Marking type

Marking a sequence of characters is used for part identification without machine verification.
The mark is used for a first level of traceability where code is read (or written down, or captured ) by human operators in the manufacturing process.
Custom fonts may be required  (option) in order to avoid counterfeits but Arial, Courier, OCR, OCRA  fonts are usually sufficient.
Alphanumeric marking is possible with laser, dot-peen, scribing technologies. 

Marking of  2D datamatrix code has become essential  for automated raceability processes. Datamatrix  has been chosen for its capacity to stock a largee amount of data, and its reliability in readability.
Even if dot-peen machines are proven systems to mark these codes, lasers can also be used for a quicker and more precise mark.    

A barcode or 1D code (EAN 8 or EAN 13) represents data by displaying a series of vertical lines of varying width.They can be read with a RS 232 barcode reader that can be connected to the controller. Respect of the ISO/IEC 15416 standards is required to optimize reading and use of data. Laser is a efficeint way to mark easily readable barcodes thanks to its precision  and robustness.
 

Deep marking systems could be required when material is very hard  (40 to  62 HRC) or when marking must be done before surface treatment and/or  painting. These systems enable higher impact forces due to more powerful electronics and increased mechanics robustness. Deep marking can be achieved with hand-held portable machines  e9D p62 and e9D p122, with custom integrated dot peen system called e8 i 113 d, and/or  integrated scribing system called e8 i113s

Embossing marking is also a deep marking used for particular surface treatments, like galvanization. The depth should be important enough, more than the thickness of galvanization layer. A specificmarking  mode (called “mirror”) is used on the  e8 c153 machine to mark by the hindside, creating an embossing effect. The system used is equipped with a tag feeder and a discharge unit.   

Historically, engraving was defined as a material removal operation from the surface by mechanical action by a tool, thus producing shavings. The term “marking” was more commonly used for printing action ( like inkjet, for example) but  is now accepted for metal and plastic deformation in many industrial sectors. With the increasing performance of  technologies like scribing, dot-peening, and laser systems, marking  systems have today a huge advantage over engravers:  quicker marking with no shavings  produced, for a comparable result in terms of readibility.

A rotary option is available for all column-based dot-peen and scribing systems allowing circumferential marking of cylindrical parts such as tubes and solid parts up to 35 kg, with a diameter up to 250 mm. An optional pneumatic clamping mechanism is also available for fast loading/unloading of parts, so that even medium and large series are marked promptly. 

When a mark cannot be applied directly to the product to be identified. The solution is usually a system to mark with nameplates or tags.Once marked, these tags are firmly attached on the outside of the product. Convenient tag feeder options are available for serial marking of nameplates.

Marking systems are often integrated into production lines, but this may not be feasible when the parts to be marked are bulky or heavy (example: large crane mounting parts, spare parts for heavy trucks). The solution here may be the use of a portable dot peen guns like  e8p62 or e8p122.

Marking a logo is quite easy even if  it requires  to review the mark definition (quantity of pixels) and contrast level. Some simple logo could be mark with lines using the scribing technology, or with dots using the dot-peen technology. More complex logos, or logos requiring high-level aesthetics are often marked using laser technology. The laser i103 l-g laser system can have a beam size of less than 600µm, enough to perfectly duplicate a high definition logo on a small part.

VIN is a 3 letters abbreviation for  "Vehicle Identification Number". It adresses a  serious matter for automotive safety and parts marking. Indeed, this identification number (marked on the car body) helps to ensure traceability of a vehicule throughout the manufacturing process, but also after it leaves the factory. As the VIN number is listed on the registration documents, management of the VIN number provides a real traceability advantage. For example, it  can greatly reduce the amount of cars recalled if a manufacturer needs to replace a faulty component.  Reading of VIN markings over time requires consistent high quality marking.

SIC Marking has developed a comprehensive and adaptable VIN Marking System to respond to all situations and applications.

This concept is based around three main components:
- A  modern and fast scribing unit  e8 i113s capable of 17 characters in less than 20 seconds, with 0.3 mm depth.
- An e8 controller known for its robustness and its versatility with more than 15 languages available.
- Dedicated software: SIC VIN.

In addition, a “reading” option allows automated validation of the VIN marking through vision analysis of shape and contents. This is a global concept that SIC Marking adjusts to customer requiremenst in order  to propose a custom solution for each project. With many communications options available (I / O, RS232, Profibus, Ethernet, Jbus Profinet) and the possibility to create dedicated custom software, SIC Marking's efficient and robust VIN concept has already been chosen by numerous car manufacturers across the world.