Energy Industry Marking Solutions: Dot Peen and Laser Marking Machine

What are the Customer Requirements?

Choosing an effective and efficient energy industry marking solution can only be achievable by understanding its uniqueness and core requirements and features. The industry’s top feature is that machines, tools, and parts often function in harsh environments. As a result, quality and durable markings are very important when there is a need for traceability and identification of such machines, tools, and parts. This article discusses marking solutions for the energy industry and how to choose the right one using different case studies.

Marking Solutions for Energy Industry

The energy industry requires a part marking process that can produce permanent and clear markings on parts without compromising such parts. Based on the requirements of different parts of the energy industry, not limited to the wind, pipeline, and oil and gas, below are the two most common marking solutions for marking energy industry components:

· Dot Peen Marking

The dot peen marking system is the most common energy industry marking solution worldwide. Generally, the process involves using a pneumatically or electronically controlled stylus to make an impression on the parts and components used in the industry.

In the energy industry, because many parts are exposed to outdoor or humid environment, the marking content may become blurred over time. As a result, many customers need dot peen energy marking for its permanent and deep engraving. Below are a few case studies of several industry sectors that use dot peen marking for energy industry machines, parts, and tools.

– Wind Energy Milling

Parts used in generating wind energy function in harsh environments and after installation are often not touched until a replacement is needed. As a result, manufacturers require a engraving system that guarantees clear and permanent markings that can stand the test of time.

Dot peen engraving system is the most common method for marking energy industry components with serial numbers and other identifying information on components such as mills, turbines etc. As a result, they can help to ensure traceability and quality control throughout the manufacturing process.

– Pipeline marking

Pipes used in delivering energy substances such as gas are durable and sturdy. Like wind energy, a replacement can occur in years, necessitating that parts that require identification have permanent markings. The dot peen is suitable due to the durability of the pipe and its provision of permanent markings. As a result, services use stamping machines to mark components used in the industry.

– Oil and Gas

Manufacturer of oil and gas equipment also uses a dot peen system as an energy marking solution to mark critical components, for example, cylinder marking. As a result, they can prevent counterfeiting and ensure traceability

 

· Laser Marking

Laser marking is another energy industry marking solution with wide application alongside the dot peen marking system. However, unlike the dot peen marking energy solution, laser marking techniques such as annealing and etching have better clarity. Generally, laser marking for the energy industry is common due to its speed, high material compatibility, and permanent marking.

 

Choosing an Energy Industry Marking Solution

Unlike other industries, the energy industry operates in several situations requiring certain requirements, meaning you only need a few marking solutions. As a result, this section talks about the condition you need to consider before choosing an energy industry marking solution.

· Working with metals

The type of material you are working with will most likely determine the energy marking solution you choose. Generally, when working with metals, the most common marking system is dot peen marking as metals. There are conditions where this is applicable, as listed below:

• Metals can withstand the mechanical stress generated by dot-peen markers
• When there is a need for deep engraving
• When there is no strong need for contrast
• When the metal can be compromised with heat generation (uncommon)

In certain cases, a laser marking system can be applied when dealing with metals. Below are several conditions that you might need to consider:

• When there is a need for contrast which is achievable using techniques such as laser annealing
• If the metal can lose its function due to a dot peening impression on it.

Dot peen marking machines are commonly used in the energy industry to mark serial numbers, part numbers, and other identifying information on components such as turbines, generators, and valves. This helps to establish traceability and ensure that components can be identified and tracked throughout their lifecycle.

· Working with plastics

The most common method for marking energy industry components is laser marking using techniques such as laser annealing and etching. This marking solution utilizes technologies such as fiber and CO2 laser markers and is widely popular in marking plastic pipes damageable by mechanical stress.

Using a laser engraving technique can generate thermal stress which affects the part’s properties and functions. In this scenario, use a dot peen engraver. Such punching techniques is applicable in when working with very hard plastics

· Size of Components

The energy industry usually works with parts of very large size, which determines the type of engraving machine you can use. Even though you are working with a laser or dot peen marker, portable marking machines are the best option for large parts. This is because operating, navigating, and reaching hard-to-reach parts is easier. In cases where the component is small, you should go with a benchtop marking machine.

· Permanency, Deep Engraving, and Clarity

All imprints on components should be permanent. Hence the use of marking solutions such as Inkjet marking is nearly non-existent in the industry. The two methods, “Laser and dot peen markers,” produces permanent imprints.

Dot peen markers are better for deep engraving on metals and plastics, while laser markers have better clarity due to the higher contrast.

· Batch Coding

Batch coding can be a crucial marking technique for energy industry sectors with multiple components. In such cases, you can choose a laser coding machine as they support batch marking.

Recommended Machine You Can Choose

HeatSign Marking Machines offer the perfect part identification solutions for manufacturers of safety-critical equipment in the Oil, Gas, Solar Power and other energy industries. Our R&D team is an expert in identifying the needs of the entire product life cycle for energy manufacturing. Below are some recommended machines you can choose from.

Conclusion  

The energy industry requires permanent markings to achieve traceability and identification of components. Among the different energy industry marking solutions available, top energy sectors such as oil and gas, wind, and pipeline manufacturers use laser and dot peen marking systems to mark different components. This article talked about different case studies on using such methods. Are you looking for a marking machine suitable for working on components used in energy? Kindly reach out to us.