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.
Laser marking, a non-contact process, allows the creation of contrasts on material surfaces, notably through annealing (annealing), a surface modification process that does not remove material, thus ensuring long-lasting readability.
Micro-percussion marking involves direct contact between the machine and the part. This technology uses a metal tip that locally deforms the material’s surface to create durable marking resistant to extreme conditions.
Scribing marking, on the other hand, consists of using a tip to scratch the material surface, creating a groove or channel. This process is often used for materials requiring deep and durable marking and is particularly suitable for robust parts.
SIC MARKING offers a complete range of permanent marking machines, including laser engraving machines, micro-percussion 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 micro-percussion 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.
Le titane, par sa dureté élevée, sa faible conductivité thermique, sa réactivité à haute température et son excellente résistance à la corrosion, conditionne le choix et le réglage des technologies de marquage permanent – marquage laser, marquage par micro-percussion ou rayage.
Le marquage d’une pièce titane impose un paramétrage extrêmement précis afin de maîtriser les apports thermiques et d’éviter toute zone affectée ou amorce de fissuration, tout en permettant, notamment par marquage laser par recuit, l’obtention de contrastes élevés sans enlèvement de matière. Ces caractéristiques garantissent une traçabilité durable et fiable, pleinement conforme aux exigences des secteurs aéronautique, médical et industriel.
La technologie de marquage par micro-percussion est très utilisé pour les pièces en titane sur secteur aéronautique.
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.
Micro-percussion (MP) 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. Micro-percussion 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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