Marking Solutions for Metal Fabrication Industry: Scenarios
Choosing the right marking solution in the metal fabrication industry depends on several factors. Below are a few things you need to consider:
· Working With Different Types of Metals
The metal processing industry deals with metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and bronze. Each marking solution is suitable for certain metals due to their mechanism or depending on the properties of the metal. For example, some metal surfaces are plated or coated to protect the metal from corrosion or rust, in which case laser marking may damage the coating.
The solution would be to do a deep engraving marking, such as using a dot peen machine before coating, then can do coating after marking.
In terms of the properties of metals, you can consider the following:
- Laser marking machines are compatible with different metals irrespective of the hardness
- Dot peen markers are not suitable for extremely hard metals (the hardness should not be more than 63HRC)
- Inkjet printers are suitable for any metal, irrespective of hardness.
· Working with a part having a large size
Considering the size of the metal part will help you decide on the right marking machines and marking solutions for your metal part. Furthermore, this will determine the precision and ease of marking associated with the process. There are two major distinctions in machine size: portable and benchtop machines.
Since the metal processing industry deals more with large metal parts, portable machines are the best since they make it easy for the operator to maneuver and reach difficult parts. A benchtop marking machine will do the job when you work with small parts.
· Should the Marking be Visible
Each marking system has its distinction in visibility, which is a measure of contrast. Of the three marking solutions, laser marking is the most visible. While this depends on the type of laser marking, compared to the others, laser markings have a higher contrast. For example, laser etching is more visible than laser engraving, while laser annealing is more visible than all other laser techniques.
On the other hand, Dot peen is less visible due to the lesser contrast. It is said to be like laser engraving in terms of contrast, although laser engraving is a more precise method. The inkjet marking system is the most visible method due to the use of ink.
· Permanent markings
If permanent marking is very important, especially for metals used in a harsh environment, laser marking, chemical etching, and dot peen marking are the right option. Aside from permanency, laser marking is also more precise. On the other hand, an inkjet marker produces temporary markings. Furthermore, dot peen engraving machines can create deep marks and make the result more permanent.