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May 2023

10 Things to Know About Dot Peen Marking Machines

10 Things to Know About Dot Peen Marking Machines

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The use of dot peen marking machines is prevalent in various industries. This popularity is due to the number of different configurations possible, including mixed-use where portable can become integrated in a short amount of time. 

 

What is Dot Peen Marking? 

Dot peen marking is a process utilizing either electromagnetic or pneumatic force to rapidly vibrate a stylus and indent a predetermined system of marks into a surface. This process provides a reliable marking method for industries where precise tracking processes are required and extended product ID readability is required. 

 

Dot Peen Marking: 10 Manufacturing Benefits

Numerous industries have set regulations for product IDs regarding both longevity and readability. The automotive industry, for example, integrates dot peen marking systems into its production line, providing the opportunity to mark different types of parts with an ID that will be readable and last. 

There are 10 notable features of dot peen marking machines: 

 

  1. Versatility
  2. Micro-percussion
  3. Industry 4.0
  4. Data storage
  5. Marking options
  6. Capable of marking various materials
  7. Low maintenance
  8. No waste generated
  9. Marks uneven surfaces
  10. Adaptable based on market needs

 

1. Versatility

A dot peen marking machine can be portable, which is ideal for marking large part batches, frames, or other large products. For marking and engraving small to medium-sized parts, the machine can be attached to a column base. This can be done quickly and efficiently, allowing you to integrate it into a line for mass production as well. 

 

2. Longevity

This style of marking makes numerous impressions using a stylus to deform the material. The mark is permanent and will be readable for the life of the part. This method is increasingly popular for bicycles, aircraft parts, and VINs on vehicles.

 

3. Industry 4.0

Today’s industrial manufacturing is moving into its next iteration: Industry 4.0. This phase has a focus on real-time, connected interfaces that allow for external influence from a distance. The dot peen marking machine can be connected to the network to share information in real time. This also allows for external control and automation of the marking process. 

The grid connection can also allow data compilation to ultimately anticipate maintenance needs, such as lubrication or part replacement. 

 

4. Data Storage

Datamatrix has significant capacity allowing for up to 2335 alphanumeric or 3116 numeric characters in 1 cm² surface. This type of code also provides a reliable and readable mark, even with up to 20% deterioration. 

 

5. Marking Options

There are numerous options for marking parts, available as needed and with minimal adjustment. These include:

  1. Alphanumeric
  2. 2D code
  3. Visuals
  4. Orientation and deformation

 

6. Capable of Marking Various Materials

Dot peen marking machines allow for marking a variety of materials, but there is a limit based on the durability of the material. Steel, aluminum, bronze, and carbide are only some of the materials that can be successfully marked by a dot peen marking machine. 

 

 7. Low Maintenance

The dot peen marking system utilizes a tungsten carbide stylus, which is long-lasting but does wear out over time. The continuous impact with durable materials means replacement is necessary at some point, and plans should be made accordingly. Another regular maintenance task is to reset the stylus spring, which is done at the time the stylus is replaced. 

 

8. No Waste Generated

No fractures occur in the materials during dot peen marking, as the focus is creating a mark in the material without removing any layers. With no material removed, no waste material is generated. 

 

9. Marks Uneven Surfaces

Dot peen marking can be done on non-flat surfaces. The machine can mark a surface with a difference of up to 5mm. Cylinders and angular surfaces can also be marked. 

 

10. Adaptable Based on Product Requirements

Accessories accompany dot peen marking machines, expanding on their versatility. For products that require a more specific marking process, personalization of the dot peen marking process is possible. 

The number of controller outputs is adaptable, and accessories such as a bellows (ideal for dusty environments) or a clamping system, are available to adapt the machine as necessary. The clamping system provides an opportunity to mark the median as well as the circumference of the product. 

 

Dot Peen Marking Machines Deliver

Dot peen marking machines are efficient and versatile, providing options for both portable and integrated use. These machines are the solution to creating long-lasting marks with no materials removed from the product surface. 

The integration of a dot peen marking machine into your mass production process can ensure your products effectively meet regulatory requirements. 

 

Ready to Learn More? 

Dot peen marking systems are versatile, up-to-date, and create little to no waste. For more information on the dot peen marking process, consider these resources: 

Direct Part Marking 101 | Defense and Military Applications

10 Industrial Part Marking Considerations – TechnoMark

Marking Machines: Are They The Best Method For Your Materials? – TechnoMark

 

automatic laser engraving

Industrial Metal Engraving Machine for Custom-Use Cases

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Customized part marking is essential for the successful production of parts in a variety of industries. By applying unique identifiers to each part or component, manufacturers can ensure precision in their production process while ensuring traceability throughout product life cycles. An industrial metal engraving machine provides that capability during the production process.

Part marking is also an essential tool for reducing waste and improving efficiency across a variety of sectors. In fact, the use of metal marking is vital to the production of more industries than you think. 

6 Uses for Custom Part Marking in Industrial Settings

The use of an industrial metal engraving machine is well worth the investment for a variety of industries, but the following six see particular advantages: 

  • Aerospace part marking
  • Medical marking for UDI
  • Automotive and data matrix
  • Oil & Gas
  • Electronics
  • Metalworking 

Aerospace Part Marking

Aerospace part production demands a high degree of accuracy because of the extended exposure to high heat and vibrations, which can lead to part failure. As a result, customized part marking is necessary for the successful completion of parts that meet the strict requirements of the aerospace industry. 

Metal marking machines also reduce waste and increase efficiency in production, as it allows for accurate identification of parts while not causing damage to the part surface. Aerospace part marking provides a unique identifier for each part produced, which can help ensure traceability throughout the entire aerospace product life cycle. Aerospace equipment is costly, which means proactively avoiding defects can make a difference in the profit margin. 

Both dot peen and laser marking can be efficient methods of custom part marking for aerospace production. 

 

Medical Marking for UDI

Unique Device Identification (UDI) is a system of marking medical devices, such as pacemakers and artificial joints. UDI identifies and traces each device throughout all stages of its life cycle. It enables easy identification of specific product versions and lots, helping prevent mix-ups or recall issues in the case of a malfunction.

Part marking is essential for UDI compliance, as it ensures that all medical devices are traceable. Part marking machines for the medical industry can also apply: 

  • Expiration dates
  • Lot codes
  • Batch and serial numbers
  • Other information required by the FDA or other regulatory agencies

Automotive and Data Matrix

The automotive industry relies heavily on part marking to catalog and traces each component throughout the production process and the vehicle’s life span. 

Data matrix codes provide significant information in a small surface area and make it easier to read throughout the component’s useful life. Data matrix is:

  • Essential for providing a unique identifier for each part
  • Used to store expiration date, lot code, batch number, serial number, and other data required by regulatory agencies 
  • Essential to reduce waste in automotive production by ensuring accuracy when marking parts with customized identifiers

 

Oil & Gas

Parts for the oil and gas industry must be marked with special techniques to ensure they’re identifiable both downhole and on the surface. This is critical, as oil and gas parts have a variety of components that will be exposed to high pressures and harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, permanent mark identification is required to ensure traceability and reduce liability in the event of a failure.

Part marking is also essential for safety, as it provides personnel with the information needed to ensure proper operation and maintenance of oil and gas parts. By applying customized part markers, manufacturers can make sure that the right type of parts are used in each application, reducing unnecessary risks and ensuring optimal performance. 

Metal marking machines are also necessary for oil and gas parts to ensure they meet the requirements of their specific industry. These unique part markers can reduce waste in production, as they allow you to ID parts quickly and accurately without manual labor or additional equipment. This helps in reducing errors and improving efficiency.

 

Electronics

In the electronics industry, part marking is essential for traceability and identifying counterfeit parts. By applying unique identifiers to each component, manufacturers can ensure that only genuine parts make it into their products.  

QR codes are increasingly being used to identify electronic products in a number of industries. QR codes are 2D barcodes that can be scanned and read by a smartphone or other device.

In the electronics industry, QR codes can track components throughout the manufacturing process. They’re also used to store serial numbers, batch numbers, and expiration dates.

QR codes are also becoming increasingly popular for tracking electronics in the supply chain, as they allow companies to quickly and accurately identify products throughout their life cycle. This reduces the risk of product mix-ups and mislabeling, while helping to ensure that all products are safe and compliant with industry standards.

 

Metalworking

Custom part marking is an essential process in metalworking, where shops often have numerous orders and projects going on at once. By applying unique identifiers to each part, manufacturers can quickly and accurately identify the components they need for their various projects. This helps reduce waste in production, as it eliminates the possibility of errors and increases run speed. 

Part marking is also essential for metalworking to ensure that end products meet industry standards and specifications.

Part marking systems for metalworking are typically laser- or ink jet-based, as these methods create permanent marks that won’t fade and become unreadable over time. Laser marking has the advantage of being more precise than traditional methods, and is usually the preferred choice when producing parts with tight tolerances.

 

Metal Marking Machines in Your Industry

Custom part marking is essential for the success of any production process, especially in mission-critical industries like aerospace, medical, automotive, oil and gas, electronics, and metalworking. By applying unique identifiers to each component or product being produced, manufacturers can ensure accuracy and traceability throughout their entire life cycle. 

Additionally, customized part markers reduce wasteful errors caused by mislabeling or mix-ups. With the right custom marking system in place, businesses can work more quickly while still taking care to meet industry standards and regulations.

 

More From the Direct Part Marking 101 Series

Metal marking machines are key to a variety of industries. Each use case is unique.

Take a look at other blog posts in our Direct Part Marking 101 series: 

Medical Part Marking Standards Explained

Aerospace Part Marking Considerations

Defense and Military Applications