Published 8/12/2010

Software and Controllers for Marking Machines

The I-Mark I-series dot-peen marking system from Columbia Marking Tools is equipped with marking head, system controller, cables and programming software.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

The I-Mark I-series dot-peen marking system from Columbia Marking Tools is equipped with marking head, system controller, cables and programming software. According to the company, the marking system is well-suited for integrated production applications, and includes everything users need in one package to mark part numbers, date codes, serial numbers, 2D codes and more.

The system controller offers a choice of communications such as Ethernet IP, Modbus, Serial I/O and various others. Additional drives may be installed to control additional axes or components. As an option, the controllers can control two marking heads. This is said to save both machine and installation cost. In addition, the marking controller is capable of providing PLC controls. The required logic is programmed in the I-Mark Windows platform and downloaded to the controller along with the marking information. The controller provides marking, motion and additional controls from one control. With this functionality, no additional PLC may be required in an automated marking station. The controller can also control other marking systems.

The controllers may be programmed and monitored remotely with the use of the I-Mark Windows software. The software has an extensive help file, integrated video demos, and graphic icons that combine to provide reduced start-up time. Drag and drop functionality is incorporated to assure quick program generation and easy entity sizing. Multiple character fonts are supported including OCR (optical character recognition). In depth user control is available for custom shift codes, complex date coding and advanced sequences. DXF files can be imported for marking logos or for use as background positioning files. The software also contains a machine controller view with advanced diagnostics.

The marking system’s compact head, measuring approximately 7" × 7" × 7", may be mounted on one of three sides. The X-Y CNC movement for the marking head is provided by high-torque stepper motors and linear rails that mark as many as five (¹/₈") characters per second with good readability, the company says. The flexible marking system features a pneumatic marking pin and carbide tip to inscribe both ferrous and nonferrous metals.

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