In the manufacture of valves, pumps, fittings and similar hydraulic components, laser marking has taken on a role that goes far beyond simply affixing a logo. Today it is an integral part of process traceability: Datamatrix codes, progressive serial numbers, regulatory references and batch data are engraved directly on the body of the brass, stainless steel or carbon steel component, ensuring indelible marking that is resistant to impact, chemicals and wash cycles.
Manufacturers in this industry typically work with large batches on families of components that are relatively homogeneous in size: the same valve may be produced in hundreds or thousands of parts per day, with marking times ranging from 2 to 12 seconds per part. In this scenario, the main constraint is not geometric versatility but continuous throughput, combined with positioning repeatability that makes the code always readable by downstream automated systems.
The two- or four-station rotary table responds directly to this need. The Rotomark platform was developed precisely to cover this application profile, with mechanical configurations and process options selectable according to part size, marking layout and degree of automation required.
Masked time loading and axis configurations
The operating principle is simple but decisive: while the laser marks the part at the workstation, the operator (or a robot) loads the next part into the external loading station. Once the cycle is complete, the table rotates 180° (or 90° in four-station versions) and the laser immediately starts marking the new part. The loading/unloading dead time is superimposed on the marking time, and the laser source remains operational for almost the entire shift.
The machine is available with Ø600, Ø1000 and Ø1200 mm tables, a size that must be chosen according to the size of the workpiece, the height of the safety bulkhead and the number of stations desired. The table is combined with a motorized Z-axis with a typical stroke of 200 mm, sufficient to handle focusing on workpieces of different heights without manual intervention.
For applications that require marking multiple components simultaneously-for example, a pallet with six or eight fittings-a configuration with XZ axes combined with the rotary table is available . The additional X-axis, with travels up to 900 mm, extends the working area by covering the entire radius of the table and allows pallets of components to be marked in Masked time, rather than a single part per station. This configuration also opens up the possibility of integrating a side vision system, which we will discuss later.
Mechanical structure: why it matters in a high-throughput system
In a system that works continuously for eight thousand or more cycles per day, structural stiffness and dimensional stability are not marginal details. The Rotomark’s frame is made of welded, thermally distensioned, NC-milled steel, a solution that ensures very small deformations (less than 0.08 mm under nominal load conditions) and stable geometry over time. The frame design is verified using FEM techniques, and the axis system is mounted on preloaded recirculating ball bearing guides with a double-bearing Bosch screw on the motor side, a configuration that combines high rotation speed and axial stiffness.
The mechanical cam rotation mechanism is a choice that LASIT has maintained for years precisely because of the precision and repeatability features it offers. Rotation is controlled by an inverter-driven motor, which can be adjusted according to the weight and size of the part, and ensures accurate positioning of the stations relative to the center of rotation. The centering jigs are interchangeable and mount on two mirrored placings made with hardened bushings and Helicoil threaded holes, a solution that reduces changeover time.
360° marking and curved surfaces: rotary axes and 3D heads
A frequent request in the valve world is to mark over a significant portion of the circumference of the body, for example, to mark a Datamatrix next to alphanumeric text or to develop the logo along a 90° or 180° arc. To meet this need, the Rotomark can be equipped with rotary axes integrated into the stations (dual W-axis configurations): the part is rotated during marking, always in Masked time, while the adjacent station is loading.
For parts with highly curved surfaces or significant three-dimensional developments, however, the 3D scanning head. This is a three-axis optical system that allows focused marking on nonplanar surfaces without having to mechanically move either the head or the part. The practical advantage is twofold: additional mechanical movement (with its associated time and tolerances) is avoided, and larger marking areas can be covered while maintaining consistent engraving quality.
Vision, code reading and software integration
For marking for traceability purposes, two elements often make the difference between a system that works and one that generates rejects: part centering and verification of the marked code. The Rotomark can be equipped with a side-viewing system mounted on board the scanning head and equipped with a dedicated illuminator. The same system typically performs three functions: self-centering of the part with respect to the marking layout (resulting in easier jigs), OCR reading of the marked text for conformance verification, and Datamatrix reading/grading according to reference standards (ISO/IEC 15415, AIM-DPM), with grading typically required between grade A and grade B.
In some applications, the customer requires to manage a specific procedure in case of NOK code: deletion and remarking, automatic rejection, machine stop with reporting to the line supervisor. All these logics are managed at the custom software level.
On the control side, the machine mounts CE-compliant switchboards with Siemens, Schneider Electric or ABB PLCs and drives as standard, depending on customer specifications, and integrates natively with MES and ERP systems through established industrial protocols (Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA). FlyCAD/FlyControl software handles the dynamic generation of codes, progressive serial numbers and variable content retrieved from external databases, while the custom interface layer can be modeled on line-specific logic.
Manual loading, robotic integration, and work modes
The machine is designed to cover both operating scenarios: manual operator manning at the front end, or integration into a robotic cell with automatic loading/unloading. The three typical modes-table in automatic, table in manual with push-button start, and side door with locked table for bulkier single loads-can be selected according to line flow and production mix.
In summary
For manufacturers of valves, pumps and fittings with high traceability and productivity requirements on homogeneous families of components, the Rotomark represents a proven process platform. The choice among the various configurations-table diameter, number of axes, presence of vision, 3D head, station rotary axes-should be made from the actual part: size, material, marking content, required cycle time, and degree of line automation. This is the kind of evaluation that is best approached with samples in hand, at the feasibility study stage.
