Metal marking

Marking of Metal Assets

Metal assets — such as equipment, machines, production lines, metal structures, tools, and spare parts — require reliable and durable identification. Given the operating conditions, markings must remain legible under high temperatures, moisture, mechanical loads, and aggressive chemical environments. Reliable marking enables tracking, inventory, identification, and movement control of metal assets throughout their entire lifecycle.

Main technologies for marking metal assets:

Laser Marking

Laser engraving allows applying serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, logos, and other data directly to the metal surface. This type of marking: is resistant to abrasion and chemical exposure; requires no consumables; can be applied to a wide range of metals (steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.).

Dot Peen Marking

This mechanical method uses micro-percussion to engrave information into the metal surface: suitable for areas with high anti-vandalism requirements; applicable to painted and unpainted surfaces; can be used in environments without electricity.

Metal Tags

Used when direct marking on the item is not possible (due to coating, shape, or harsh conditions). Tags can: be made from stainless steel or aluminum; contain a barcode, QR code, or RFID chip; be attached using welding, rivets, screws, wire, or cable ties.

 

RFID Tags

RFID tags in rugged enclosures are used for asset tracking automation: can be embedded in metal tags; enable fast contactless identification; resistant to dust, dirt, moisture, and mechanical stress; integrate with EAM, WMS, and ERP systems.

Combined Solutions

In practice, a combination of methods is often used — for example, a metal tag with laser engraving and an embedded RFID chip. This enhances identification reliability, especially in harsh industrial and outdoor environments.

The choice of marking method for metal assets depends on the operating conditions, the required level of automation, and budget. Properly selected marking is the foundation of efficient asset management, maintenance, and protection.