Dot Pin Machines-solutions For Permanent Marking

By Author: Reena Gupta
Total Articles: 17
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All the major industries like automotive, railway industry, medical industry, plastic industry etc. need traceability solutions all the time. Putting together huge machinery naturally requires a great deal of identification and traceability systems.

The obvious technique employed for traceability is a permanent marking of the pertinent parts. These markings used in industrial processes have data embedded into them. There are several types of metal marking machines that are used in industries. These include- Dot marking, laser marking, Scribe marking, manual and press marking, electrochemical marking, and engraved dies. Of all these methods, dot pin marking systems are considered most reliable and hence a preferred option by most industries. These also go by the name of dot pin machines. The data that is embedded in the markings is used in industrial processes for inventory control as well as quality control.

The dot pin marking machines work by creating a series of dots that form digits, texts, logos or 2D data matrix codes. The machine strikes a carbide or diamond stylus assembly, electromechanically against ...
... the surface of a part to be marked. While the machine is working, a pulsed current run through a solenoid, punches a mark on the desired surface and then the stylus is returned to it starting point. The process is repeated continuously so that a pattern of dots is created on the surface. Every pulse takes only a fraction of a second to get generated by the machine and hence the entire 2D data matrix code is completed in only a few seconds. The dot pin machines offer unparalleled control and impact consistency through its evolved technology.
The dot pin machines are popular because they do not cause any kind of stress on the surface that is being marked and also, it can be used to permanently mark surfaces up to 63 HRC hardness.

Important features of Dot Pin marking machines are:

1) Works on all types of surfaces, making them multi-purpose.
2) Use of only a single source of energy
3) Direct keyboarding allows for simplicity in operation.
4) Extremely accurate along with being high speed technology.
5) No consumables required makes it very economical.
6) Compressed air not required.
7) Marking of any given material, including hardened steel

The dot pin technology is increasingly used in in marking agricultural machinery, oil & gas industry, metal working industry, electronics components, transportation and logistics industries , construction equipments, etc. because any surface material including plastics or metals can be permanently marked using the technology. The working environment and surface properties don't form any barrier.

There are 3 broad categories that Dot Pin markets are available in-Individual work stations, integrated systems and portable hand held units.

Individual work stations: these workstations are used to operate parallel to the production line. They are specially made to provide for reliability and increased shelf life irrespective of the material to be marked. They are column- mounted machines and are designed to ensure a long shelf life and reliability irrespective of working environment.

Integrated systems: As the name suggests, these systems are directly fitted into production lines. The benefit from long-term reliability and compact design. They are capable of high speed markings and are available in 3 customizable options to choose from allowing perfect suitability.

Portable hand held units: portable systems are used when the prime requirement is of versatility maneuverability. The latest of technologies in portable dot pin markers are the E1 series of hand held units. These are specially equipped for maneuverability and portability. Following the E9 series,there are E10 series of markers that are upgraded versions.

Aerospace and automotive industries require unique component identification systems for a wide range on applications. Thus dot pin technology is a ready solution for these industries and a popular choice.