Sheet metal part identification
Both during production and after production sheet metal part identification is equally important. In the first case the aim is to make production transparent thus information can be obtained fast form the system. As for the second case we mark, print or label the parts becasue of customer requests.
At Melior Laser we carry out 4 types of industrial labeling depending in the serial size and the technological requirements.
Identification labeling with printing
- Mainly used for mid-production identification
- For labeling small and medium series (up to 1000 pcs monthly). The label is applied to the sheet metal par's surface with inkjet technology then it is fixed in an industrial oven at a heat and period of time depending on the raw material.
- The signing will be UV-resistant, aceton-resistant, abrasion-resistant and moderately resistant to environmental impacts, meeting the industry and customer requirements.
- Mainly used for running sheet metal part production, edpecially for parts made for the electronic industry (e.g. electronic covers, connectors, indicating the location of switches)
- The printer's working range is 140mm x 290mm x 490mm (HxWxL). Printing resolution is max. 5760x1440 dpi. The print is made with a water based ink.
Printing with electrochemical marking
- Mainly used for industrial marking (mid-production identification, company logos, barcodes etc.)
- The printing procedure: first the the electrolyte should be absorbed with a printing stamp. After that the stamp is pressed to the previously prepared template placed onto the sheet metal part surface. As a next step thanks to the electrical current the electrolyte fluid creates the pattern defined by the template via surface oxidation. Finally the chemical process can be stopped by wiping the surface with a neutralizing liquid and the print will be fixed.
- Used in small series where the parts are subject to physical and chemical stress
- The markind does not affect the aethetical or mechanical properties of the part (non-invasive procedure)
- Applied raw material primarily: stainless steel
- The advantages of this priting method: corrosion resistant, surface friendly, independent of surface hardness
- 360 dpi resolution, 45x30 mm working range
Marking with laser
- Suitable for marking components manufactured in large series, placing vendor's identification numbers and signs
- Mainly used for in-process identifications
- During lasercutting we make markings on the parts' surface necessary for the assembly. Prior to cutting the part contour with laser a character combination defined by the designer is burnt onto the metal surface with a low laser power
- Applied material: mainly plain steel, stainless steel
- An advantage that along with programming the lasercuttings the marking can be prepared too. Aesthetic objectives can be ignored, however the marking must be illegible. It is also important that marking should be visible after certain surface treatments e.g. galvanising
Labeling with screen printing or pad printing
- We recommend this type of labeling when there is a long-term demand for the specific sheet metal part and delivery is made on a monthly bases
- Only for large volume, mainly for aluminium and stainless steel. When demand exceeds our capacity involving subcontractors is also possible
- These are both productive processes, but since liquid substances are used pre- and postproduction requires exceptional care
Click here to read our blog entries about sheet metal part printing: Printing of sheet metal parts
Both during production and after production sheet metal part identification is equally important. In the first case the aim is to make production transparent thus information can be obtained fast form the system. As for the second case we mark, print or label the parts becasue of customer requests.
At Melior Laser we carry out 4 types of industrial labeling depending in the serial size and the technological requirements.
Identification labeling with printing
- Mainly used for mid-production identification
- For labeling small and medium series ( up to 1000 pcs monthly ). The label is applied to the sheet metal par's surface with inkjet technology then it is fixed in an industrial oven at a heat and period of time depending on the raw material.
- The signing will be UV-resistant, aceton-resistant, abrasion-resistant and moderately resistant to environmental impacts, meeting the industry and customer requirements.
- Mainly used for running sheet metal part production, edpecially for parts made for the electronic industry (e.g. electronic covers, connectors, indicating the location of switches)
- The printer's working range is 140mm x 290mm x 490mm (HxWxL). Printing resolution is max. 5760x1440 dpi. The print is made with a water based ink.
Printing with electrochemical marking
- Mainly used for industrial marking (mid-production identification, company logos, barcodes etc.)
- The printing procedure: first the the electrolyte should be absorbed with a printing stamp. After that the stamp is pressed to the previously prepared template placed onto the sheet metal part surface. As a next step thanks to the electrical current the electrolyte fluid creates the pattern defined by the template via surface oxidation. Finally the chemical process can be stopped by wiping the surface with a neutralizing liquid and the print will be fixed.
- Used in small series where the parts are subject to physical and chemical stress
- The markind does not affect the aethetical or mechanical properties of the part (non-invasive procedure)
- Applied raw material primarily: stainless steel
- The advantages of this priting method: corrosion resistant, surface friendly, independent of surface hardness
- 360 dpi resolution, 45x30 mm working range
Marking with laser
- Suitable for marking components manufactured in large series, placing vendor's identification numbers and signs
- Mainly used for in-process identifications
- During lasercutting we make markings on the parts' surface necessary for the assembly. Prior to cutting the part contour with laser a character combination defined by the designer is burnt onto the metal surface with a low laser power
- Applied material: mainly plain steel, stainless steel
- An advantage that along with programming the lasercuttings the marking can be prepared too. Aesthetic objectives can be ignored, however the marking must be illegible. It is also important that marking should be visible after certain surface treatments e.g. galvanising
Labling with screen printing or pad printing
- We recommend this type of labeling when there is a long-term demand for the specific sheet metal part and delivery is made on a monthly bases
- Only for large volume, mainly for aluminium and stainless steel. When demand exceeds our capacity involving subcontractors is also possible
- These are both productive processes, but since liquid substances are used pre- and postproduction requires exceptional care
Click here to read our blog entries about sheet metal part printing: Printing of sheet metal parts