Are you familiar with the different types of metal marking? There are various industrial marking technologies, each with specific advantages and applications depending on the material, precision, and durability required. At COUTH, we invite you to discover the main metal marking technologies: laser, micro-percussion, and scratching.
Throughout this post, we will present their characteristics, benefits, and uses, helping you choose the option that best suits your needs. Join us on this journey through innovation and technology in metal marking!
What is metal marking?
Industrial metal marking is a process by which metal parts, components, or products are identified and traced during their manufacture and life cycle. This marking allows for the unique identification and traceability of each part, facilitating tracking from the point of production to its final destination and useful life cycle.
Metal marking allows this type of material to be engraved with various alphanumeric prints, codes, and even images to identify a variety of mass-produced items and parts. At Couth, we specialize in various types of industrial marking and have advanced technology that allows us to achieve the best results.
There are different types and techniques for industrial metal marking:
Types of metal marking
There are different types of metal marking:
1. Laser marking
Laser marking on metal is an advanced, precise, and permanent technology that allows metal parts to be tracked and customized. It uses a focused beam of light to create marks (text, codes, graphics, images) on the surface of metal parts. These marks are resistant to wear, heat, and chemicals, and are used for identification, traceability, regulatory compliance, and customization.
How does laser marking work?
- Laser generation: The laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) works by exciting an active medium (solid, liquid, or gas) which, when energized, emits a coherent and focused beam of light through the process of stimulated emission of radiation.
- Interaction with metal: The laser beam is directed and focused onto the metal surface, causing localized changes such as heating, melting, vaporization, oxidation, or color change, depending on the parameters, type of metal, and type of laser used.
Laser metal marking allows for precise markings, such as alphanumeric characters, QR codes, DataMatrix codes, images, and more. These markings facilitate the unique identification of each part and ensure its efficient traceability throughout its life cycle.
Types of interaction
- Engraving: Removal of material, creating grooves or reliefs.
- Annealing marking: Color change due to oxidation without removing material (ideal for stainless steel).
- Surface marking: Change in color or surface texture.
- Digital control: The process is controlled by software, allowing for high precision and repeatability.
Most commonly used types of lasers
Fiber (ideal for metals), Nd:YAG, green lasers (for reflective metals), CO₂ (for treated or coated metals).
Fiber laser marking and engraving can be used on different materials, particularly metals such as stainless steel, iron, aluminum, brass, copper, among others. It can also be applied to certain plastics, leather, glass, ceramics, etc.
Advantages of laser marking on metal
- High precision: Fine details (<0.01 mm), codes, microtext, complex graphics.
- Permanence: Marks resistant to abrasion, heat, chemicals, and industrial processes.
- Speed: Processes thousands of parts per hour, ideal for mass production.
- Automation: Easy integration into automatic lines, digital control, and traceability.
- No consumables: No ink, labels, or chemicals required; clean and environmentally friendly process.
- Low operating cost: Minimal maintenance, no tool wear, low energy consumption.
- Versatility: Compatible with almost all metals and geometries, including 3D surfaces.
- Regulatory compliance: Facilitates traceability and compliance in regulated sectors (automotive, medical, etc.).
Disadvantages and limitations
- High initial investment.
- Requires strict security.
- Color limitation.
- Less effective on highly reflective metals (polished aluminum, copper).
Industrial applications and uses
- Industry: Typical applications.
- Automotive: VIN, barcodes, part traceability, direct marking on components.
- Aerospace: Serial numbers, security markings, regulatory compliance.
- Medical devices: Identification of instruments, implants, corrosion-resistant markings.
- Electronics: Component identification, PCBs, cables, housings.
- Manufacturing: Data plates, batches, anti-counterfeiting, tools and molds.
- Jewelry/Luxury: Logos, serial numbers, micro-engraving, personalization, authentication.
- Others: Appliances, smart cards, packaging, watch parts, bearings.
2. Micro-percussion marking
Another highly efficient type of metal marking is micro-percussion marking, also known as dot marking or micro-dot marking. This is an advanced direct marking technology that allows permanent engraving on metals and other materials.
This marking consists of making a series of small controlled impacts on the surface of the material, generating localized deformation that forms visible and durable characters, codes, or designs.
Main features
- Permanent marking: The marks are indelible and wear-resistant.
- High precision: Allows for fine detail and adjustable depth.
- Versatility: Can be applied to metals, alloys, plastics, wood, and other materials that allow surface deformation.
- No chips or breaks: The impact is controlled to avoid structural damage to the part.
- Adaptability: Works well on flat or slightly curved surfaces and on parts of different sizes.
Operation
The process is based on a tungsten carbide punch that strikes the metal surface at high frequency and speed. Each impact creates a small dot or micro-indentation in the material. The combination of these dots forms the desired mark, which can be text, numbers, barcodes, logos, etc.
The system controls the depth and position of each dot to ensure the quality and legibility of the marking. The principle is similar to that of a dot matrix printer, but instead of ink, a physical deformation is produced on the part.
Advantages of micro-percussion marking
- Durability: The markings are resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and adverse environmental conditions.
- Does not affect the integrity of the material: Does not generate heat or cause internal stresses or breakage.
- Flexibility in materials: Can mark metals with hardnesses up to approximately HRC60, as well as other compatible materials.
- Low operating cost: Does not require expensive consumables or special gases.
- Portability: Portable machines are available that allow parts to be marked in the field or on production lines without the need for complex installations.
- Ability to mark codes and traceability: Ideal for identifying parts, batches, serial numbers, and quality control.
Common applications
- Automotive and aerospace industry: Marking of chassis, engines, components, and metal parts for traceability and control.
- Electronics: Identification of components and metal plates.
- Tools and machinery: Engraving of serial numbers, codes, and logos on tools and industrial parts.
- Manufacture of metal labels and identification plates.
- Quality control and traceability: Permanent marking for batch and production tracking.
3. Scribing
Another metal marking solution is scribing, a direct method of identification on metals and hard plastics, where a hard-tipped tool (tungsten or diamond) is pressed and dragged across the surface, creating a permanent line or groove.
Unlike methods such as laser or stamping, scribing does not involve heat or significant material removal, but rather surface plastic displacement.
Features
- Compatible metals: Stainless steel, iron, aluminum, brass, copper, alloys.
- Noise: Very low (silent)
- Surface finish: Depends on the hardness and ductility of the metal.
- Markings: Continuous, permanent, and tactile lines.
- Control: Depth and width regulated by pressure, angle, and speed of the tool.
- Compatibility: Suitable for soft and hard metals, although less effective on extremely hard or brittle materials.
How it works
Manual process
- Preparation: Cleaning the surface and, if necessary, applying a contrasting coating.
- Measurement and tracing: Using rulers, squares, or templates to guide the tool.
- Scratching: Pressing and dragging the hard tip along the desired path, creating a visible and permanent groove.
- Verification: Visual inspection to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Automated process
- Programming: Digital definition of the location, shape, and depth of the marking.
- Adjustment: Configuration of tool pressure and position.
- Execution: The system moves the tip along the programmed path, applying controlled pressure.
- Quality control: Review of depth, legibility, and compliance with specifications.
Mechanical principle
Scratching is based on the difference in hardness between the tip and the metal, generating surface plastic deformation without significant material removal.
Advantages of metal scratching marking
- Low initial and maintenance costs: Simple and economical equipment with few wear parts
- Quiet operation: Ideal for environments where noise is a concern
- Simplicity and robustness: Easy to operate and maintain, suitable for demanding industrial environments.
- Permanent and legible marks: Visible and tactile grooves, useful for traceability.
- Speed: Fast for simple, shallow marks.
Industrial applications
- Automotive: Chassis, engine blocks, axles. VIN, lot numbers, logos
- Aerospace: Structures, engines, landing gear
- Manufacturing: Beams, rails, heavy machinery. Labels, part numbers
- Electronics: Housings, connectors, heat sinks. Serial numbers, codes. Anti-counterfeiting, traceability
- Medical: Surgical instruments, implants. UDI, lot numbers
If you need efficient and affordable metal marking and engraving equipment, at COUTH we are at your disposal to answer any questions or provide personalized advice. Don’t hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to help you.