What Is a Marking Press?
A marking press is a device used to apply letters or patterns to various materials and shapes without using ink. Instead, it physically scrapes or chemically discolors the object. Markings made by a marking press are resistant to friction and do not fade easily.
Traditional methods used a needle or mold to apply pressure, but laser printing has emerged as a prominent method for non-contact printing.
Uses of Marking Presses
Marking presses are used for applying production dates, serial numbers, and lot numbers on parts and products to assure quality and enhance control systems. The adoption of laser marking presses has grown due to their ability to print on complex shapes without physical contact, offering detailed printing at higher speeds without requiring special molds.
Principles of Marking Presses
Marking presses are categorized into contact and non-contact types.
1. Contact Marking Presses
Contact marking presses are subdivided into those requiring a typeface and those that use needle-printing.
Impact
Impact marking presses include type set in a holder or dialed, and pressure is applied to make an indentation.
Needle-Printing
Needle-printing uses a marking pin to create dots on the surface, forming an engraving. Precision grinders, another type, shave the surface with a rotating needle. However, due to their manual operation and low processing capacity, they are less common in industrial use.
2. Non-contact Marking Presses
Non-contact marking presses, or laser markers, add contrast through a chemical reaction, like oxidation, when irradiated by a laser.
Other Information on Marking Presses
1. Impact Marking Presses
Impact marking presses operate manually or air-driven, using spring repulsion to impact the material directly. They are simple to use and provide durable markings. Manual models allow adjustable imprinting loads, while air-driven presses offer the convenience of marking with an air source, including portable, handheld models.
2. Laser Marking Presses
Laser marking presses use a laser beam to thermally alter the surface of metals and resins for engraving or marking. Controlled by computers, these presses achieve precise, high-speed engravings without impacting the product. Fiber lasers, known for their small beam spot and excellent quality, are commonly used for their efficiency in cutting, marking, and welding applications. UV lasers, with a high absorption rate and minimal heat damage, are preferred for high-quality printing on sensitive products.