Industrial marking and coding technologies have changed significantly from manual to automated systems. These advancements have reshaped the industrial marking landscape, bringing increased efficiency, precision, and adaptability.
Understanding the background of these technology transformations is crucial for business entities to keep updated with current developments. So, let’s explore this intriguing evolutionary journey further and how this technology is integrated with Industry 4.0.
Early Marking Methods: From Manual Stamps to Modern Precision Technology
Before developing modern marking solutions, the marking and coding industries relied mainly on manual methods. Although effective for small-scale applications, manual marking methods lacked consistency, making large-scale production and traceability more challenging. As industries grew, the need for a more standardized and efficient marking system became evident. Hand stamps became a typical tool of manufacturers, occasionally known as metal stamps and steel stamps.
This tool is a portable instrument with etched characters on its surface to permanently mark information onto a material. Hammering the stamp’s back will transfer the design onto the surface, enabling identification and traceability.
It is especially helpful for marking logos or lot numbers on plastic, metal, and wood materials. They were particularly useful for marking logos or lot numbers, producing high-quality results for low-volume applications.
However, unlike automated systems, they still have limitations in terms of speed and precision. Since the process required manual labor, achieving uniformity across large production volumes was challenging.
The Shift to Mechanized Marking: Increasing Speed and Accuracy
The appearance of mechanical and pneumatic impact marking machines marked the next development in industrial marking technologies. The technology can reduce the need for manual labor by partially automating the process.
This shift not only improved production speed but also enhanced accuracy, reducing human errors in product marking. Businesses could now meet growing market demands without sacrificing quality.
As a result, it can increase accuracy and efficiency by allowing the operators to apply markings consistently.
The two marking machines work differently. Mechanical marking machines use a replaceable steel type with a type holder with moving wheels, creating permanent markings on a product. Meanwhile, pneumatic marking machines used air pressure to imprint characters onto a surface.
Because of their simplicity, reliability, and adaptability, these two types of machines suit a range of applications. It is a common solution for industrial marking before developing automated systems.
How Automation Transformed Industrial Marking and Coding
As time passed, technology continued to evolve, gradually bringing automation to the marking and coding industry. Innovations such as dot peen and laser marking emerged as pioneers in this transformation. These technologies marked a turning point, allowing manufacturers to achieve high-speed, high-precision markings with minimal downtime. As a result, industries such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and electronics rapidly adopted automated systems to streamline operations.
Dot Peen and Engraving Machines
Dot peen uses a specialized machine with a stylus or pin that quickly strikes materials’ surfaces to create characters, logos, or codes. It is frequently used on metals and plastics, as it can produce readable markings with little material removal.
In contrast, engraving machines carve marks directly onto the materials’ surface using a spinning cutter. This technology enhanced quality, marking speed, and versatility.
Laser Marking
The use of laser marking has been one of the significant developments for automated systems in industrial marking. It delivers precise, long-lasting marks on materials such as ceramics, polymers, and metals.
Comparable to thermal inkjet technology, the capacity to mark complex designs using non-contact operation is the main reason why this technology has become a go-to option for industrial marking.
Read About: Inkjet vs. Laser: Which Coding and Marking Technology is Right for You?
Industry 4.0 and Smart Marking Systems: The Future of Manufacturing
Customers will be influenced more by the products they purchase as an impact of Industry 4.0. It leads to the manufacturers employing effective methods for mass customization. Fortunately, connected marking systems are progressively integrating industrial marking with Industry 4.0. By leveraging IoT-enabled marking systems, businesses can achieve real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated quality control. This integration reduces operational costs while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Smart automated systems will help eliminate significant expenses. It also enables real-time data collection and meticulous traceability in the production process, ultimately improving supply chain efficiency and quality control.
Eco-Friendly Marking Solutions: Enhancing Sustainability in Manufacturing
The idea of sustainability has become practically essential in today’s industrial marking sectors, which seek to lessen environmental impact while preserving productivity. By facilitating solid product traceability, industrial marking and coding nowadays help to reduce this impact by minimizing needless production.
As a recent marking and printing technology, inkjet printers, for example, contribute to sustainability by using less energy with their automated systems. It allows the use of water-based and eco-friendly inks, which reduce harmful emissions. In essence, such technology will print efficiently and lead to better waste management.
Read About: Blister Packaging: An Effective Solution for Product Protection and Display
The Benefits of Upgrading to Advanced Marking and Coding Systems
Industrial marking and coding have arrived in the era of advanced and high-tech systems. Inkjet printing, laser marking, and UV-cured printing systems are examples of these high-tech systems that provide versatility.
They are great at encoding data for traceability and tracking, applying color codes, identifying curved surfaces, and more. Upgrading to modern marking and coding systems ensures businesses remain competitive in an increasingly automated landscape.
With advanced printing solutions like continuous inkjet and laser marking, businesses can enhance product traceability, meet regulatory requirements, and improve production efficiency. Investing in modern marking technology translates to long-term cost savings and brand credibility.
See a complete list of continuous inkjet printers here.
In the long run, the growth of industrial marking systems reflects the foster nature of technology. From simple hand stamps to today’s automated systems, the journey has led to improved precision and efficiency.
Looking to upgrade your marking and coding system? Explore our range of high-performance continuous inkjet printers designed for precision and efficiency. Check our product catalog now!
References
https://www.gtschmidt.com/news/neal-oconnor-evolution-marking-technology/
https://www.domino-printing.com/resources/English/Whitepapers/EN-Industry-4.0-White-Paper.pdf
https://cxotoday.com/interviews/understanding-various-coding-and-marking-technologies/
