What’s the difference between traditional marking, pin marking, and laser marking?

Traditional marking machines such as roll markers and press markers use heavy force to roll or press steel letters, numbers and trademarks indelibly into your parts. They are usually hydraulically or pneumatically powered. Because of the force generated, traditional marking requires precise part fixturing and support.

Traditionally marked letters and numbers are evenly spaced, accurately aligned and uniformly deep. Traditional marking is typically best for deep marking applications and/or high production rates. However, part variation, fixture and tooling changeover can increase the overall cycle time.

Pin marking (also known as dot peen marking) is the use of a pneumatic or electromechanically controlled carbide tip assembly that strikes the surface of a part in a succession of dots to create a permanent mark. Depending on the marking speed parameters, pin marking can create light, moderate or deep marks.

Pin marking technology is computer controlled and allows for a great deal of flexibility. Consumable products and changeover time is minimal. A vast range of font choices, logo creation, barcodes and other dynamic information can be marked on your parts using this technology.

Laser marking creates a permanent mark by generating heat on a part's surface, causing a chemical reaction and in some cases, the removal of material. Laser marking is a precise technology and can be used for for very exact and complex marks.

Lasers can mark metal as well as many types of plastic, ceramic, rubber, and wood. This technology is computer controlled and allows for a wide range of marking capabilities. Its marking speed depends on depth requirements, marking character size, and laser power. For surface and light marking—up to .003” in depth—the laser can get the job done quickly. Because the marked material is vaporized, laser marks are more aesthetically pleasing. This non-contact form of marking also means minimal part fixturing.