Technical materials, such as carbon, titanium, special alloys, ceramics, and rubber, require permanent marking that in no way compromises their functional properties. This marking is not limited to aesthetic engraving but should be considered as a means of durable industrial identification, integrated into traceability and regulatory compliance processes (serial numbers, Datamatrix codes, UDI, etc.).
For materials subjected to high stress, permanent marking must be carried out with strict precision to preserve the integrity of the part without altering its mechanical properties.
Industrial marking technologies are chosen based on the materials and specific requirements.
SIC MARKING offers a complete range of permanent marking machines, including laser engraving machines, dot peen marking machines, and scribing marking machines, each adapted to the specific needs of technical materials to ensure durable, precise markings that meet industrial requirements.
Marking of carbon composites (CFRP) requires a high level of technological expertise. Laser marking of a carbon part is the reference solution, as it provides permanent non-contact marking that preserves both the polymer matrix and the fiber integrity.
Conversely, mechanical marking processes such as dot peen marking and scribing marking are strongly discouraged due to the risk of delamination and crack initiation.
Laser marking of carbon ensures durable, readable, and compliant marking that meets the traceability and certification requirements of the aerospace, medical, and professional sports sectors.
The titanium, due to its high hardness, its low thermal conductivity, its high-temperature reactivity, and its excellent corrosion resistance, influences the selection and configuration of permanent marking technologies – laser marking, dot peen marking, or scribing.
Marking a titanium part requires extremely precise parameter settings to control heat input and avoid any heat-affected zone or crack initiation, while still enabling, notably through laser annealing marking, the achievement of high contrast without material removal. These characteristics ensure durable and reliable traceability, fully compliant with the requirements of the aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors.
Dot peen marking technology is widely used for titanium parts in the aerospace sector.
Special alloys, including Inconel part marking, require very high-precision permanent marking, where the material properties directly determine the chosen marking technology: laser permanent marking by annealing to preserve metallurgical integrity and the passive layer, micro-percussion marking for maximum durability in severe environments, and scribing marking reserved for targeted applications.
Settings must be validated part by part to avoid thermally affected zones, crack initiation, or micro-cracks, and to ensure readability and mechanical performance throughout the part’s service life.
In the aerospace, medical, and energy sectors, permanent marking becomes a critical qualification process. It incorporates testing, contrast checks, and compatibility with traceability standards (Datamatrix DPM, UDI), while requiring perfect control of laser parameters (power, frequency, energy) to limit heat buildup, document settings, and ensure regulatory compliance and in-service performance.
Ceramics, due to their extreme hardness, low toughness, and low thermal conductivity, require non-contact permanent marking with strictly controlled energy. Laser marking is the reference marking technology, using short pulses, controlled power, and frequency to avoid chipping, cracking, and thermally affected zones.
Parameters and wavelength must be adapted for each formulation (alumina, zirconia, nitrides, carbides), with part-by-part testing to ensure a reproducible and non-destructive process.
Regulatory and functional requirements (medical – UDI, aerospace, electronics) make marking qualification essential: Datamatrix DPM and serial numbers must remain readable over time without degrading the mechanical properties of the ceramic part. Validation protocols including visual inspections, mechanical tests, and traceability thus ensure long-lasting readability and functional integrity of the part throughout its service life.
Rubber presents specific marking constraints: its high elasticity and heat sensitivity rule out aggressive mechanical marking processes, while poorly controlled energy input can cause local material degradation. Low-energy laser marking is therefore preferred, with precise parameter settings and qualification tests adapted to each formulation (EPDM, NBR, silicone, FKM), to ensure durable traceability without compromising sealing or the mechanical properties of the part.
Rubber combines high elasticity (elongation at break generally between 200 and 800%), low stiffness, limited thermal conductivity, and significant thermal sensitivity. These characteristics require marking processes without mechanical stress.
Behavior during permanent marking varies greatly depending on formulation and filler content (notably carbon black), making targeted material tests essential to ensure contrast, resistance to environmental stress, and regulatory compliance, while preserving functional integrity and sealing.
The choice of marking technology is based on the compatibility between the material, applied energy, and allowable mechanical stress.
Non-contact laser marking is preferred for sensitive materials — carbon composites (CFRP), technical ceramics, and elastomers — to avoid any mechanical stress or functional degradation.
Dot peen marking is chosen when deep and extremely durable markings are required, particularly on alloys exposed to severe environments (Inconel, Monel), or when long-term durability is critical. Dot peen marking is also used for light and precise marking of parts in the aerospace sector, allowing the avoidance of crack initiation.
Carbon Composite
Special Alloys
Titanium Marking
Laser Marking of Ceramics
Laser Marking on Rubber
Discover our flagship equipment for laser marking, micro-percussion, or scribing marking, including our Portable Machines, Marking Modules Integrable on Production Lines, or Standalone Marking Stations.
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