Columbia Marking Tools
Typical parts scribe marked to depths of up to 0.0080-inch.

Flexible, Deep Part-Marking Capability

April 30, 2019
New series performs dot-peen marking and CNC marking for 2D-square dot-matrix codes

COLUMBIA MARKING TOOLS INC. recently developed a new C-Series of markers that perform both dot-peen and what is called the ‘Silent Scribe’ CNC marking. Traceability requirements may call for "deep part marking," which may require dot-peen marking, low-stress dot-peen marking, impact marking, roll marking, laser marking, and now CMT’s Silent Scribe marking.

CMT patented the original programmable CNC scribe-marking machine technology in 2005, primarily for standard I-Mark scribe markers for marking 2D square dot-matrix codes. It uses an X-Y-Z axis slide arrangement that is driven through precise ballscrews. The scribe head, mounted on a platen that is linked to the slides, uses a diamond stylus to quietly scribe text or graphics into hard or soft surfaces producing fully-formed lines, curves, and 2D matrix codes.

The control of the head movement is provided by a programmable controller that interfaces with standard Windows®-based systems, combined with the high-power I-Mark marking system to create the marks and codes.

Using high-power stylus actuators that operate on relatively low air pressure, the C Series can produce extra deep marks. The ballscrew and linear bearing axis design permit the user to have either a quiet-running servo motor drive that provides high-speed marking capability up to 10 characters per second with 0.005 mm positioning accuracy; or, a high-performance stepper motor drive that gives 0.02 mm repeatability at five characters per second. The machine can operate as a stand-alone unit or, because of its compact size, can be integrated easily into an automated production system that use robots because the marking head is designed to ‘get-out-of-the-way’.

With the C-Series component architecture, the individual axis can be customized from 40 mm to 500 mm travel or more, allowing for exceptional flexibility.
Learn more at www.columbiamt.com