In the manufacturing of large-format components-motors, hydraulic pumps, electric motors, industrial valves-laser marking on nameplates is an established operational solution. When components are too bulky to be handled easily or have surfaces incompatible with direct marking, the application of a marked nameplate enables traceability without compromising the production flow.
The Operational Needs of the Sector.
Those who work with significant production volumes of nameplates face a number of technical requirements that go beyond simply being able to imprint a code on a metal surface.
Integration with Management Systems
The first requirement concerns integration with MES and ERP systems. The marking process must communicate in real time with the company database, automatically retrieving the information to be marked: progressive serial numbers, product codes, production dates, specific technical parameters. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces the risk of transcription errors.
The laser system queries the database or reads structured files (CSV tables, SQL connections, REST API), generates the marking layout and records the successful operation. Each marked tag leaves a trace in the company’s information system, allowing complete traceability of the component throughout the production chain.
Managing Multiple Layouts and Serialization
Companies that produce different families of components need differentiated marking layouts. Each product may require specific information: some provide only a DataMatrix and a logo, while others need extensive technical tables with operating parameters, customer codes, and regulatory references.
The system must allow dozens of different templates to be stored and quickly recalled according to the product being processed. Progressive serialization must be reliably managed, ensuring the uniqueness of each code and the timely recording of each marking made.
Productivity and Laser Choice
Cycle times are a critical parameter. For markings on metal plates (stainless steel, aluminum, brass), 30W fiber lasers are the most popular choice, offering a good compromise between process speed and investment. Compared with 20W sources, they allow cycle times to be reduced by 20-25%, a significant advantage on large volumes.
In contexts where productivity is a priority, the adoption of 50W lasers may be considered, allowing an additional gain of about 20 percent on time. Care must be taken, however, with thin or thermally sensitive plates, which can undergo deformation if subjected to excessive heat input. Calibration of marking parameters must take into account the physical characteristics of the substrate.
Fume Extraction and Management
The extraction of marking fumes is an often underestimated but essential technical aspect. During the laser process, the removed material generates volatile particles that, if not effectively removed, can settle on the nameplate, compromising the readability of the code.
The problem is exacerbated with painted or coated plates, where removal of the surface layer produces more debris. A localized and efficient vacuum system is necessary to maintain marking quality, protect laser optics, and ensure proper operating conditions.
The Role of Software in Name Plate Management.
Software constitutes the critical element of the system. The ability to automate data management, interface with business systems, and manage complex layouts determines the overall efficiency of the process.
Interface with Databases and Frontier Tables
Marking software must be able to read information from external databases through SQL queries, OPC-UA protocols, REST APIs, or structured files. Boundary tables are the most common tool: files that contain lists of products with their data to be marked (codes, serial numbers, technical parameters).
The software scrolls through the table, generates the corresponding marking, and updates the status of each element. This approach makes it possible to manage complex production runs without requiring continuous operator intervention, which simply loads the tags and starts the process.
Dynamic Layouts and Variable Fields
The system must allow the creation of customizable layouts with graphics, text, two-dimensional codes and logos. The management of variable fields–progressive numbers, dates, batches–that change automatically from one marking to another is a standard requirement.
The ability to quickly save and recall different templates allows switching between product families without manual reprogramming, keeping operational flexibility high.
Traceability and Registration
Every marking made must be recorded: date, time, operator, serial number, process outcome, parameters used. This data feeds a traceability database that can be queried for quality checks, process analysis or audits.
Generating reports on a daily or batch basis allows the production manager to monitor the efficiency of the system and identify any critical issues in the process.
LASIT Solutions for Marking Nameplates
LASIT has developed the TowerTag line, laser systems designed to handle different production volumes through scalable configurations.
Hardware Configurations
Machines in the TowerTag family are available with one or more loaders, depending on production volumes. Configurations range from single-loader systems (50-300 plates/day) to machines with four independent loaders (thousands of pieces/shift).
The handling system is based on pick and place with Venturi vacuum: plates are picked up from above without mechanical contact, avoiding scratches or damage. This is relevant when working on painted plates or plates with delicate surface finishes.
Loading accumulators have capacities of up to 400 plates per loader. The process is fully automatic: picking, placing under the laser head, marking, and depositing in the unloading area. The operator replenishes the loaders and empties the unloading areas periodically.
Discharge Mode
Machines can be configured with disorderly unloading (plates deposited in a container) or orderly unloading (plates repositioned in structured storage). The choice depends on logistical needs: orderly unloading facilitates picking for later stages; disorderly unloading is faster for storage operations.
Advanced configurations include multiple discharges on a rotary table, where plates are automatically distributed into different trays according to product or batch.
Tag-Management Software
The Tag-Management System is LASIT’s proprietary software dedicated to tag marking. It handles integration with enterprise databases, definition of custom templates and automatic serialization.
The system allows dynamic variables (progressives, lots, dates, database references) to be assigned to each layout field. It automatically manages numbering progress, stores each marking made, and allows export of reports for traceability.
The interface is designed to be operational even with unskilled personnel. Once layouts are configured and marking rules are set, the system operates autonomously.
LASIT offers support for specific software customizations, adapting interfaces, communication protocols, and functionality according to customer needs.
