Building Products Marking and Printing Machines

Top Building Product Marking Machines That Guarantee Quality Marking

Getting a marking or printing machine for building products such as lumber, roofing, flooring, insulation, etc., should only come after you consider many factors. Examples of such factors include quality of the print, ability to withstand different environmental conditions, the building products’ mechanical and chemical properties, and of course, the cost of the marking and printing machine. Considering the machine is important as there are many types of machines that run under different mechanisms, and this can result in different prices and capabilities.

This article will introduce the different tips and tricks to selecting a building product marking machine. However, before then, using the factors highlighted above, below are two building product marking machines you should highly consider.

Building products such as lumber, roofing, flooring, insulation, pipe, hardware, ducting, and extrusions all have different peculiarities and properties. These properties are based on the types of materials they are made of, and they ensure that they are used in different scenarios. As a result of the different use of the materials, there is a need for marking or printing marks to ensure identification, authentication, and traceability. This is where a building product marking and printing machine comes in.

There are many types of marking processes used in different ways. However, in terms of building products made from materials listed above, choosing a marking process, and consequently, a marking machine might not be an easy way. As a result of this, this article will give a short introduction to the different marking processes you can use. It will then intensively discuss the different factors that play a huge role in the type of building product marking machine you choose. A side attraction this article will show is the different parameters to consider when choosing a marking machine. Interesting? Continue scrolling down.

Marking Systems and Machines for Building Products

Selecting a building product marking machine can be a little challenging if you are not well versed in the different marking systems being used nowadays. You cannot just pick up a dot peening machine and start using it to mark a product. You need to have a knowledge of the mechanism of the marking machine operates on, the benefits, and of course, the cons. Therefore, we will first do a short introduction of the three main marking procedures whose machines are suitable for marking building products.

Laser Marking System and Machines

The laser marking system is the most popular set of marking procedures used industrially. However, there are many types of laser marking systems you can use. Each one uses a laser marking machine used under different mechanisms to mark the building product. Three popular lasers marking procedures that are perfect for marking major building products are laser engraving, laser etching, and laser annealing.

Types of Laser Marking Machine for Building Products

There are four common types of laser marking machines you can use for making building products. There use on the types of materials used for making the building products.

· Fiber Laser Marking Machine

The fiber laser marking machine is compatible with a wide variety of materials, whether metals, plastics, and glass. It is the right type of laser marking machine for those who value reliability, cost-effectiveness, and quality markings.

· UV Laser Marking Machine

The UV laser marking machine is a plastic marking machine ideal for plastic building products. They are also ideal for marking metals and glasses.

· Green Laser Marking Machine

This laser marking machine is suitable for working with building products made from heat materials. It operates at 532nm make it have a lower tendency to burn plastic or other heat-sensitive materials

· CO2 Laser Marking Machine

This laser marking machine is ideal for marking building products made from non-metallic nonmetallic materials.

Dot Peen Marking System and Machines

Dot peen marking system is another marking procedure you can use on any building product. Practically when a laser marking system is not suitable, most people try dot peen machines. This is because, unlike the previously discussed marking system, dot peen has some advantages. Yet, like any other marking system, it has its disadvantages.

Types of Dot Peen Marking System

Depending on the building product you are working with, you can choose between three types of dot peen marking systems. Below are the three dot peen marking systems and where you can employ them.

· Benchtop Dot Peen Machines

Benchtop dot peen machines are better suitable for building products with flat surfaces such as flooring made from plastic and metals. They are the most popular dot peen marking machines when you think of small and medium-size building products. Like any other dot peen machine, they can deliver deep and permanent marking. However, unlike others, they are not easily maneuverable.

· Portable Dot Peen Machines

Unlike the benchtop dot peen marking machine, the portable dot peen machine from its name is very portable. It is also not as stable, with its stability coming from its operator handling.

Portable dot peen machines are suitable for medium, and large building products flat surface.

·         Integrated Dot Peen Machines

The last type of dot peen machine is the integrated dot peen machine. They are more suitable for industrial setups where they are easily integrated into the industrial production plan. On their use in building product markings, many people do not experiment with them. However, that does not mean you should not as they are very production efficient.

Inkjet Marking System

The inkjet marking process involves marking products using ink traveling at high speed via an inkjet printer. The process is simple and effective in marking building products. It produces highly readable markings that do not need contrast for better visibility. However, being a non-permanent marking method and because most building products are used in different environmental conditions, most people do not relate well with the method.

Other Marking Systems

It is not every time that the three marking systems will work or be available for marking your product. For example, when you are faced with on-the-spot marking, you might have to look for other options. The same applies if the building product is simply too big. Below are other marking procedures you can try.

· Roll Marking Process

Roll marking is a marking procedure similar to a dot peen marking system. However, unlike the dot peening machine, it involves using a roll die mounted on a lathe for marking the building product. The marking is inscribed on the roll die, and you can rotate the die on its axle and use it to mark the building surface.

Roll marking will be an ideal marking system for building products such as large pipes because they are large and cylindrical.

· Manual Engraving

For on-the-spot marking, manual engraving can be your redeeming feature. However, it is an inefficient production process. Manual Engraving involves preparing a stencil containing the inscription and using an engraving tool (majorly a stylus) to mark the inscription on the building product.

Manual engraving readability depends on the material and the contrast. However, it is not popular since it is production inefficient and it is strenuous.

Types of Building Product and How to Mark Them

It will be impossible to be listing all types of building products and giving you advice on the marking machine to use. Instead, below are the different classes of building products you can have.

· Metallic Building Products

Building products made from metals such as roofing and metallic pipes can be marked using a laser marking machine or a dot peen machine. Portable types of these machines are preferred.

· Plastic Building Products

Plastic is a polymer (and it also contains additives) that makes it behave in different ways during marking. Therefore, care must be taken when dealing with them. Laser marking machines, dot peen machines and inkjet marking systems are suitable

· Glass Building Products

Glass is used in scenarios as building products. For example, louvres, windows, etc. Laser marking machines are the best. They operate under a non-contact process and will not mess with the integrity of the glass building products. You can also try an inkjet marking machine, although they do not guarantee a permanent marking.

· Large and Small Building Products

This category is not based on the types of materials the building product is made from. Instead, it is based on the size of the building products. For large small building products, portable marking machines are the best. They are easy to operate, weigh less, and are industrially capable.

· Complex Building Products

Building products with complex designs should be marked using a customized marking machine. With them, it will be easier to reach complex sides and mark them.

What You Should Consider Before You Mark a Building Product

Knowing about the different marking procedures and machines is not the only thing to consider when choosing a building product marking machine.

To be honest, knowing them will make it easier for you to decide. However, a smooth building product marking operation can only occur with consideration of different factors. Below are all the factors you should consider when before you commence marking any building product.

· The Type of Material

The previously discussed marking system all have their peculiarities in terms of the type of materials they support. As building products come from different materials types, there is a need to understand the types.

For example, the laser marking system has the widest material support. It is for working with building products made from metals, plastics, and woods. However, it is not suitable for materials that are extremely thermosensitive or emit gases when laser beamed. Nevertheless, a laser marking system will be ideal for lumber, roofing, flooring, insulation, pipe, hardware, ducting, and extrusions.

Dot peening has less wide material support. However, it is suitable for metals and hard plastic. The inkjet marking system has wide material support, although if building products come from materials such as Teflon, the marking system will not be suitable.

· Complexity and Dimension of Building Product

The type of building product in terms of complexity and dimension also plays a huge role in the marking system and machine you will choose.

For big and complex products, a portable building product marking machine is the most suitable option. This will allow the operator to easily mark the product while maneuvering to reach the complex parts. For small products, the traditional and portable building product marking machines are suitable.

In terms of complexity and dimension, you can also consider cylindrical building products such as pipes which are better marked using roll stamping or laser marking system,

· Production Efficiency

Laser marking systems are the most production-efficient marking system you can use for any building product. Once the material is compatible with the laser process, the process ensures that marking is as efficient as possible. Other marking systems, as highlighted above, are also efficient, albeit less.

· Accuracy, Precision, and Readability

Accuracy and precision should also be considered before commencing the marking process. Laser marking machines are the most accurate marking system you can use. However, depending on the building product, you might have to worry about readability. Again, laser marking leads to highly readable markings while the others follow closely.

· Environment Used

This is a very important factor when choosing a marking system and machine. You should consider the environment where the building product will be used at extreme environmental conditions will require to have a permanent marking.

How to Choose a Building Product Marking Machine

You already know about the different factors that can affect marking your building product. Consequently, the next part is choosing a building product marking machine. Below are a few parameters you should look out for when choosing one:

· Portability

This is the most important factor you should consider as it is easy to mark complex building products with a portable machine instead of the traditional ones.

· Speed

Speed is an important factor to consider before choosing a building product machine. Whatever marking system you are considering, the marking machine must mark at an excellent speed to be efficient and effective. However, while speed is important, do not compromise other qualities for it.

· Software Integration

Software integration on marking machines will help make marking very easy, especially when you are dealing with batch marking. Software integration will reduce errors due to human operators and repetitive procedures.

· Power and Marking Area

The power of the marking machine is also another important factor to consider before getting one. Having a marking machine with optimum power and marking area will help improve production efficiency.

· Cost

Cost is the most important factor when choosing a building product marking machine. Laser marking machines are the costliest when compared to dot peening machines and inkjet printers. The golden rule is to get a marking machine that delivers quality marking at an optimum cost.

Get Your Building Product Marking Machine at HeatSign

Marking a building product depends on many factors. For example, you have to consider the size of the product, its dimension, complexity, the environment used, etc. This article introduced everything you need to know about building product marking. It talked about the marking system most suitable, how to choose the right marking system, and how to choose the right building product marking and printing machine. Faced with uncertainties still? Why not check through our recommended marking machines or contact us. Without a doubt, we are your best bet for the best building product marking and printing machine.