Industrial Part Marking Types

Direct part marking is a method relied on by many companies to provide clear and long-lasting identification for their parts. This is due to the increasing need for part tracking across its lifespan, and the ability to address concerns with specific part lots as necessary.

Both dot peen marking systems and laser marking systems are efficient methods of providing industrial marking solutions for production lines. However, it is important to consider the type of marking you will be using and the right location on the part to apply the mark. This gives you a better starting point for considering the right industrial part marking solution.

Four common part marking types include:

Alphanumeric marking
Automatic alphanumeric marking
2D codes marking
Logo marking

Learn more about your specific part marking solution

TALK TO AN EXPERT

Direct Part Parking Types | The Breakdown

Both dot peen marking and laser marking offer a variety of marking types. This can be a result of the files needed to control the marking process or the fonts needed and the adjustments you might require to fit your specific marking requirements.

Alphanumeric Marking

Alphanumeric code is made up of a string of numbers and/or letters. This is typically used for serial numbers and intended to prevent fraud. The alphanumeric marking format is most commonly used for serial numbers, such as the VIN number on vehicles.

Our dot peen marking systems feature a number of classic fonts, as well as forgery-proof fonts (OCR-A, OCR-B). These are commonly employed to mark alphanumeric codes in the aerospace industry.

Our laser engraving marking systems offer a wider range of possibilities, and all ttf fonts can be used to create alphanumeric codes.

What ways can data for alphanumeric data be submitted?
There are several ways to input marking data in alphanumeric format:
Manual input: Typing the information into the control unit by hand
Scan input: Uses a barcode or 2D code reader
Automatic variable input: Commonly used for time stamps, this method utilizes a pre-edited file with the type of automatic data indicated
What are the different types of information that can make up alphanumeric industrial markings?
The list of information that can be marked industrially is infinite. Here is a short, list of the most frequently coded data:
Serial numbers
Time stamps
Products instructions
Manufacturer’s information

Ready to Start a Conversation?

2D Code Marking

In Europe and the USA, Datamatrix marking is the universally recognized encoding technique for DPM (Direct Part Marking). The Datamatrix code is a 2D code useful for large information quantities. Its use is widely democratized in many industrial sectors, but varies from continent to continent.

This type of 2D code complies with the ISO / IEC 16022 standard, and is therefore freely available in the public domain. QR codes are also used in Asia, particularly Japan.

What are the types of Datamatrix markings?
ECC200 is the most widely used code in the industry.
The GS1 variants, macro05 and macro06, are mainly used in aeronautics, and enable additional data to be encapsulated.
Why Choose Datamatrix code marking?
Datamatrix code marking offers a number of advantages:
Information capacity: Up to 50 characters can be encoded on a 6mm-wide Datamatrix. It can record up to 2335 alphanumeric and 3116 numeric characters.
Resistance and durability: The Datamatrix code can be read despite damage of up to 33%.
Low running costs and rapid marking: The Datamatrix code can be applied to a very small area of the part, optimizing production, reducing costs and targeting a suitable area for permanent marking easily.

Consult with Experts

Logo Marking

Great for branding and personalization, Logo Marking provides personalization and the ability to meet manufacturing standards.

Logo marking works well for a variety of industries, including:

Automotive
Aerospace
Metallurgy
Energy
Medical

By combining laser marking and dot peen technologies, we offer a series of significant advantages for professionals.

Start the Conversation

Automatic Alphanumeric Marking

As noted in the alphanumeric marking section, time stamps are the most common data that can be set for automatic input. Whenever marking begins, this data is adjusted based on the file that is used.

Both laser engraving and dot peen marking systems have automatic time stamping features that allow you to integrate this into your manufacturing and traceability processes. Many forms of time stamps can be set.

What Type of Marking Works Best Here?
There are a few options for accurate automatic alphanumeric marking, including:
Plastic dot peen marking: This integrated dot peen marking equipment, M4 inline 50, provides traceability on injected plastic parts. M4 inline produces time stamp markings on commercial vehicle tanks for the automotive industry. The 16-channel card is used for machine control and synchronization with the other stages. This marking solution is also equipped with a pneumatic linear axis which allows horizontal movement of the marking head towards the part to be marked.
Linear guidance marking: This marking solution allows the marking of linear guiding parts (bearings, pins, rails, etc.) of different materials. Access to the marking area is via a vertical guillotine-type door assisted by two gas jacks. The interior of the station is illuminated to facilitate the positioning of parts. The door is equipped with a locking system during marking ensuring complete safety for the operator.
Tank dot peen marking: A group of two Multi4 Integrated 120 marking machines is installed on a heavy truck tank production line. The first machine produces a Datamatrix type marking on high density polyethylene parts. Subsequently, the second machine will carry out a time stamping type marking.

Have Questions? We can help

Part Marking Locations

The location of the mark on the product’s surface is another important consideration. Not only should the location of the mark be carefully chosen, but you should also be careful to consider the orientation of the mark as well. This improves the readability and the potential for efficient scanning for 2D codes. With these in mind, multiple options are available for marking location and orientation, including:

Straight Marking:

The most common choice for marking orientation is straight marking, which presents the mark horizontally from left to right.

Angular Marking:

This approach is used when the product does not have a smooth surface long enough for the mark to be presented horizontally. The mark can be adjusted up to 360° to provide the best positioning for clarity.