M-Series

Marking Tools has launched of a new programmable marking machine line. This line features I-Mark Software, with state-of-the-art controllers and industrial marking heads. Three models are now available: M-Series benchtop machines, I-Series integration models and the C-Series custom systems. The M-Series machines are complete and ready to run right out of the box, and are great for moderate to high production marking applications, according to the company. The M-Series dot-peen marking machines are benchtop designs featuring a basic I-Mark controller with a GUI interface. The M-series models are offered in a variety of marking windowsand the X-Y CNC movement for the marking head is provided by high torque stepper motors and linear rails which mark up to five (¹⁄₈") characters per second with good quality readability. Upgrades include: Touch Screen interface, third axis control for automated Z or rotator to mark on the OD of round parts. The compact I-Mark I series marking head is approximately 7 x 7 x 7 inches in size and has a marking window of 2.35 x 1.59 inches. The solid aluminum frame offers a choice of three sides to mount on, allowing for flexibility when integrated the marking system into automated production equipment. The I-series is available in either dot-peen, with high torque stepper motors and linear rails, or scribe, with high torque stepper motors and ballscrew drives. An advanced controller has multiple I/O points for machine controls, USB and Ethernet connection for networking. In addition, the marking controller is capable of providing PLC controls. The required logic is easily programmed in the I-Mark windows platform and downloaded to the controller along the marking information. The I-Mark™ controller will offer integrators a cost savings due to the ability to provide marking, motion and additional controls from one control. With this functionality, no additional PLC may be required in an automated marking station. The versatile C-Series is used extensively for custom solutions, but is also well suited for integration. These systems have both air and electric versions. The C-series is also dual mode – and is capable of marking in both dot-peen and scribe in a single program. Options include: air or electric automated Z axis, multiple window sizes, stepper (regular marking speed (5) characters per second) or servo (fast marking speed (10) characters per second). The slim head design makes this suitable for custom mark and read stations. The I-Mark I series system is provided with a complete package, including a Windows software interface. This software runs on most windows platforms with user-friendly icons for quick navigation through programming. The I-Mark 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). Advanced 2-D data matrix configurations include: entity selection and sizing parameters. In-depth user control is available for custom shift codes, complex date coding and advanced sequences. Import DXF files for marking logos, or for use as background positioning files. The software also contains a machine controller view with advanced diagnostics.