By Bernard Martin

Ask the experts
Leading Marks offers a comprehensive range of dot peen marking solutions to meet your industrial identification needs. Our featured products include the Technomark Multi4, a versatile 4-in-1 system adaptable for various applications, and the Tapmatic TapWriter, designed for seamless integration with CNC machines. Additionally, we provide the Gravotech XM500, a portable dot peen marker ideal for marking large or difficult-to-access parts.

To explore how these advanced dot peen systems can enhance your production process, improve traceability, and ensure compliance, contact Leading Marks today. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect marking solution tailored to your specific requirements.

This article is part of the Fundamentals Series, a collection of in-depth guides covering essential marking technologies and processes. Explore the full series here to gain deeper insights into industrial marking solutions.

by Bernard Martin

Connectivity and Communication
Today's industrial environments demand advanced connectivity, and Tempo meets these requirements with Ethernet TCP-IP, Profinet, and Ethernet IP compatibility. These features enable seamless integration into automated production lines and reliable communication with other equipment, aided by an integrated switch function.

Performance and Durability
The Tempo system delivers adjustable marking depth and force, allowing it to work effectively on a variety of materials, from metals to plastics. High-contrast, permanent marks, including intricate data matrix codes, enhance traceability. The system operates at speeds of up to three characters per second and is designed for continuous 24/7 operation. Its anodized aluminum chassis, steel covers, and protective casing ensure durability, even in demanding industrial environments. This robust design minimizes maintenance requirements, maximizing uptime and productivity.

Applications in Key Industries
The Technomark Tempo has applications across several industries. In aerospace, it ensures stringent traceability for critical components. In automotive manufacturing, it complies with VIN and part marking regulations, improving quality control. For medical devices, it supports Unique Device Identification (UDI) to meet regulatory standards.

Benefits of Tempo
The system’s fast marking speeds and seamless integration streamline production processes. High-precision marks improve traceability, allowing for clear identification and tracking of parts throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, its minimal maintenance requirements translate into significant cost savings over time.

The Metalcasting Congress attracts attendees from across the foundry industry, as well as professionals from other businesses within the manufacturing supply chain.

​Nestled along Lake Erie’s southern shore, Cleveland is the second largest city in Ohio.  Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is hosting Metalcasting Congress 2023, providing over 410,000 square feet of prime meeting and event space. The convention center is also just 25 minutes away from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Leading Marks will be demonstrating the latest in part marking and identification technology.  ​ ​We will be featuring The Boss Buddy embossing system offering improved efficiency and improved legibility for pattern labeling.  ​

If you took apart a Dot Peen machine, one of the most important components you would find is a carbide or diamond-tip stylus.

The Dot peen process is considered a “low-stress” marking method because the mark is generated via material displacement rather than material removal.  The carbide stylus strikes the material surface to produce the mark via a series of cold-formed stamped dots. Compared to Laser Marking Systems, Dot Peen does not induce thermal shock to the part surface since the material is cold-stamped rather than super-heated to produce the mark.  

Dot Peen systems are commonly used by manufacturers in the aerospace and oil & gas industries where low-stress marking is required, such as tubular and flow control products that are exposed to extreme pressure differential in the oilfield. 

Dot Peen marking is viable for material hardness up to 63 HRC. Typically, when a part hardness is greater than 63 HRC, laser marking systems are recommended. 
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All of Technomark’s Dot Peen machines rely on an electromagnetic solenoid to actuate the marking stylus. Dots are plotted in an X/Y plane via electronic control for precise placement of the Dot pattern. Using electromagnetic force versus pneumatic also provides a greater level of control of both the depth of the mark as well as the ability to mark contoured or complex surface.

While these machines can run in-line and handle large quantities in an automated production environment, most are operated manually using a battery pack to go mobile. ​

One of the biggest benefits of a Dot Peen Marking Machine is its ability to efficiently produce marks compared to other marking systems. Other benefits of Dot Peen machines include: 

1. Portability: battery-operated systems are ergonomic and perfect for smaller-scale operations or marking of large, heavy parts that cannot be transported to a fixed location for marking
2. Versatility: state-of-the-art Dot Peen marking systems are modular and can start with a portable or manual marking system that can later be adapted to a fully automated production line
3. Ease of use: Dot Peen machines are easy to program and do not require any advanced computing knowledge or technical training. 
4. Permanency: Dot Peen marking process yields a permanent, indelible mark that can withstand harsh operating environments
5. Economical: Compared to other marking systems, Dot Peen systems are typically less than $10,000.

Integrating a dot peen marking machine into your production line will improve the productivity and quality of the part-marking process.