A dog tag engraving machine marks names, phone numbers, logos and QR codes on metal pet ID tags. A dog tag laser engraver marks the tag without touching it, so there are no cutting tips or ink to buy.
HeatSign offers fiber laser and dot peen pet tag engravers. They work with any tag blank, and ready-made templates help you start selling tags fast.
Yes, most likely. A HeatSign fiber laser engraves text, pictures and QR codes on most metal tags. These are the tags shops sell most.
Name and phone number
On one side or both sides
QR code smart tags
Scan to see the owner’s contact page
Pet photos
A detailed portrait on the tag
Your logo
Brand every tag you sell
Any tag shape
Bone, heart, round, paw
Collar plates and buckles
Slide-on and rivet plates
Military-style ID tags
Name, number and details
Keychains and luggage tags
Extra products, same machine
Not sure what to put on the tag? See what to engrave on a dog tag.
Choose by the tags you want to sell. Most shops start with the mini fiber laser. See the current price on each product page.
It takes six simple steps. HeatSign sends a manual, video lessons and remote help, and most users are ready within 30 minutes.
See every step on a real machine, from placing the tag to the finished mark.
For most shops, yes. Tags are a small, repeat sale. Put in your own numbers to see how fast the machine pays for itself.
Example numbers only. Change them to match your shop. Rent, staff and tax are not included.
These four problems cost tag sellers the most repeat customers. Each one has a simple fix.
A tag rubs on the collar, the bowl and the ground every day. Printed or very shallow marks fade within months.
A laser changes the metal itself, and it can go deeper with extra passes.
Machines that hold one tag at a time slow you down on busy days and at events.
With a simple jig, a laser can engrave a whole tray of tags in one run.
On anodized aluminum, a standard fiber laser leaves a white or light grey mark. On pale colors it is hard to read.
A MOPA fiber laser can make a dark mark instead.
Owners want a name, two phone numbers, an address and a medical note. On a small tag, the text becomes too small to read.
A QR code holds all of it and links to a web page.
There are three main types of pet tag engraver. Each one is right for a different shop.
What matters | HeatSign fiber laser engraver | Rotary or drag tag engraver | Dot peen tag engraver |
|---|---|---|---|
QR codes and pet photos | Yes | No, text and simple art | No, text and simple art |
Parts that wear out | No tips, no ink | Cutting or drag tips | Marking pin (lasts about a year) |
Tags per run | Many, with a jig | Usually one at a time | Usually one at a time |
Tag blanks | Any supplier | Often the maker's own tags | Any supplier |
Other products | Jewelry, keychains, tools, plates | Mostly tags and plates | Metal plates and parts |
Easiest to learn | Templates and remote training | Very simple, built for tags | Simple, needs a computer |
Want a stamped, military-style look? A dot peen pet tag engraver is the right choice. For everything else, most shops pick a fiber laser pet tag engraving machine.
Still comparing engravers?
Send us your tag photo. We recommend one machine and send a price.
A compact fiber laser, such as the HeatSign HS-MFL20. It engraves steel, aluminum and brass tags, adds logos and QR codes, and has no cutting tips to replace.
Not always. The HS-MFL20 mini fiber laser can be controlled from a phone over Wi-Fi. The HS-DE05 dot peen tag engraver must be connected to a computer.
Yes. Engrave the front, flip the tag, then engrave the back. Many shops put the pet name on the front and the phone number or a QR code on the back.
Yes. The mini fiber laser is small enough to carry. You need a table, a power socket and safety glasses. Owners can wait while their tag is made.
From any tag blank supplier. HeatSign engravers do not lock you into one brand of tags, so you can compare prices and styles.
An open fiber laser needs safety glasses and a closed-off work area. At a customer counter, choose an enclosed model with a Class 1 safety cabinet.
Most users are ready within 30 minutes. You get a manual, video lessons, remote help and templates for your tags.
