Metal Marking Solutions for Metal Fabrication Industry

How to Write on Metal Permanently? 6 methods You Should Know

Laser Marking

Laser marking uses focused laser beams to create permanent marks on metal surfaces. Different types of lasers, such as fiber, CO2, and UV lasers, are used depending on the material and desired outcome. The laser beam interacts with the metal, causing oxidation or material removal to create precise and durable marks.

Benefits:

• Precision: Highly accurate and capable of creating intricate designs.
• Durability: Marks are resistant to wear and environmental factors.
• Speed: Fast marking process suitable for high-volume production.

Applications and examples:

• Automotive: VIN numbers on car parts.
• Medical Devices: Serial numbers and barcodes on surgical instruments.
• Electronics: Branding and product information on metal casings.

Dot Peen Marking

Dot peen marking uses a mechanically driven pin to create a series of dots on the metal surface. These dots form characters, logos, or patterns by indenting the material.

Benefits:

• Deep marking: Creates marks that are resistant to abrasion.
• Cost-effectiveness: Economical for both small and large batch productions.
• Applications and examples:
• Aerospace: Part identification on aircraft components.
• Manufacturing: Marking serial numbers on machinery parts.
• Oil & Gas: Marking identification codes on pipelines.

Engraving

Engraving involves cutting into the metal surface using a rotary tool or CNC machine. The tool physically removes material to create the desired mark.

Benefits:

• Depth: Creates deep, permanent marks.
• Permanence: Marks are long-lasting and resistant to wear.

 

Applications and examples:

• Jewelry: Custom engravings on rings and bracelets.
• Manufacturing: Tool and die identification.
• Automotive: Engraving brand logos on parts.

Stamping

Stamping involves pressing a pre-formed die into the metal surface, either manually or with a machine, to create an impression.

Benefits:

• Simplicity: Straightforward process with minimal setup.
• Cost: Inexpensive for bulk marking.

Applications and examples:

• Metalworking: Batch marking of metal sheets.
• Tool Manufacturing: Stamping company logos on tools.
• Construction: Marking structural steel components.

Chemical Etching

 

Chemical etching uses acid or other chemicals to remove material from the metal surface, creating a mark. This method is suitable for delicate or thin materials where mechanical methods might cause damage.

Benefits:

• Fine detail: Capable of producing highly detailed and intricate designs.
• Suitability for delicate items: Non-invasive method ideal for thin or sensitive metals.

 

Applications and examples:

• Electronics: Marking circuit boards and components.
• Medical Devices: Etching intricate details on surgical instruments.
• Art and Decoration: Creating detailed artwork on metal surfaces.

Inkjet Marking

Inkjet marking uses a high-speed, non-contact process to apply ink directly onto the metal surface. The system uses a printhead that ejects tiny droplets of ink through nozzles, creating characters, barcodes, logos, and other markings. This method is controlled by software that ensures precision and accuracy in the placement of the ink droplets.

Benefits:

• Versatility: Can mark on various surfaces and shapes.
• Speed: Fast process suitable for high-volume production lines.
• Non-contact: No physical impact on the metal, preserving the integrity of the surface.
• Flexibility: Easy to change designs and texts through software adjustments.

Applications and examples:

• Packaging: Printing expiration dates and lot codes on metal cans.
• Automotive: Applying part numbers and specifications on metal components.
• Electronics: Marking serial numbers and barcodes on metal casings.
• Manufacturing: Batch coding and identification on metal parts and products.

How to Choose the Right Permanent Marking Method?

Choosing the right method for permanent marking on metal depends on several key factors:

 

• Material type: Different metals respond differently to various marking methods. For example, laser marking is effective on all metals, especially stainless steel and aluminum, while dot peen marking works well on metals up to HRC60.
• Marking Depth: The required depth of the mark can influence the choice. Engraving and dot peen marking provide deeper marks, while laser marking and inkjet marking typically produce shallower, yet still permanent, marks.
• Production Volume: High-volume production lines may benefit from faster methods like laser and inkjet marking, which can keep up with rapid production speeds.
• Cost: Budget constraints can play a significant role. Methods like stamping and dot peen marking are generally more cost-effective, especially for large batches, while laser marking, though more expensive, offers high precision and versatility.

Comparison Table of Methods

Method	Material Suitability	Marking Depth	Production Speed	Cost	Precision
Laser Marking	Most metals	Shallow	High	Moderate-High	Very High
Dot Peen Marking	Hard and medium-hard metals	Deep	Moderate	Low-Moderate	Moderate
Engraving	All metals	Deep	Low	Moderate-High	High
Stamping	All metals	Varies	High	Low	Low-Moderate
Chemical Etching	Thin and delicate metals	Shallow	Moderate	Moderate	Very High
Inkjet Marking	Most metals	Shallow	Very High	Low-Moderate	High

HS-PE series Portable Dot Peen Marker

Suitable Large Metal Parts Deep Marking

HS-DP01-R Rotary Pin Engraver

Suitable Small Metal Parts Flat and Circle Surface Marking

HS-PFL30S Portable Fiber Laser Marker

Suitable Large Metal Parts Fast and Clear Marking

50W Benchtop Fiber Laser Engraver

Suitable High Efficient Small and Medium Metal Part Laser Marking