In the sheet metal working industry, press tools represent high value-added components that require permanent and professional identification. Knives, punches, and dies must be accurately tracked, but their dimensional characteristics and heavy weight make marking with standard systems complex. The FlyRun was created precisely to meet these specific needs, combining intelligent automation and operational flexibility.
Handling of heavy and bulky parts
Those who manufacture press tools know that handling parts up to a meter long and weighing tens of kilograms is not trivial. Loading and unloading can slow production and increase the risk of positioning errors. The FlyRun integrates a roller conveyor system both inside and outside the marking chamber, available in manual or motorized versions depending on production needs, which allows tools to be transported in a smooth and controlled manner.
This approach offers real advantages: the operator can load the part from the outside, advance it to the work area and, once marking is complete, unload the component without physical effort. The motorized configuration is also compatible with mechanical arms, collaborative robots or lifting systems, allowing integration into semi-automatic or fully automated lines.
Automatic positioning system
One of the most common critical issues in tool marking is ensuring that each part is positioned exactly the same. Even slight variations can compromise the readability of the code or the aesthetic quality of the logo. For this reason, the FlyRun is equipped with a pneumatic positioning system that automatically brings the tool to a stop along the X and Y axes.
This mechanism eliminates the uncertainties associated with manual positioning and drastically reduces setup time. The operator no longer has to measure, align or verify: the part is automatically centered in the correct position, ensuring millimeter repeatability even on batches of hundreds of parts.
XYZ axes for multiple markings
Press tools rarely require a single marking. Often it is necessary to engrave identification codes, logos or technical specifications at multiple locations on the same component. With a conventional machine, this would involve multiple manual repositionings, resulting in wasted time and risk of errors.
The FlyRun solves this problem with its fully integrated XYZ motorized axes. The laser head moves automatically along all three dimensions, allowing extensive surfaces (up to 500×300 mm) to be marked without having to move the part manually. FlyCAD software independently manages the marking sequence, dividing the drawing into sections and coordinating axis movements to cover the entire required area.
In some cases, lateral or inclined surfaces may also need to be marked. For these applications, the FlyRun offers the option of integrating the 90-degree oriented scanning head, further expanding application possibilities without the need for complex part rotation systems.
MOPA laser for black and white markings
In the field of press tooling, more than 90 percent of requests are for black or white markings on steel. This type of finishing requires very precise control of the energy released by the laser, which is only possible with variable pulse sources (MOPAs). Unlike standard fiber lasers, MOPAs allow the pulse duration to be modulated to achieve surface annealing effects without ablation of the material.
The result is high-contrast, aesthetically professional and durable marking. For applications requiring high productivity, the FlyRun can mount 50W or 100W lasers, which significantly reduce cycle times while maintaining consistent quality. The use of wide focal lengths (FFL330 or FFL420) also allows energy to be distributed more evenly, improving the annealing effect and reducing the risk of localized thermal stress.
Steel construction for stability and durability
Mechanical strength is a key requirement for those working with heavy components and intensive production cycles. The FlyRun is made with a welded, stretched and milled steel structure, which ensures dimensional stability over time and minimizes vibration during axis movements.
This attention to construction translates into practical advantages: greater positioning accuracy, less wear on mechanical components and reduced maintenance requirements. The machine is designed to operate in even harsh industrial environments, maintaining consistent performance even after thousands of hours of operation.
Applications even beyond pressing
Although the FlyRun was designed with the press tool sector in mind, its technical features make it suitable for other industrial applications as well. Large mechanical components, molds, light carpentry parts or tools for other machine tools can benefit from the same approach: facilitated loading, automatic positioning and multi-point marking.
The flexibility of FlyCAD software makes it easy to handle even variable batch production, with the ability to recall different marking programs in seconds. This drastically reduces downtime associated with production changeovers, a critical factor for those working on order or with high code variety.
Benefits for the production flow
Integrating a FlyRun means rethinking the marking process not as an ancillary step, but as an integral part of the production cycle. Reduced setup time, automated positioning and the ability to mark multiple areas without manual intervention result in measurable increases in hourly productivity.
For companies that work on large volumes or want to offer more value-added services to their customers, laser marking with dedicated systems such as FlyRun is an almost obligatory step. Permanent traceability, aesthetic professionalism and speed of execution are elements that today’s market increasingly demands, and that only specialized technologies can guarantee.