Marking Material Guide

Metals can be separated into two separate groups: soft metals (e.g., aluminum, brass, copper) and hard metals (e.g., iron and steel). Laser markers, pin markers, and traditional markers can all mark metals of either kind, but the amount of power or pressure needed will vary, as will the final depth of the mark.

For example, a rotary roll marker that can make a deep mark in aluminum may only be able to produce a light mark in steel; Pin markers may require a specific type of pin to make a deep mark in a hard metal; a laser marking machine will need more power and time to make a deep mark in a hard metal than in a soft metal.

Traditional and pin marking machines can mark plastic parts but too much pressure with either technology may damage the parts.

Lasers are capable of producing different types of permanent marks by generating heat in the plastic, causing a thermochemical reaction and producing a permanent mark. The color of the plastic affects how it interacts with the laser and so some colors are easier to mark than others. Additionally some laser sources are
better at marking plastic than others, so make sure you choose the right laser source for your part.

Marking organic material and substrates is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best marking technology to use will depend on the specific material and its intended use. Some methods may alter the properties of the material, rendering it unfit for certain applications.

It is important to not only find the right marking technology but also the proper settings, otherwise the marking process may damage
the integrity of the part.