MARKING SYSTEMS FOR PIPE AND OTHER HARD TO REACH LOCATIONS

PORTABLE DEEP MARKING SYSTEM
The XF530m from Technifor, Inc. (Charlotte, NC) can be used to produce permanent marking at an unrivalled depth. It has a large marking field measuring 200 x 50 mm and is equally efficient at marking texts, logos, dates, variables, etc. All that is required for operation is a standard electrical supply (between 90 V and 230 V). Remarkably quiet in operation, this equipment is notable for its flexibility and ease of use. Whether being used on tubes or a flat surface, all that is needed is to position it on the part, without the need for any other clamping or positioning tools. It is designed for use on pipes of all kinds (oil , mining, gas), lifting equipment (pallet trucks, forklift trucks), vehicles, boatbuilding, or structural steelwork.

Marking can be flat, angled or radiating, and various font types are available. The XF530m is particularly ergonomic in design. Marking trigger buttons are positioned on the machine’s grab handles so that it can easily be held in position during the marking process. Its detached control unit is designed to be used anywhere in the world. To date, the interface can operate in more than 20 languages. The integrated control software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it very quick to set up a new marking template. There is also a large backlit screen to provide a quick view of the resultant marking.

Fitted with the latest generation of communication tools, the XF530m has a wide range of connection interfaces (RS232, Ethernet and 8-in/4-out) so that links can be established with the computer network, assembly line PLC etc. A simple USB memory stick can be used to import and export templates and logos. It has sufficient memory capacity to store more than 1000 marking templates. Whether used in its portable or permanently installed version, the XF530m is the industrial traceability answer to all your deep marking needs for all kinds of parts. www.gravotech.com

SAW BLADE MARKING
The Kwikmark with Porta Stand Attachment saw blade marking support system from Kwik Mark, Inc. (McHenry, IL) is self-contained, versatile and simple to operate. A bench top base with three equally spaced, removable arms is used to support saw blades with a range of diameters from 10 in to 72 in. Three sliding spacers may be positioned along the length of the arms to suite the saw blade size. The steel plate is 24 in square and includes four rubber feet to fit onto most benches. A 9.5 in diameter disc provides the solid support under the marking area.

A pneumatically retracting arbor features interchangeable diameters for centering a range of saw bores. A tapered top cap is used to locate and lock down the Kwikmark, which is controlled by the foot pedal (included). The operator slides the saw to the center, then presses the foot pedal to extend the arbor. The Kwikmark (with the Porta-Stand) slides towards the arbor. A tapered “pull” lock engages and centers the unit. The operator then releases the foot pedal to retract the arbor, which clamps the Kwikmark and saw to the support disc. No other clamping is required.

By removing the aluminum plate, a standard Porta Stand and Kwikmark may be used for traditional part marking as well. The unique dot peen process “floats” on the material surface during the marking operation, making it ideal for flat, curved and irregular surfaces, as well as rough castings. Just press one key and enter the text to mark on the included keyboard. No software to learn or manuals to read.

All Kwik Mark systems are designed and manufactured in a clean, state-of-the-art facility on modern CNC equipment to the most stringent quality control in the industry. Over 25,000 sq ft is dedicated to research, development and high-tech assembly. These systems feature time-proven designs with pre-engineered stations requiring minimal custom tooling for rapid deployment. www.kwikmark.com

PORTABLE MARKING FOR RAW, MACHINED OR PAINTED MATERIAL
The XF520Cp portable marking machine from Technifor, Inc. (Charlotte, NC) provides excellent marking quality at speeds up to 10 characters per second, handling a wide range of part marking and identification applications, including serial numbers, logos, machine readable DataMatrix^TM codes, etc. Creating marking files is fast and easy using the large 3.3 in x 1.75 in integrated backlit display and intuitive user-friendly software that incorporates icons, menus and graphical previews.

Data entry errors are easily eliminated by automatically transferring information from barcode scanners, CSV files, computer networks, etc. and the integrated USB port allows for convenient backup of logos and marking files onto a memory stick. The XF520Cp design promotes good ergonomics and allows operators to mark objects of varying weights, sizes and hard to reach locations on any raw, machined or painted material ? metals, alloys, plastics ? and on flat, convex or concave surfaces. Specifications include a net weight of 5.3 lb; unit size of 5.2 in L x 7.1 in W x 3.7 in H; marking area of 2 in x ¾ in; external keyboard; memory capacity of over 1,000 marking files; character size: 1/100 in to 2 in; fixed text, variables, date and time codes, counters, etc. www.gravotech.com

PORTABLE DOT PEEN MARKING
The Mini Mark from Kwik Mark, Inc. (McHenry, IL) is a small portable dot peen marking system designed for both hand held applications and integration into existing and new machinery. The system features preloaded leadscrews and ball slides for machine tool quality performance and durability. 12 mounting holes are provided for flexibility in mounting at virtually any position/angle. The controls (detached) feature the latest in embedded technology with CF card storage and network (LAN) and RS-232 connectivity.

The popular Type & Mark function allows the user to begin marking without learning new software or reading complex manuals. All features, such as graphic importing, 2D data-matrix marking, etc. are included inside a generous 2.2 in x 2.5 in marking area. Stick, dot or radius fonts are included. www.kwikmark.com

UID 2D MATRIX BAR-CODING & VERIFICATION
With the Department of Defense making 2D Matrix their primary form of coding for their Unique Identification program (UID), QCI Hills Laser Marking (Torrance, CA) offers UID 2D Matrix Barcode Marking and Verification and has adapted their marking service to conform to MIL-STD-130. With the ability to create UID 2D Matrix Bar-Codes on virtually any surface, QCI Hills also provides verification reports utilizing the AIM-DPM verification process in accordance with Military Standards. www.hillslasermarking.com