How to Mark VIN Codes on High-Strength Automotive Steel
Introduction
Marking Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) on high strength automotive steel is a critical process in modern vehicle manufacturing. High strength steels, including those with yield strengths exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steels up to 1500 MPa, are increasingly used in body-in-white structures to improve crash safety and reduce weight. However, these materials present unique challenges for VIN marking because their hardness and metallurgical properties can make traditional marking methods less effective. This guide explains how to mark VIN codes on high strength automotive steel using deep laser marking technology, covering the working principle, key process considerations, equipment requirements, integration options, and quality verification methods.
Product Overview
The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is designed specifically for permanent VIN deep marking on high strength steel plates and hot-formed steel plates used in automotive body-in-white applications. It enables marking depths greater than 0.2 mm on body-in-white, ensuring the VIN remains legible and traceable throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. The system is suitable for automotive mass production environments and can be integrated with industrial robots or assisted manipulators for automated production lines.
Key technical specifications include:
Power Supply: AC220V ±10%, 50Hz ±2%
Power Consumption: <1000W
Laser Power: 200W
Marking Area: 112mm × 112mm
Marking Depth: ≥0.2mm
Operating Temperature: 0~40℃
Operating Humidity: ≤90% RH (Non-condensing)
Working Principle of Deep Laser Marking
Deep laser marking uses a high-power laser beam to remove or alter material from the surface of the steel, creating a permanent mark with significant depth. Unlike surface marking methods that only change color or leave a shallow impression, deep laser marking penetrates the material to a controlled depth, which is essential for VINs that must remain readable after painting and throughout the vehicle's life. Learn more about KINMARK's deep laser marking machines for industrial marking applications.
The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine employs a special marking process that ensures clear rubbing results after painting. The system's 200W laser and 112mm × 112mm marking area allow for precise, repeatable marking on high strength steels. For automated production, the system can be integrated with robots or assisted manipulators using various mounting interfaces. Optional 3D vision guidance enables precise positioning, while optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality to ensure 100% traceability. For broader industrial marking requirements, explore KINMARK's marking and traceability systems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Marking VIN on High Strength Steel
Step 1: Material Preparation and Verification
Before marking, verify the type and thickness of the high strength steel. The KINMARK system is designed for steels with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steels up to 1500 MPa. Ensure the surface is clean and free from contaminants that could affect marking quality. Proper fixture or robot positioning is essential to maintain consistent marking depth.
Step 2: Equipment Setup and Parameter Selection
Set up the deep laser marking machine according to the material specifications. The system's laser power (200W) and marking area (112mm × 112mm) are fixed, but other parameters such as marking speed and frequency may need adjustment based on the specific steel grade. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for parameter settings to achieve a marking depth of ≥0.2mm.
Step 3: Positioning and Alignment
Accurate positioning is critical for VIN marking. If the system is equipped with the optional 3D vision guidance, use it to locate the exact marking position on the body-in-white. For manual or semi-automatic setups, use precise fixtures to align the marking head. The goal is to ensure the VIN is placed in the designated area and remains legible after painting.
Step 4: Marking Process Execution
Initiate the marking cycle. The deep laser marking process will create the VIN characters with the required depth. Monitor the process for any deviations. The system's special marking process ensures that the characters are clear and easy to rub after painting, which is essential for VIN verification during vehicle registration and inspection.
Step 5: Quality Verification and Traceability
After marking, verify the VIN quality. Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems can automatically inspect the marking depth, character clarity, and correctness. This online inspection ensures 100% traceability and helps identify any marking issues immediately. Record the marking data for traceability purposes.
Key Features for VIN Marking on High Strength Steel
Deep VIN Marking: Achieves permanent VIN deep marking on high strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates up to 1500 MPa, with marking depth on body-in-white reaching more than 0.2 mm.
Easy Rubbing: Special marking process ensures clear rubbing results after painting.
Easy Integration: Designed with various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators.
Vision Guidance: Optional 3D vision guidance system enables precise positioning and accurate marking.
Automatic Traceability: Optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability.
Applications
The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine is primarily used in automotive manufacturing, specifically for VIN marking on body-in-white. It is suitable for:
Automotive Manufacturing – VIN marking on high strength steel and hot-formed steel body structures.
Automotive Components – Permanent marking for traceability on critical components.
New Energy Vehicles – VIN marking on advanced high strength steel bodies.
Powertrain Manufacturing – Marking on high-strength powertrain components (where applicable).
Intelligent Factory Automation – Integration into automated production lines with robot and vision systems. Explore KINMARK's industrial marking solutions for automated manufacturing.
Benefits of Deep Laser Marking for VIN on High Strength Steel
Permanent Traceability: Deep marking ensures the VIN remains legible for the vehicle's lifetime, supporting regulatory compliance and traceability.
Process Consistency: Automated systems with vision guidance and online inspection deliver consistent marking quality.
Production Integration: Easy integration with robots and manipulators enables seamless automation in mass production.
Quality Management: Optional OCR and 3D scanning provide 100% online inspection, reducing rework and improving quality control.
Material Versatility: Capable of marking on high strength steels up to 1500 MPa, meeting modern automotive material requirements.
Why Choose KINMARK for VIN Marking on High Strength Steel
KINMARK (Jinan Zhongzheng Jinma Technology Co., Ltd.) has been developing marking and traceability systems since 1996. The company is a manufacturer of marking and traceability systems, servo press systems, fluid filling systems, and robot automation systems. Its deep laser marking machine is designed to meet the demands of automotive mass production, with features such as deep VIN marking on high strength steel, easy integration, and optional vision and traceability systems. KINMARK has established long-term cooperation with automotive manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla, GM, Nissan, FAW Hongqi, GAC, Changan Automobile, BYD, Great Wall Motor, Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, XPeng Motors, and NIO. The company also provides automation solutions to world-renowned enterprises such as Bosch, BorgWarner, Gree, CRRC, Meritor, and AGCO. With a focus on intelligent factory automation, KINMARK combines robot technology, intelligent control, image recognition, and big data to build efficient and digital factories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum strength of steel that can be marked with the KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine?
The system can mark on high strength steel plates with yield strength exceeding 700 MPa and hot-formed steel plates with strength up to 1500 MPa.
What is the marking depth on body-in-white?
The marking depth on body-in-white can reach more than 0.2 mm.
Can the system be integrated with robots?
Yes, the system is designed with various mounting interfaces for quick integration with industrial robots or assisted manipulators for automated production lines.
Does the system support traceability?
Yes, optional 3D laser scanning measurement and OCR recognition systems provide online inspection of marking quality and ensure 100% traceability.
What are the power requirements for the machine?
The machine requires AC220V ±10%, 50Hz ±2%, with power consumption less than 1000W.
Conclusion
Marking VIN codes on high strength automotive steel requires a reliable deep laser marking solution that can achieve sufficient depth and clarity on materials with yield strengths exceeding 700 MPa and up to 1500 MPa. The KINMARK Deep Laser Marking Machine offers a specialized process for permanent VIN marking on body-in-white, with easy integration, optional vision guidance, and automatic traceability. By following the step-by-step guide and leveraging the system's features, manufacturers can ensure compliant, traceable, and durable VIN marking in automotive mass production.
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