Why Metal Marking Matters — And How We Make It Easy?
Metal’s everywhere—strong, complex, and used in everything from tools and valves to aerospace parts. And when it needs to be traced, branded, or coded, you’ve got to mark it right—permanently, clearly, and fast.
That’s where HeatSign comes in.
With 10+ years in the game, we help businesses like yours find the perfect metal marking machine—whether it’s for stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or more. From dot peen to laser, our machines are built to perform. And yes—our service actually matches the quality of our machines.
No fuss. No overpriced hype. Just durable, high-performance engraving backed by real support.
HeatSign has two lines of products. We offer laser etching machine options for metal, and dot peen marking machine solutions for metal or hard plastic. You can click the link to learn more about dot peen marking machines and the models we carry.
When looking for a laser marking machine for metal, the best solution will depend on the type of metal you will be engraving. Our metal marking machines are suitable for:
In fact, our machine also can support laser printing on metal parts production line, improving your working efficiency.
Just look at the advantages you get with a metal marking machine from HeatSign:
- Deep, clear, easy to read engraving
- Marks that stand up to heat, grit, wear and tear
- Reliably with each use – quality does not decline as the machine is used
- The ability to mark a variety of different metals quickly and efficiently
A laser etching machine for metal gives you control over the size and accuracy of your engraving. The precision of our laser metal marking machines is outstanding, and the low maintenance means you’ll enjoy your metal engraving machine for years to come.
We offer two lines of laser marking machines. Please click the links to learn more.
- Fiber Laser Marking Systems: Perfect for hard metal surfaces, this series makes and leaves an impression. Models HS-FL10, HS-FL20 and HS-FL30 are quickly becoming the metal marking machines of choice for those using industrial fiber laser systems.
- CO2 Laser Marking Systems: This system is designed specifically for non-metallic surfaces such as glass, plastic or wood. We offer the HS-CL20 and HS-CL30 in this series and both have excellent speed and stability that get the job done right each and every time.
Anybody looking for a laser marking machine on metal will be more than impressed with our metal marking solutions. You get clear, consistent, perfect markings each time, completely eliminating the need for you to transport your goods to another facility for marking. An investment in our affordable, reliable, metal engraving machine solutions saves you time and money and makes your company more productive.
Our client list is extensive and includes notable industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, oilfield production and promotional products. Now it’s time for you to join our list of satisfied metal marking machine owners. Are you ready to be impressed? Call today and let us help you find your best metal marking/engraving machine marking solution.
Recommended Laser and Dot Peen Marking Machines
Price Range: $2000 – $3300
Why Choose It:
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Versatile Marking: Suitable for various metals, providing deep, permanent marks ideal for serial numbers, logos, and codes.
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User-Friendly Interface: Equipped with intuitive software for easy operation and quick setup.
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Robust Construction: Designed for industrial environments, ensuring durability and consistent performance.
Price Range: $1800 ~ $2500
Why Choose It:
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Enhanced Marking Area: Features a 120x40mm marking window, accommodating larger components and complex designs.
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Battery-Powered Portability: Cordless operation allows for flexible use in various locations without the need for constant power supply.
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Precision and Depth Control: Delivers clear, deep markings on metals and hard plastics, ensuring legibility and longevity.
Price Range: $2500 ~ $4000
Why Choose It:
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing approximately 1.2 kg, it’s designed for ease of use and maneuverability.
- High-Speed Marking: Capable of marking speeds up to 5,000mm/s, enhancing productivity.
- Material Compatibility: Effectively marks metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, as well as certain plastics.
Price Range: $4900 ~ $9500
Why Choose It:
- Powerful Performance: The 50W laser source enables deep engraving and high-speed marking on various metals.
- Large Marking Area: Standard 110x110mm area, expandable up to 300x300mm, suitable for diverse applications.
- Precision and Clarity: Delivers high-resolution markings, essential for detailed designs and fine text.
Choosing Between Dot Peen and Laser Marking?
| Feature | Dot Peen Machines | Fiber/UV Laser Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Heavy-duty, outdoor use (mining, oil/gas) | High-precision (medical, aerospace) |
| Mark Depth | Deep, tactile engravings (0.1–0.5 mm) | Surface-level, detailed designs (0.01–0.1 mm) |
| Materials | Steel, iron, hard plastics | Stainless steel, titanium, brass, plastics, ceramics |
| Compliance | MIL-STD-130 (defense), IATF 16949 (automotive) | FDA UDI (medical), ISO 13485 (aerospace) |
| Speed | 2–5 characters/sec (slower for large areas) | 10–50 characters/sec (faster, non-contact) |
| Marking Complexity | Alphanumeric codes, simple logos | QR codes, intricate graphics, micro-text |
| Material Hardness | Optimal for >40 HRC (hard metals) | Suitable for soft/thin materials (e.g., coated metals, electronics) |
| Portability | Battery-operated, handheld models (e.g., ADP2560) | Stationary; requires fixed setup |
| Cost | $2k–$7k (lower upfront) | $4k–$12k (higher initial, lower lifetime costs) |
| Maintenance | Stylus replacement every 50k–100k marks | Minimal (no consumables) |
Key Insights from Search Results
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Speed vs. Precision:
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Dot peen suits rugged, high-durability needs but lags in speed .
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Lasers excel in high-volume, detailed marking (e.g., medical UDI codes) .
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Material Limitations:
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Dot peen struggles with soft/thin materials (e.g., rubber, painted surfaces) .
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Lasers avoid surface deformation on delicate parts .
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Cost Trade-offs:
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Dot peen’s lower upfront cost appeals to small workshops.
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Lasers reduce long-term costs via automation and minimal downtime
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Does Your Industry Require Specialized Metal Marking Solutions?
Aerospace & Defense
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Compliance: FAA Part 45 traceability, AS9100, MIL-STD-130.
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Applications:
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QR/Data Matrix codes on turbine blades (resistant to jet fuel and extreme temps).
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Serialized part marking for avionics, landing gear, and titanium fasteners.
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Recommended Machine: HS-FL100M Fiber Laser
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Achieves Grade C+ readability on Inconel and titanium alloys.
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Medical Devices
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Compliance: FDA UDI, ISO 13485, EU MDR.
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Applications:
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Direct-part marking (DPM) on reusable surgical tools surviving 1,000+ autoclave cycles.
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Micro-engraving UDI codes on dental implants and pacemaker components.
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Recommended Machine: 50W Fiber Laser Engraver
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Validated for ANSI/AIM DPM-1-2006 standards.
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Automotive
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Compliance: IATF 16949, VIN engraving standards.
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Applications:
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Salt spray-resistant VIN marks on chassis and engine blocks.
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Traceability codes on transmission gears and EV battery components.
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Recommended Machine: HS-PE02-BMAX Dot Peen
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0.3mm deep marks on hardened steel (HRC 50+).
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FAQ
Does Your Metal Marking Comply with Critical Industry Standards?
HeatSign machines meet FDA UDI requirements for medical devices, IATF 16949 for automotive traceability, and ISO 9001/AS9100 for aerospace components.
Key Features
- FDA UDI Compliance:
- Direct-part marking (DPM) for reusable surgical instruments, dental tools, and Class I/II/III devices .
- Validated 2D Data Matrix codes (Grade C or higher) withstand autoclave sterilization .
- Integration with GUDID database submissions for full traceability.
- IATF 16949 Automotive Certification:
- Serialized VIN engraving on chassis, engine blocks, and transmission parts.
- Marks survive salt spray, heat cycles, and abrasive cleaning.
- Aerospace & Defense Standards:
- MIL-STD-130-compliant markings for military hardware.
- AS9100-certified traceability for turbine blades and avionics.
- Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions:
- Tamper-proof QR/Data Matrix codes with sub-surface laser engraving.
- Unique serialization for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury goods.
What is the main difference between Fiber Laser and Dot Peen for marking metal?
The choice depends on your specific needs for finish, speed, and material.
- Fiber Lasers offer high-precision, non-contact marking with a smooth, high-contrast finish. They are perfect for detailed logos, QR codes, and achieving different effects like annealing (black marking) or engraving. They are generally faster for complex graphics.
- Dot Peen Markers physically indent the metal with a carbide pin, creating extremely durable, deep marks that are ideal for harsh industrial environments and surviving post-processing like painting or galvanizing.
Our experts can help you choose the best technology based on your application.
How permanent are the marks, and can you mark on very hard or coated metals?
Both our laser and dot peen marks are permanent and will last the lifetime of the part. For extremely metals parts that will be painted or coated after marking, we strongly recommend Dot Peen marking. Its deep physical indentation ensures the mark remains legible. For coated metals like anodized aluminum or painted surfaces, Fiber Lasers are excellent at precisely removing the coating to reveal the bare metal underneath, creating a clean and permanent mark.
What kind of information can I mark on metal for traceability and branding?
Our machines can mark virtually any information your business requires. Common applications include:
- Traceability: Serial numbers, date codes, batch codes, and 2D Data Matrix / QR codes for automated tracking.
- Branding: Company logos, trademarks, and part numbers.
- Compliance: Industry-specific symbols, specifications, and certification marks.
The software is designed to easily manage serialization, import data, and create complex layouts to meet all your identification needs.
How can I be certain the mark will look right on my specific part?
The best way to ensure perfect results is to take advantage of our free sample marking service. Simply send us your part and your design specifications (e.g., logo, text). Our engineers will mark it using the most suitable technology and send it back to you, along with photos and a video of the process. This allows you to see and feel the quality firsthand, completely risk-free, before making a decision.