated to produce the mark.
Dot Peen systems are commonly used by manufacturers in the aerospace and oil & gas industries where low-stress marking is required, such as tubular and flow control products that are exposed to extreme pressure differential in the oilfield.
Dot Peen marking is viable for material hardness up to 63 HRC. Typically, when a part hardness is greater than 63 HRC, laser marking systems are recommended.
All of Technomark’s Dot Peen machines rely on an electromagnetic solenoid to actuate the marking stylus. Dots are plotted in an X/Y plane via electronic control for precise placement of the Dot pattern. Using electromagnetic force versus pneumatic also provides a greater level of control of both the depth of the mark as well as the ability to mark contoured or complex surface.
Dot Peen Marking | Component Traceability In Action
Dot Peen marking machines are utilized in almost every industrial-goods manufacturing operation, including:
Automotive
Oil and Gas (pipes, fittings valves, other)
Aerospace
Defense
Metalworking (general purpose)
While these machines can run in-line and handle large quantities in an automated production environment, most are operated manually using a battery pack to go mobile.
The best Dot Peen marking machines utilize a fully electric design and that doesn’t require compressed air to operate. All Technomark Dot Peen marking machines feature an Intelligent Driving Impact (IDI) function that allows for marking on many different materials and finishes. The IDI function automatically adjusts and levels the stylus to the workpiece. Whether the part has a curved, wavy, or complex geometry, the stylus will follow the contour of the marking surface while maintaining a constant depth of high-quality marking throughout.
When structural integrity is crucial, Dot Peen marking provides a low-stress marking solution that removes no material during the part marking process.
Why Choose Dot Peen Marking
One of the biggest benefits of a Dot Peen Marking Machine is its ability to efficiently produce marks compared to other marking systems. Other benefits of Dot Peen machines include:
Portability: battery-operated systems are ergonomic and perfect for smaller-scale operations or marking of large, heavy parts that cannot be transported to a fixed location for marking
Versatility: state-of-the-art Dot Peen marking systems are modular and can start with a portable or manual marking system that can later be adapted to a fully automated production line
Ease of use: Dot Peen machines are easy to program and do not require any advanced computing knowledge or technical training.
Permanency: Dot Peen marking process yields a permanent, indelible mark that can withstand harsh operating environments
Economical: Compared to other marking systems, Dot Peen systems are typically less than $10,000.
Integrating a dot peen marking machine into your production line will improve the productivity and quality of the part-marking process.
Wireless connectivity between marking head and control (Network-able devices that are able to communicate to other devices through wireless communications)
On-board diagnostic tools to help the operator know when it’s time for scheduled maintenance — protecting your investment.
If you have questions regarding Dot Peen machines or any part marking machines, contact us today. At Technomark North America, we have the experience to help you get the best solutions for your industrial marking needs.
(Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in September 2021 and was updated in October 2022.)
TECHNOMARKand BAND-ITjoin forces to offer manufacturers and MRO facilities total integrated solutions for permanent marking of metal ID bands used for asset tracking and quality control.
BAND-ITcoloredbandsare used for frac iron recertification, asset management, and other visual identification programs. BAND-IT COLOR-IT® technology resists weathering and color fading, with 16 stocked colors available for same-day delivery and custom powder coating available for non-standard colors. BAND-FAST® preassembled band and clips allow for a safe, quick installation.
Technomark has been operating and supplying expertise with industrial marking equipment since 2000. In 2018, Technomark established a direct OEM presence in the USA with the opening of Technomark North America. Today, Technomark North America is the only OEM of dot peen and laser marking systems with USA headquarters located in the south-central United States. Our centralized location lowers your total cost of ownership (TCO) by reducing shipping costs and delivery lead times, propelling Technomark to become the fastest-growing brand of permanent marking systems in the Americas region.
BAND-IT, a unit of IDEXCorporation, is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of engineered fastening solutions. Whether it’s your family driving cross-country, workers on an oil rig at sea, astronauts in space, or military troops deployed around the world, the equipment that moves them has been designed for safety and security under harsh conditions. That’s why airbag manufacturers, energy companies, the aerospace industry and our own military trust the quality, durability and diverse fastening capabilities of BAND-IT clamps. When it’s not just mission critical, but mission crucial, it better be BAND-IT!
For more information, contact us at info@technomark-inc.com
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