Both pin marking, also called dot peen marking, and laser marking are used to create clear, legible marks on manufactured materials. Dot peen marking creates patterns out of indents using rigid metal pins, while laser marking uses a laser to etch patterns on materials.
Laser marking is best for intricate designs like branding and QR codes. It’s faster than pin marking and creates highly durable marks on wood, plastic, metal and glass. Pin marking, on the other hand, creates deeper marks that are ideal for part identification and other industrial applications. You can use pin marking on materials like metal and plastic.
Not sure which kind of marking is right for you? This guide defines each method and provides the six biggest differences between the two to help you decide.
Dot peen marking systems, also known as pin engraving machines or pin stamping, use small rigid metal pins to create indents on a part. These pins leave small indentations to mark a part permanently. The two common dot marking systems are:
Pin marking has been used for many years to mark and track manufacturing parts. It’s a reliable, affordable system that can meet basic manufacturing needs across many industries.
Laser marking is the process of changing a part’s surface with laser light. The targeted surface will gradually change through localized heating of the part, creating high-contrast markings. Two common types of laser marking systems include:
This kind of marking relies on newer technology that creates high precision and detail. It’s an excellent choice for intricate designs and can be applied to materials and products across many industries. Although it requires a higher initial investment than pin marking, it works much faster and is ideal for marking large product batches quickly.
Both dot peen marking machines and laser marking systems can develop permanent markings on your products. However, there are distinct differences to consider when choosing a system that works effectively for you. Consider these six aspects where laser marking and dot peen marking differ.
Pin engraving machines typically work well when marking rigid materials like hard plastic or metal. They’re commonly used in the aeronautics and automotive industries. However, this marking method creates shallower marks and a rougher surface finish.
Laser marking machines, on the other hand, have a smoother finish. They may be a better alternative since they can mark various products made of metal, plastic, glass, paper and ceramics.
If you’re concerned about style options, dot peen engraving machines have a limited font size, type and dot density to stay legible. Some marking options available with a dot marking system include data matrix codes, numbers and letters. For some manufactured products, these options are all you need.
However, laser marking systems offer various text sizes and styles to make precise and unique designs as small as 15 microns. Laser marking machines can help you perform complex tasks like barcode marking and alphanumeric serial numbers that maintain readability even after surface treatments like powder coating, shot blasting, e-coating and heat treating.
Dot peen marking systems can only be used autonomously, and they require complex considerations due to frequent stress from vibrations and shocks. While in use, these systems can cause considerable noise that may affect operators working nearby. The frequent stress of dot peen engraving machines can also lead to regular maintenance needs like finding replacement parts.
In contrast, you can use laser marking machines manually with a marking station or autonomously in a line. Laser marking systems are particularly helpful for easy integration and implementation. Because this marking process is non-contact, it creates less mechanical wear between the laser and part. And if it does require maintenance, replacement parts are easy to obtain.
Pin engraving machines are designed to create deep, clear marks on a variety of materials. However, they are limited in the shapes they can create, and there are certain angles and lighting where these indents are more difficult to read. Over time, pin marking can also wear down, making it challenging to read.
Laser marking offers increased flexibility in what you can mark and the different shapes you can implement accurately. Another benefit of laser marking is its durability — laser marks are permanent and more durable than pin marking. If you need a mark that’s never going to wear away, laser marking may be the best method to choose.
When working in production or manufacturing lines, speed is essential to keep up with cycle times. Dot peen systems may take several seconds longer than laser systems for the same design, making them less ideal for production lines. However, dot marking systems have better efficiency than laser systems when implementing deep engravings.
In comparison, laser marking systems have unmatched speed and can increase their power to process materials faster depending on how many watts a laser machine has. For example, a 100W laser may work twice as fast as a 50W laser. These laser systems can also cover a larger area without physically moving, allowing them to mark even complex designs within seconds.
The biggest advantage of getting a dot peen marking machine is that it is cheaper than a laser marking system in the short run. However, pin engraving systems will require higher long-term costs in terms of maintenance and repairs. The writing tip can deteriorate when marking harder materials, causing you to pay for replacement parts continually.
While laser marking systems have a higher initial price, they offer lower long-term costs. Laser markers have low maintenance requirements and less recurrent costs on repairs and energy. Additionally, laser marking machines will stay relevant for years because their marking capabilities will grow as technology continues to develop.
Dot peen marking machines have been the go-to for decades. While they can be a useful addition to your business with permanent markings and low purchase prices, laser marking systems have the capabilities needed to maintain high performance and surpass your competitors. If you’re ready to upgrade to a laser part marking system, consider Laser Marking Technologies.
Laser Marking Technologies is an industry-leading laser marking and engraving technology provider ready to help you meet your engraving needs. We have over a century of combined experience, and our experts have developed hundreds of laser marking system solutions for businesses. We encourage you to browse our selection of laser marking systems and contact our team today for a state-of-the-art marking solution.
