Marking Systems
Marking systems are comprised of a wide variety of marking machines and marking tools. Marking systems may stamp, emboss, etch, engrave, laser mark or otherwise mark surfaces with predetermined designs, letters, and/or numbers.
Quick links to Marking Systems Information
Applications of Marking Systems
Marking systems are commonly used to mark or engrave products and objects in order to deter counterfeiting, identify product pricing and object values, increase company recognition, or make product return or replacement easier.
Marking systems are also used to create these items:
- Date Stamps
- Manufacturer Numbers
- Bar Codes
- Quality Information and Product Identification Details
- UPCs
Products with which marking systems commonly provide identification include:
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- Jewelry
- Wiring and Cables
- Greeting Cards
- Wood Trim
- Glass Sculptures
- Writing Utensils
- Electronic Parts
- Storage Boxes
- Packaging Components
- Consumer Parts
Marking systems may be used on the surface of many materials, such as marble, glass, paper, and plastics. To accommodate the varying requirements of such different textures, marking systems employ many different methods of marking, including methods like stylus marking, press marking, laser marking, roll marking, rotary marking, and nameplate marking. Other marking machines include dot peening machines, hot stamping presses, steel stamps, inkjet printers, and printing machines. Each and every marking system is different, and, therefore, each one has an application or a set of applications with which it is best matched.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Marking Systems
Marking systems are matched to applications based on a number of factors, including:
- The intended use of the material or surface being marked.
- The amount of detail required in a label or marking.
- The material of the object being processed.
- The lifespan of the material of the object being processed.
In aerospace and medical equipment processing, for example, marking equipment must apply so much pressure that it alters the surface of an object. That is because, in these fields, parts and machinery are fabricated with extreme precision and they cannot be compromised. Other applications that use durable material that is not so delicate, on the other hand, may require much more heavy duty or rugged marking methods, like embossing or engraving.
In this day and age, marking systems are more important than ever. Many businesses, in particular those associated with the aerospace, automotive, defense, and medical fields, will outright refuse to accept products from suppliers that have inadequately marked their products with quality and verification labels. So, it is essential that those sending out parts and products have the right marking machinery. Because there are so many types of marking systems out there, and because they differ so widely in their capabilities, we highly recommend that an interested party discuss his or her specifications and requirements with a knowledgeable marking system manufacturer. For the best suppliers, turn to those recorded on the list provided on this page.
Notable Types of Marking Systems
- Stylus Marking Systems
- A process that uses multiple marking heads to create and impress images upon surfaces. Manufacturers make them work and impart designs by either rapidly pressing them down or quickly dragging them across a surface and distorting the surface material. Popular for image creation applications, stylus markers range in style from handheld to industrially-sized for use with heavier materials and/or high volume part making.
- Press Marking Systems
- A process that creates imprints or impressions on a part using a hydraulic ram. Press marking systems are only appropriate for use with durable items; delicate parts and products cannot withstand the pressure they wield.
- Laser Marking Systems
- Mark objects using laser wavelengths or beams. One of their great advantages is the fact that they do not require the use of engraving edges or tool bits. For this reason, they are considered a sustainable method of marking and they also have lower maintenance costs.
- Roll Marking and Rotary Marking Systems
- Roll marking systems and rotary marking systems are quite alike. They both use rollers or roller-type holders to press designs into products or objects. The only difference between the two is that roll marking systems mark either flat or round objects, while rotary marking systems work primarily with spherical and circular parts.
- Within each method type, there is room for variance for the sake of customer requirements. The wavelengths of laser marking systems, for example, are determined per the type of surface material being marked. Marking systems may be designed for low volume needs or high volume needs; they may be designed for manual use or automatic use, and they may stand alone or be integrated into already existing production systems.