Part Marking

In many industries marking parts is an important step in the manufacturing process

March 1, 2010

For the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries, the traceability of parts is not just an option but a firm requirement.

For example, the aerospace sector uses a data matrix code to manage the life cycle of spare parts. A unique identifier is marked on each part, and that number can be found in a database to determine how long the part has been in use and, therefore, when it ultimately needs to be replaced.

This is particularly important on stress parts, such as landing gears.

Recent vehicle recalls have shown why the automotive industry deems it necessary to have traceability in its supply chain. Having this traceability allows automotive assemblers to identify where defective parts were manufactured and where they may have been installed. This means that a wide recall can, in some cases, be eliminated.

The production work done in medical job shops needs flexible and ergonomic marking workstations. In higher-volume shops, batch loading and unloading allow semiautomated production, and with indexing tables, parts can be loaded and unloaded while parts are still being marked.

Conversely, a shop with low production demands can use a manual workstation with a manual door and manual adjustment of the focus position.

Software

As with many machines these days, software plays a major role in a laser marking system as well. Three main areas of importance in a part marking procedure are: CAD, input of variables, and system diagnostics.

CAD is needed to design the mark that will be made and for importing fonts and files from an external source. The more function and flexibility that the CAD system offers, the more valuable it is for the manufacturer.

Variable information, such as serial numbers, part numbers, quality information, and date and time usually can be located in databases.

Diagnostics are needed to support customers through telepresence and troubleshooting the system. State-of-the art telediagnostics with numerous sensors (laser power, airflow, pressure, temperature) have a high success rate in resolving technical issues, which results in high machine uptime.

New Technology

The TRUMPF TruMark 5000 NEW laser marker has a Z-axis travel path of 19.6 in. to enable greater flexibility in marking large components. The laser system can be equipped with two linear axes with a length 11.8 in. as well as a rotating axis.

The linear axes have a new control concept with an integrated motor driver that makes retrofitting the workstation, if that’s necessary, possible.

The travel speeds of the X and Y axes lead to less time between two marking cycles when the workstation is loaded with several workpieces at once. The axes can also be correctly positioned manually with the push of a button.

The suction unit in the station has been enhanced compared to the previous model. During the process of marking many parts, emissions are produced during the removal of material. The stronger suction unit takes into account the increased production capability of the next generation of laser markers.

In addition to the technical enhancements, operators can benefit from the workstation’s improved ergonomic design. For example, access to the workstation has been improved, which can simplify work preparation and the loading and unloading of parts. Operators can program how wide the door will open, which reduces time between loading and unloading.

The workstation can also be operated either from a sitting or a standing position.

Variety of Applications

Isotech Inc. has designed a multiuse laser marking system that can ship as either a full laser marking station or as a desktop version.

Offered in two distinct configurations for either production line or desktop workstation use, all systems offer multiple-purpose functionality, including annealing, ablating, etching, thermochemical reaction application, and engraving.

Both the portable and full-station configurations provide the flexibility to mark or prepare virtually any material, including anodized and nonanodized metals, glass, plastics, rubber, and paper.

For the application of custom product marking, both systems apply a permanent, color image without the need for dyes, inks, chemicals, solvents, or labels.

The desktop version, which can be mounted on any desktop or stable surface, is used for components of varying thickness (0 to 0.6 in.), as well as flat and complex parts. There are no breaks in the production process as the unit allows the marking of one item while the next item to be marked is being loaded simultaneously.

For higher throughput requirements, the full version of the station can mark materials at a rate of up to 1,000 characters per second and can be integrated into production line applications.

For more information, visit www.us.trumpf.com and www.isotechinc.com.