More on Direct Part Marking Methods: Compare Durability, Speed, Mark Quality, and System Cost

Let’s give this topic one more quick look.

The major direct part marking (DPM) methods (laser, ink jet, dot peen, chemical etching) have a variety of pros and cons, but how do they stack up against each other head to head (no pun intended!)? Take a look at the table below for a comparison of what I think are the key factors to consider:

• What the technology is best suited for
• Mark quality
• Materials
• Mark permanence
• Speed
• Integration-readiness
• Process consumables
• Maintenance
• Capital cost
• Running costs

As you can see above, on balance, laser marking is the most versatile of the DPM methods, with benefits including superior permanent mark quality on metals and plastics; highly flexible marks that can incorporate text, graphics, logos and data codes; and a wide range of markable materials. It has the highest capital cost, but lowest running costs. In addition, laser marking is a high speed process that is easily integrated into a new or existing manufacturing line. Safety is enhanced because laser marking is a non-contact process with good standoff distance, and the lack of chemicals makes it environmentally preferable.