More than a half-century since the dawn of the Jet Age, the aerospace industry is again on the leading edge of technology. Aerospace-specific requirements include traceability and serializing of even the smallest components. Reliability, readability, and a requirement to mark even the smallest 2D codes and human-readable information are just some of the considerations taken into account when selecting marking equipment.
For over 50 years Telesis Technologies has been the leader in direct part marking – not only in the aerospace market but automotive, general industrial and medical devices. Our TMP6100 Pin Stamp Dot Peen Marker is a unique, versatile, and extremely precise “robot” style marker, which gives the user an exceeding large marking window (6” X 12”) and a unique double-jointed arm, which allows for the long reach and exceptional visual access to the workpiece. “The 6100 system is a mainstay in the aerospace industry,” says Jack Breen, a 30 year veteran of the Northeast aerospace market and Telesis salesperson. “The 6100 led the industry with its ability to mark even the smallest 2D Datamatrix codes and its easy Auto-Sense touch-off to detect the part surface before marking.”
As we move into the future, so do the tools that we use, including the latest in laser marking technology. The shift to laser marking for certain aerospace applications will soon reach jet-like speed as government regulators come around to the new methods and approve laser marking of a wider variety of parts. The high heat environment of an aerospace engine has already ruled out temporary marking methods like inkjet, labeling, and RFID.
“It is happening.” said Naveen Beasley, regional sales manager for Telesis. “And there’s no going back. It’s too important.”
The United States is full of aviation companies, including suppliers to the major engine manufacturers, their sub-suppliers, even Boeing - the world’s largest aerospace company. According to Beasley, Boeing and others are pushing their suppliers to improve the traceability of parts used in making commercial jets, defense aircraft, satellites, rocket engines, and more. And that improvement requires not only the use of traditional techniques of dot-peen marking but the embracing of laser systems when contrast and minimal disruption of the surface finish is required.
“Dot peen can make a great 2D code,” Beasley said. But sometimes such codes can be difficult to read on the metals used in aviation. That’s particularly true when a part has been damaged in an accident or test. Additionally, counterfeit parts can also be an issue in the aerospace industry. Clear permanent marks prevent that.
“With a laser, you can create a contrasting mark that is as easy to read as something drawn with a Sharpie on a whiteboard,” Beasley said. “That can save companies a lot of headaches.”
Newer “cold” lasers can mark metals and plastic with minimal heat effects as well as follow various contours with consistent readability. For deep marking and engraving, nothing beats out F-Series Fiber lasers with optional Vari-Z 3 Axis control.
Quality is everything in aerospace, and with a team of field sales engineers, factory field technicians, and over 50 years in the direct part marking business, Telesis has you covered.
Contact us today for additional information.