Technical materials such as carbon, titanium, special alloys, ceramics, and rubber require permanent marking that does not compromise their functional properties in any way. This marking is not limited to aesthetic engraving but must be considered a method of durable industrial identification, integrated into traceability and regulatory compliance systems (serial numbers, DataMatrix codes, UDI, etc.).
For materials exposed to high stress, permanent marking must be performed with high precision in order to preserve part integrity without affecting mechanical properties.
Industrial marking technologies are selected according to the material and specific requirements.
SIC MARKING offers a complete range of permanent marking machines, including laser engraving machines, dot peen marking machines, and scribing marking machines, each adapted to the specific needs of technical materials to ensure durable, precise marking that meets industrial requirements.
Marking of carbon composites (CFRP) requires a high level of technical expertise. Laser marking of carbon parts is the reference solution, as it enables permanent non-contact marking while preserving both the polymer matrix and fiber integrity.
In contrast, mechanical marking processes such as dot peen marking and scribing are strongly discouraged due to the risk of delamination and crack initiation.
Laser marking of carbon provides durable, legible, and compliant identification, meeting traceability and certification requirements in the aerospace, medical, and professional sports sectors.
Titanium, due to its high hardness, low thermal conductivity, high-temperature reactivity, and excellent corrosion resistance, influences the selection and configuration of permanent marking technologies such as laser marking, dot peen marking, or scribing.
Marking a titanium part requires highly precise parameter settings to control heat input and avoid any heat-affected zone or crack initiation, while still enabling, notably through laser annealing, high-contrast marking without material removal.
These characteristics ensure durable and reliable traceability, fully compliant with aerospace, medical, and industrial requirements.
Dot peen marking technology is widely used for titanium parts in the aerospace sector.
Special alloys, including Inconel part marking, require highly precise permanent marking, where material properties directly influence the choice of marking technology: laser marking by annealing to preserve metallurgical integrity and the passive layer, dot peen marking for maximum durability in severe environments, and scribing reserved for specific applications.
Settings must be validated part by part to avoid heat-affected zones, crack initiation, or micro-cracks, while ensuring readability and mechanical performance throughout the service life of the part.
In the aerospace, medical, and energy sectors, permanent marking becomes a critical qualification process. It includes testing, contrast verification, and compliance with traceability standards (DataMatrix DPM, UDI), while requiring strict control of laser parameters (power, frequency, energy) to limit heat buildup, document settings, and ensure regulatory compliance and in-service performance.
Ceramics, due to their extreme hardness, low toughness, and low thermal conductivity, require non-contact permanent marking with carefully controlled energy input. Laser marking is the reference technology, using short pulses with controlled power and frequency to avoid chipping, cracking, and heat-affected zones.
Parameters and wavelength must be adapted to each formulation (alumina, zirconia, nitrides, carbides), with part-by-part testing to ensure a reproducible and non-destructive process.
Regulatory and functional requirements (medical – UDI, aerospace, electronics) make marking qualification essential.
DataMatrix DPM codes and serial numbers must remain readable over time without affecting the mechanical properties of the ceramic part. Validation protocols, including visual inspections, mechanical testing, and traceability checks, help ensure long-term readability and preserve the functional integrity of the part throughout its service life.
Rubber presents specific marking constraints: its high elasticity and sensitivity to heat rule out aggressive mechanical marking processes, while poorly controlled energy input may lead to local material degradation. Low-energy laser marking is therefore preferred, with precise parameter settings and qualification tests adapted to each formulation (EPDM, NBR, silicone, FKM), ensuring durable traceability without compromising sealing performance or the mechanical properties of the part.
Rubber combines high elasticity (elongation at break generally between 200 and 800%), low stiffness, limited thermal conductivity, and significant thermal sensitivity. These characteristics require marking processes that do not apply mechanical stress.
Its behavior during permanent marking varies considerably depending on the formulation and filler content (particularly carbon black), making targeted material testing essential to ensure contrast, resistance to environmental conditions, and regulatory compliance while preserving functional integrity and sealing performance.
The selection of a marking technology depends on the compatibility between the material, the applied energy, and the acceptable level of mechanical stress.
Non-contact laser marking is preferred for sensitive materials such as carbon composites (CFRP), technical ceramics, and elastomers, as it avoids mechanical stress and helps preserve the functional properties of the part.
Dot peen marking is selected when deep and highly durable marking is required, particularly on alloys exposed to severe environments (Inconel, Monel) or in applications where long-term durability is essential. It is also used for light and precise marking of aerospace components, helping to avoid crack initiation.
Carbon Composite
Special Alloys
Titanium Marking
Laser Marking of Ceramics
Laser Marking on Rubber
Discover our flagship equipment for laser marking, micro-percussion, or scribing marking, including our Portable Machines, Marking Modules Integrable on Production Lines, or Standalone Marking Stations.
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