Deep Marking and Engraving of Industrial Parts

The choice of deep marking technology is closely linked to the physico-chemical characteristics of the material to be marked.

Each material has specific properties—such as hardness, surface condition, or prior treatments—that directly influence both the feasibility and the quality of the marking.

Accurately identifying these parameters helps determine the most suitable technology to meet requirements for durability, readability, and compliance with industrial constraints.

Differences between steel, aluminum, cast iron, titanium, or stainless steel go far beyond chemical composition; they also generate significant variations in penetration resistance or thermal impact resistance.

As a result, a marking technology that works effectively on raw aluminum may be inefficient—or even damaging—on hardened stainless steel or titanium parts. It is therefore essential to analyze the material’s properties to guarantee high-quality, long-lasting deep engraving.

• Material hardness and surface condition
  The hardness of the material is a decisive factor in selecting the appropriate marking technology. For instance, scribing and dot peen marking face notable limitations on particularly hard materials such as certain stainless steels or titanium.
  In these cases, laser marking is often the best choice to ensure superior depth and definition. A hardened steel with very high hardness usually requires laser engraving to avoid premature wear of marking components.

  The surface condition also plays a critical role.
  On raw or rough surfaces, laser marking may lose precision and sharpness, while scribing or dot peen marking can adapt more effectively, delivering a consistent and visible deep mark.

• The impact of heat treatments on deep engraving
  Heat treatments alter the structure of the material and, consequently, its mechanical properties. A heat-treated steel exhibits hardness and strength that can hinder penetration and affect the marking response.
  In such cases, certain treatments may increase brittleness or harden the surface, making scribing or electromagnetic dot peen marking less efficient, since the delivered energy is no longer sufficient to achieve a deep and legible engraving.

The marking depth directly impacts the durability and readability of inscriptions under harsh industrial conditions.

On parts exposed to wear, chemical aggression, or high mechanical stress, a superficial mark may quickly fade or deteriorate.

Choosing the right depth ensures long-term traceability, especially in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or metallurgy, where every part must retain a clear identification throughout its lifecycle.

• For a depth below 0.1 mm, laser marking and electromagnetic dot peen marking stand out for their precision and speed, delivering sharp markings with minimal surface impact,
• Between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, solutions such as scribing or high-power laser marking provide an effective balance between fine detail and resistance,
• Above 0.3 mm, more robust technologies such as high-power laser systems or pneumatic dot peen marking are preferred, as they can remove sufficient material to achieve a deep and durable engraving.

The size and geometry of the part directly influence the choice of deep marking technology, as they affect both equipment handling and the final marking quality.

• Large and bulky parts
  For deep engraving on large or heavy parts, portable systems or column-mounted machines provide the flexibility required to adapt to oversized dimensions or complex setups.
  Conversely, thin or fragile parts demand marking methods that minimize mechanical stress while ensuring precision engraving to preserve their structural integrity.

  Flat surfaces allow for greater flexibility in choosing a technology, whereas curved or irregular surfaces require more adaptable solutions. For instance, laser marking is less forgiving with surface irregularities, as the focal distance must remain constant to guarantee a consistent mark. In contrast, dot peen marking, with its physical contact, adapts better to contours and deformations, making it suitable for parts with complex geometries.

• Fragile parts or irregular shapes
  For delicate components or those with complex geometries, low-impact technologies such as laser marking or electromagnetic dot peen marking are recommended.
  Laser marking, being a non-contact process, avoids mechanical stress and delivers excellent precision, especially on thin or sensitive materials.

  Electromagnetic dot peen marking combines precision with adaptability, enabling deep marking while adjusting more easily to irregularities thanks to its electronically controlled stylus. This reduces the risk of deformation or part damage—particularly critical for sensitive components such as titanium or lightweight alloy aerospace parts.

  When the geometry becomes highly complex, integrating a motorized multi-axis system combined with a low-impact technology ensures precise contour following and consistent marking quality.

Industrial environments are often subject to specific constraints such as dust, humidity, or shocks, which can directly affect the reliability and long-term performance of marking equipment.

• Dot peen marking is renowned for its outstanding robustness in such conditions, thanks to its simple and durable mechanical design. It withstands abrasive dust, humid atmospheres, and industrial vibrations, making it a preferred choice for foundries, steel plants, or heavy maintenance workshops.

• Laser marking, on the other hand, requires clean and well-controlled environments. Otherwise, issues such as optical contamination or thermal fluctuations may occur. However, lasers can be enclosed in protective housings to safeguard them from harsh surroundings and maintain optimal operating conditions.

• For confined spaces or mobile workstations, compact and portable technologies—such as certain electromagnetic dot peen systems or portable laser markers—offer the flexibility to adapt marking operations to space constraints without compromising quality.

Therefore, the choice of technology must include a precise evaluation of the operating environment. Ignoring these factors can quickly reduce both productivity and equipment durability.

• Simple markings, DataMatrix codes & others
  • Simple text or serial numbers do not always require highly sophisticated technology. Almost all marking methods—whether scribing, dot peen, or laser marking—can provide sufficient readability,
  • For deep marking of 2D codes such as DataMatrix, resolution and precision become critical. High-power laser engraving and electromagnetic dot peen marking deliver superior accuracy, essential to ensure these codes remain scannable even after exposure to harsh industrial conditions,
  • In industries where traceability is crucial, the ability to mark small and high-density 2D codes often dictates the choice of deep engraving technology.
    For instance, the aerospace sector frequently relies on laser marking for its high-definition performance, allowing large amounts of data to be encoded in a limited space without compromising durability. Less precise technologies may render such codes unreadable, which would jeopardize product integrity.

• Logos and complex graphic elements
  Logos and other fine graphics require an especially precise and aesthetic rendering.
  Laser marking and scribing are therefore preferred for their ability to reproduce intricate details with high visual quality.

  Scribing, thanks to its continuous marking mode, also adapts well to various surfaces while providing a neat, aesthetic finish.

  In contrast, dot peen marking tends to produce rougher and less precise results, making it less suitable for complex graphic designs.

The choice between laser marking, scribing, or dot peen marking largely depends on the initial budget as well as recurring operating costs.

• Laser engraving technology requires a higher upfront investment compared to scribing or dot peen marking, due to its technological complexity and sensitive optical components.
  However, its speed and low maintenance can offset this cost over time, particularly in high-throughput industrial environments,

• Scribing marking offers a mid-range entry cost, making it suitable for medium-scale production. It also provides moderate maintenance needs and strong versatility across various materials,

• Dot peen marking is the most economical solution in terms of purchase price, but the frequent replacement of stylus tips can increase long-term operating expenses.