What is the best solution for metal marking?
Permanent, precise, built for production. The right metal marking machine protects every part, from stainless steel components to machine front panels in aluminium.
Metal marking enables seamless industrial traceability for global standards. From serial numbers marked on stainless steel components to 2D Datamatrix codes on aluminium structural parts, permanent identification protects the full lifecycle of your products.
Gravotech designs versatile metal marking machines, including laser, dot peen, scribing, and rotary systems for the milling and marking of front panels. These precision-engineered solutions deliver high-contrast, durable marks across demanding sectors such as aerospace, defence, and bar turning.
Our technology ensures identification remains legible from the shop floor to the end of the component's life, even for automotive parts, building structures, or energy infrastructure subjected to harsh post-treatments. Gravotech's range covers every production volume, from single-unit identification to fully integrated high-speed lines.
| Are you interested in metal engraving for personalisation? Please visit our dedicated page. |
Which Gravotech metal marking machine for your needs?
Our metal laser marking machines can identify parts without contact and do not require it to go through pre-treatments or post-treatments. The result is a permanent, resistant, high contrast marking with a very high definition finish, all without damaging the metal :
- Our integrable laser machines (Fiber, MOPA, Hybrid, Green) are tailored for industrial production lines and high marking rates. They are mainly used to identify parts one at a time, with low cycle-times. Whether small, large, plastic or metal parts.
- Our laser stations (WeLase™, LW2, LW3) meet strict security standards and ensure Class 1 laser safety for the operator and his environment. Parts can be marked by unit or batch, all within the confines of the machine’s enclosure.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBER laser
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Integrated laser system for high-quality marking on metals and plastics.
MOPA Laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN laser
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Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
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Medium fully automated laser marking station.
LW2
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Large fully automated laser workstation with Fiber, Hybrid or Green sources
LW3
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Metal part marking by dot peen or scribing equipment is performed thanks to a tungsten carbide stylus (and the option of a diamond tip for hard materials with scribing).
For dot peen marking, the stylus comes into contact with the surface and deforms the material through a succession of impacts, resulting in a hollow marking. Every of these metal marking machines (Impact, XF510p, XF510m, XF530) permanently marks industrial parts with a tamper-proof serial number, 2D code, etc. The XF series are to be fitted to a production line, while the Impact can be used on a benchtop.
While for scribing, the stylus scratches the material’s surface, leaving a deep groove. This is performed more quietly by machines like the XF510r and SV530. This elegant marking method is primarily used for VIN codes.
Standalone dot peen marking station.
IMPACT
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The fastest pneumatic dot peen marking machine.
XF510p
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The most precise and consistent electromagnetic dot peen marking machine.
XF510M
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The quiet metal scribing marking machine.
XF510r
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The VIN scribing marking machine.
SV530
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Rotary metal marking machines (M20 X, IS400, ISx000) cut away the metal using an engraving cutter, similar to a drill. This technique allows for both marking and cutting on most metals and is used extensively across various industries, from small parts to large control panels.
Small and custom engraving machine for all purposes, from perfume bottle to small industrial signage.
M20 X
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Medium CNC engraving machine for flat and cylinder engraving on metal and plastic.
IS400 – IS400 Volume
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Large and extra large format CNC engraving machines.
ISx000
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Which industrial marking solution suits your metal parts and constraints?
Technology | Gravotech top choice | Applications | Advantages | Limits | Investment level |
| Laser |
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| $$–$$$$ |
| Dot peen |
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| $–$$ |
| Scribing |
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| $-$$ |
| CNC rotary |
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| $$–$$$ |
What are the main metal marking technologies?
Laser metal marking: etching, engraving, annealing
Because of the very nature of lasers, their interaction with parts can be altered according to the marking parameters and the part itself. Identifying parts with a metal laser marking machine can produce the following effects:
- Metal laser etching: removes a very small amount of material and slightly changes the colour on the surface to enhance readability.
- Deep metal engraving: ideal when post-treatment is expected or if the surface material is rough. This process applies more heat to the material, creating a visible cavity.
- Metal annealing: a specialised process to ensure lasting marks.
Dot peen metal marking
Dot-peen marking has the advantage of being fast and durable. Using a hard carbide tip, this technology deforms the surface of any metal and creates a small cavity of up to 0.3 mm. This technology has three main marking methods:
- Dot by dot: precise metal part marking with individual dots.
- Continuous line: creates a smooth and constant line.
- Deep marking: achieves deeper marks with multiple consecutive hits per dot.
Scribing metal marking
Simply put, this technology consists of a hard tip scraping and scratching the surface of the metal part.
This method produces aesthetic metal markings, shallow or deep. Some key features are:
- Light and fast: quick marking for less demanding applications.
- Deep marking: for very durable identifications
- Datamatrix kit: (optional kit for XF510r) reproduce the dot-peen technology and mark 2D codes or texts.
Rotary metal marking
Rotary metal part marking can produce a variety of thin to deep markings thanks to the range tools: cutters and diamond tips. In addition, rotary metal marking machines can hollow or cut parts. Here are the most common marking types in the industry:
- Marking: standard mode for detailed and precise identification.
- Deep marking: for more profound characters and codes in the metal.
- Milling: combining marking and cutting for complex designs.
What are the main metals used in industrial part marking?
When choosing metals for industrial part marking, it is essential to understand the unique properties and benefits each metal offers. Common metals used in the industry are selected for their specific advantages, such as durability, corrosion resistance, strength, and other key features. These characteristics make them ideal for various metal part marking applications. Let's explore the key characteristics of stainless steel, aluminium, copper, titanium, and carbon steel.
Carbon steel
Cheap and versatile
- Strength: high tensile strength, suitable for structural applications.
- Cost-effective: generally more affordable than other high-performance metals.
- Versatility: used in a wide range of industrial applications.
- Weldability: easily welded and fabricated into various shapes.
Commonly named steel, this metal is easily marked with laser, dot peen, scribing and rotary marking technologies.
Stainless steel
Anti-rust metal
- Corrosion resistance: highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for harsh environments.
- Durability: strong and durable, suitable for high-stress applications.
- Aesthetic appeal: often used for its sleek and modern appearance.
- Non-reactive surface: suitable for medical and food industries due to its non-reactive nature.
This metal can be marked with either laser, dot peen, scribing or rotary marking machines.
Aluminium
Light and malleable
- Lightweight: significantly lighter than steel, reducing overall weight in applications.
- Corrosion resistance: naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion.
- Malleability: easy to form and machine, allowing for complex designs.
- Thermal and electrical conductivity: excellent for heat sinks and electrical components.
Aluminium is mainly marked with dot peen and scribing marking machines.
Copper
Heat and electricity expert
- Electrical conductivity: exceptional electrical conductivity, widely used in electrical components.
- Thermal conductivity: high thermal conductivity, making it useful for heat exchangers.
- Corrosion resistance: good resistance to atmospheric and seawater corrosion.
- Malleability: highly malleable, suitable for intricate marking and forming.
The main marking technologies used on this metal are laser, dot peen, scribing and rotary.
Want to mark copper?
Titanium
Light and strong
- High strength-to-weight ratio: strong yet lightweight, used in aerospace and medical applications.
- Corrosion resistance: excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments.
- Biocompatibility: non-toxic and compatible with human tissues, ideal for medical implants.
- Heat resistance: maintains strength and integrity at high temperatures.
Because of its hardness, our recommendation is to use laser, dot peen or scribing marking technologies to identify your titanium parts.
Want to mark titanium?
How do coatings and anodization affect metal marking?
In addition to raw metals, coated and anodised metals are widely used in industrial applications. Metal coating is the application of a protective or decorative layer to a metal surface, while anodisation is an electrochemical process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminium for example.
These treatments are part of what is called pre- and post-treatments. Some notable examples would be:
- Galvanised Steel
- Powder-Coated Metals
- Electroplated Metals
- Anodised Aluminium
These treatments significantly enhance the properties and qualities of metal parts, but come with constraints when identification and traceability of industrial metal components is to be considered.
How do pre- and post-treatments
affect metal part identification?
Pre- and post-treatments of metal parts are crucial processes in the industry to increase durability, protection against abrasion or add features such as electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. But they significantly impact part identification.
- Pre-treatment involves cleaning, de-greasing, and applying coatings or primers to the metal surface, ensuring optimal adhesion of subsequent layers, such as paint or plating, and removing contaminants that could lead to corrosion or defects. Common pre-treatments include sandblasting, chemical etching, and anodising.
- Post-treatment focuses on improving the final properties of the metal part. It includes techniques like heat treatment, annealing, and surface hardening to enhance strength, hardness and friction level.
When choosing an industrial marking technology, it is essential to consider these treatments, as they can affect the marking process and the durability of the marks. For instance, some markings may not withstand high-temperature post-treatments, while others may require specific surface conditions.
Need advice for your project?
| FAQ: The 5 questions most frequently asked of our experts |
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🔽What is the best metal marking machine?
The ideal metal marking machine depends on your specific market requirements:
- For high-definition logos and high-contrast black marking (annealing): a laser marker is superior (as a WeLase™ station or a Fiber laser).
- For high-speed industrial traceability and deep marking on the shop floor: dot peen (for example, the Impact) and scribing (XF510r or SV530) are the most efficient.
- For deep aesthetic finish like luxury gifts or industrial panels: rotary CNC machines (M20 X, IS400 or ISx000) are ideal for a premium result.
🔽How to ensure 100% readability of QR codes and DataMatrix codes on metal?
Ensuring 100% readability requires a high grading score from a verification camera. We recommend conducting initial marking and reading tests to calibrate the best parameters. To maintain this quality over time, you must anticipate environmental changes (dust, temperature) and the part's lifecycle. For parts used in harsh environments, deep marking is often recommended to guarantee that the code remains readable even at the very end of the component's life.
🔽How can lasers ensure compliance with industrial traceability standards (GS1, IUID, UDI) on metal?
Our lasers, combined with Lasertrace software, are specifically designed to meet global standards like GS1. The software allows you to configure marking files that strictly follow required dimensions, character heights, and 2D code formats (Datamatrix). By automating the formatting and sequence of elements, our solutions ensure your stainless steel parts are fully compliant with international regulatory requirements.
🔽Will the mark remain legible if the metal is painted or treated after marking?
Legibility after post-treatment depends entirely on the marking depth. Surface markings, such as laser annealing, may be obscured by thick paint or coatings. However, deep markings created via scribing or dot peen, like VIN codes on automotive frames, are designed to remain perfectly legible even after aggressive post-treatments, galvanization, or heavy industrial painting.
🔽Is it possible to mark a very hard metal part?
Yes, our machines can handle materials with a hardness of up to 62 HRC. While it is possible to mark even harder surfaces, we generally recommend this limit to ensure optimal cycle times for lasers and to prevent premature wear or breakage of mechanical consumables, such as carbide styli or rotary cutters.
