A Guide to Improving the Accuracy of Industrial Marking

It provides practical guidelines for increasing the accuracy of barcode printing on metal surfaces in the industrial sector.The training covered a range of topics, including the selection of high-precision marking equipment, surface preparation techniques, and methods for optimizing printing parameters. It helped solve problems such as blurry marks and easy peeling on metal surfaces, ensuring that the barcodes remained readable.

Why is it so easy to make mistakes when marking metal?

Unlike paper or plastic, the surface of metal is not flat, it is highly reflective, and is hard. Using a conventional barcode printer directly on metal is likely to result in scratches, blurry print, or even the print falling off.And with the oil and dust in the factory, if you're not careful when you're punching the characters it will affect the final result.

Choosing the right equipment is the first step to success.

The advantages of laser engraving.

Laser machines can engrave metal surfaces with precision up to 0.01 millimeters, making them suitable for permanent markings.But one must be careful in selecting the power level--the parameters for stainless steel and aluminum are totally different.

The inkjet printer is suitable for the following situations.

For temporary labeling or frequent content changes, an industrial inkjet printer is recommended.Remember to choose a model with a self-cleaning nozzle to avoid blockages that can affect the quality of the printing.

Three practical tips for improving your accuracy.

Surface preparation cannot be neglected.

Before engraving, the surface is cleaned with alcohol, and any rust is rubbed off with sandpaper.If the surface is a mirror finish, a dull finish primer can be sprayed on, which increases the contrast of the bar code by 30 % or more.

Tuning parameters requires patience.

Don't just use the default settings. Test on a small piece of scrap first, and start by adjusting the speed down and the precision up.If the edges of the letters are fuzzy, the frequency is raised. After a few tries, the best combination is found.

Preventative maintenance is more important than repairs.

The laser heads are cleaned with dust-free cloths once a week, and the tracks get a special oiling every month.I've encountered a customer who wanted to save on maintenance costs, and in half a year the accuracy of the equipment dropped by 40 % -- no matter how you look at it, that's a loss.

How can we solve common problems?

If the barcode scanner can't read it, first check to see if there is too much reflection, and use a cell phone camera to simulate the scan.If the ink is flaking off, try using a special ink containing metal oxides.A recent case involved an automobile parts factory that solved a problem of reflected light by adjusting the angle of its marking. The cost was zero, but the results were immediate.

Finally, a reminder to all: Don't blindly pursue the highest specifications. The best solution is one that fits the rhythm of your production line.It's a lot cheaper than buying several spares!