Cutting Tool Laser Marking System Offers Unattended Operation

Photo Credit: Anca

An automatic stand-alone laser marking station, the AutoMarkX is the latest addition to Anca’s family of tool production solutions. The operator simply loads as many as two full pallets of tools and the robot performs the laser marking operations, freeing up staff to take care of other tasks. The unit can accommodate a wide range of tool sizes, making it a versatile proposition for many manufacturers.

Tool ID’s and graphics such as a company logo are used to identify a tool, while serialization and batch marking ensure full traceability for the entire life of the tool. Flexible marking means the message could be etched on a single side or on opposite sides of the shank as well as at the end of tool. Marking on the end of tool is particularly useful for applications in which a unique tool identification code such as Datamatrix must be etched on the tool. These codes have historically been etched on the shank of the tool where it can be exposed to excessive surface wear, rendering them unreadable. The end of tool is the ideal location to etch these types of codes to overcome this type of issues. 

AutoMarkX accepts different pallet standards which means it can be easily integrated into a company’s production process and currently used pallets. The systems can be integrated into the AIMS Server to become a part of a fully automated production cell. In this case, sequential tool production processes are fully automated right through to laser marking on the tool. AIMS also provides a platform for extended functionality including tool traceability and serialization.