Industrial Marking: Technologies, Durability and Tailored Solutions for SMEs

For production companies and SMEs, industrial marking is an essential process within traceability, quality control, and product identification. From serial numbers on metal components to full-color labels on plastics or glass, the chosen technology determines visibility, longevity, wear resistance, and cost efficiency.

AdFortem supports companies in choosing the ideal marking method, depending on material, environment, production volume, and budget. This article covers the four most commonly used technologies today: laser engraving machines, dot-peen marking systems, CNC engraving machines, and UV flatbed printers. We compare their durability, color capabilities and typical applications — and explain how AdFortem helps companies with custom solutions.

Laser Engraving Machines – High Precision, High Speed and Extremely Durable Markings

Laser engraving is one of the most versatile and reliable marking technologies. Using CO₂, fiber or MOPA lasers, the beam selectively burns, engraves or discolors material. AdFortem offers multiple laser sources, ensuring optimal performance for almost any material.

Advantages of laser engraving:

• Exceptional precision – ideal for microtext, datamatrix codes and complex logos

• Extremely durable markings – wear-resistant and chemical-resistant

• High processing speed – suitable for medium to large production runs

• Contactless process – no mechanical wear, minimal maintenance

• Wide material compatibility – metals, plastics, wood, cardboard, textiles, glass

Color range

Laser engraving produces monochrome markings: dark, light or contrasting tones depending on the material.

View the full range of machines:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/Lasergraveermachines

Dot-Peen Machines – The Standard for Permanent Industrial Marking

Dot-peen marking uses a fast-moving pin to create a pattern of indents in the material. This method is a favorite in heavy industries such as automotive, machining and metalworking.

Benefits of dot-peen marking:

• Very high durability – ideal for harsh industrial environments

• Permanent indentation – remains readable under heavy mechanical stress

• Perfect for traceability – serial numbers, chassis numbers, datamatrix codes

• Suitable for rough or curved surfaces

• Low operating costs

Color range

Dot-peen is monochrome, since it mechanically indents the base material.

View all dot-peen marking machines:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/Dot-pin-machines

CNC Engraving Machines – Deep Mechanical Engraving With Maximum Longevity

CNC engraving uses a mechanical tool or milling cutter to remove material. This creates a deep, long-lasting engraving ideal for environments where markings must remain visible for decades.

Why choose CNC engraving:

• Deep, permanent engravings

• Highly wear-resistant

• Uniform, high-quality results – ideal for nameplates, control panels, metal plates

• High flexibility in design

• Suitable for demanding industrial sectors

Color range

Like dot-peen, CNC engraving is monochromatic, defined by the material itself.

Explore engraving and cutting machines:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/Graveer-en-snijmachines

UV Flatbed Printers – Full-Color Printing With Strong Adhesion and Durability

UV flatbed printers apply ink onto the surface and instantly cure it using ultraviolet light. This results in a strong, scratch-resistant print with full-color capability.

What makes UV printing unique:

• Full-color printing, including photo-quality images

• Excellent adhesion on plastics, wood, glass, metal, stone and more

• Scratch-resistant thanks to UV curing

• Optional white ink and varnish for premium effects

• Ideal for branding, personalization, prototypes and signage

Color range

UV printing offers the widest color spectrum of all marking methods: CMYK, white and varnish.

View all UV flatbed printers:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/UV-flatbed-printer

Comparison: Durability & Color Range

AdFortem also offers a wide range of engraving materials for laser, CNC and UV applications.

Discover all engraving materials:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/Graveermaterialen

Tailored Industrial Marking Solutions by AdFortem

AdFortem provides not only machines but also consultancy, configuration, installation and technical support, helping companies choose and implement the ideal marking system.

Support includes:

• Needs analysis & technology selection

• Testing and sample marking

• Integration into production workflows

• Operator training

• Service and after-sales support

Contact AdFortem for expert advice or a demo:
https://www.adfortem.eu/nl/contact