Automated Laser Marking Process in Vehicle Production
Introduction
In modern vehicle production, the automated laser marking process has become a critical step for ensuring permanent identification and traceability. Unlike conventional marking methods, laser marking creates durable, high-contrast marks that withstand painting, assembly, and harsh operating conditions. This is especially important for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) marking on body-in-white (BIW), where marks must remain legible for the entire vehicle lifecycle.
This technical guide examines the automated laser marking process in vehicle production, focusing on deep laser marking technology for high-strength steel and hot-formed steel. It covers the working principle, key features, integration with robotic systems, applications, benefits, and practical considerations for automotive engineers and production managers.
Product Overview
A deep laser marking machine is a specialized industrial system designed to create permanent marks on metallic surfaces, particularly high-strength steel plates used in automotive body structures. The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is engineered for deep VIN marking on materials with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa.
The system achieves a marking depth of more than 0.2 mm on body-in-white, ensuring the VIN remains readable even after the painting process. It is designed for easy integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators, making it suitable for automated production lines in automotive manufacturing.
Working Principle
The automated laser marking process uses a focused laser beam to locally melt or vaporize the material surface, creating a permanent mark. In deep laser marking, the laser power and pulse characteristics are controlled to achieve a specific depth, typically ≥0.2 mm for VIN applications. The KINMARK system employs a 200W laser and a marking area of 112mm × 112mm.
The process is guided by a control system that directs the laser according to the VIN data. The machine operates on AC220V ±10%, 50Hz ±2%, with power consumption below 1000W. It functions within an operating temperature range of 0~40℃ and humidity up to 90% RH (non-condensing).
For automated production, the marking head can be integrated with robots or manipulators. Optional 3D vision guidance enables precise positioning, while optional 3D laser scanning and OCR recognition provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability.
Key Features
Deep VIN Marking: Capable of marking high-strength steel (yield strength >700 MPa) and hot-formed steel (up to 1500 MPa) with a depth of ≥0.2 mm on BIW.
Easy Rubbing: Special marking process ensures clear rubbing results after painting.
Easy Integration: Various mounting interfaces allow quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators.
Vision Guidance (Optional): 3D vision guidance system for precise positioning and accurate marking.
Automatic Traceability (Optional): 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection and 100% traceability.
Robust Design: Operates reliably in typical automotive workshop environments.
Applications
The automated laser marking process is widely used in vehicle production, particularly for VIN marking on body-in-white. It is suitable for:
Automotive Manufacturing: Marking VINs on BIW before painting.
Automotive Components: Permanent identification of critical components.
New Energy Vehicles: Traceability of battery packs and structural parts.
Powertrain Manufacturing: Marking engine and transmission components.
Intelligent Factory Automation: Integration with robotic lines for automated marking and inspection.
The system is designed to work with high-strength steels commonly used in modern vehicle structures, ensuring durable marks that survive the paint shop and beyond.
Benefits
Permanent Traceability: Deep marks ensure VINs remain readable for the vehicle's lifetime, supporting regulatory compliance and recall management.
Process Consistency: Automated marking with optional vision and inspection systems reduces variability and human error.
Production Integration: Easy integration with robots and manipulators enables seamless automation in existing lines.
Manufacturing Efficiency: Fast marking cycles and online inspection help maintain production takt time.
Quality Management: Optional OCR and 3D scanning provide 100% inline quality verification.
Why Choose KINMARK
KINMARK (Jinan Zhongzheng Jinma Technology Co., Ltd.) has been a manufacturer of marking and traceability systems, fluid filling systems, servo press systems, and robot automation systems since 1996. The company is a Shandong Province "Gazelle" and "Specialized and Sophisticated" enterprise, with offices and service centers in major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Changchun, Wuhan, and Chongqing.
KINMARK has established long-term cooperation with automotive manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla, GM, Nissan, FAW Hongqi, GAC, Changan Automobile, BAIC Foton, GAC Honda, Beijing Hyundai, BYD, Great Wall Motor, Geely, Chery, XPeng, and NIO. The company also provides automation solutions to world-renowned enterprises like Bosch, BorgWarner, Gree, CRRC, Meritor, and AGCO.
The Deep Laser Marking Machine reflects KINMARK's commitment to intelligent factory automation, combining deep marking capability with optional vision guidance and traceability systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can the deep laser marking machine mark?
The system is designed for high-strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa. It achieves a marking depth of ≥0.2 mm on body-in-white.
Can the marking system be integrated with robots?
Yes, the machine features various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators, enabling automated production lines.
What is the marking depth and area?
The marking depth is ≥0.2 mm, and the marking area is 112mm × 112mm. The laser power is 200W.
Does the system support traceability?
Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability.
What are the power requirements?
The machine operates on AC220V ±10%, 50Hz ±2%, with power consumption below 1000W.
Conclusion
The automated laser marking process is essential for permanent vehicle identification and traceability in modern vehicle production. Deep laser marking machines, such as the KINMARK system, enable reliable VIN marking on high-strength and hot-formed steels, with optional vision guidance and inspection for full traceability. By integrating with robotic lines, manufacturers can achieve consistent, efficient, and compliant marking operations. As vehicle production continues to evolve, automated laser marking will remain a key technology for quality and traceability.
If you're interested in any of the equipment mentioned in this article, feel free to contact our sales engineers for detailed product information and customized technical solutions.