Originally published January 2020. Updated March 2026 with a traceability checklist, common compliance use cases, and FAQs. 

TL;DR

• Dot peen is ideal for durable marks on metal, including treated or rough surfaces.
• Many traceability programs use a combination: human-readable + machine-readable.
• Scan-to-mark reduces keystroke errors and speeds up workflows.

How Dot Peen Marking Works:

A dot peen marking is generated by a pneumatically or electro-pneumatically driven carbide marking pin. The marking pin is moved in an x- and y-direction, striking the material by an up-and-down movement.

How Can Dot Peen Be Used?

Almost any material can be marked, from plastic to aluminum to hardened steel. What you mark on the material is up to you. Here are six options for permanent traceability that can be used in isolation or in combination:

1. Letters, Numbers, Symbols: The simplest option to mark part numbers, VIN numbers, and more.
   
    
2. Logos: Mark your company logo, CE designation, etc.
   
    
3. 2D Data Matrix Codes: An optimal solution to mark a lot of information in a small area protected by a readable code.
   
    
4. Serialization: Numbers automatically incremented via programmable software.
   
    
5. Date/Time Codes: Mark the date and/or time in various numerical formats.
   
    
6. Barcode Scanning: Scan a barcode and then mark the corresponding characters.
   
    

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Traceability best practice (simple rule)
If the part will ever be handled by a human and a scanner, combine:
- Human-readable: part number, serial, or batch.
- Machine-readable: 2D data matrix code.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common traceability mark?

Many solutions use a serial number (human-readable) and/or a 2D data matrix (machine-readable).

2. Can dot peen mark hardened steel?

Yes, with the right setup. The key variables are pin type, force, and cycle time.

3. How do we avoid data entry mistakes?

Use automatic serlalization, barcode scan-to-mark, or pull data from a file/USB workflow instead of typing.

4. Are 2D data matrix codes readable long-term?

They should be, if the code size, cell size, and marking depth/contrast match your scanner and the part surface.

5. Do we need a PC connected?

Workflows can typically be programmed directly on the unit, but PC workflows can be a good option if you manage lots of templates or integrate with files.

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The full product range of Markator dot peen marking units can be programmed to deliver all six of these options. Units range from fully portable to integrated, including: battery-operated FlyMarker® units, handheld MV5 M-Series deep marking units, FlyMarker® mini STATION tabletop units, and production line integration units, which include the U50/U80/U120 and the all-in-one U65/30 Integral.

If you tell us your material, required marking content (serial, 2D code, logo), and your target cycle time, we can recommend the simplest setup for you. Our sales team is available to provide demos throughout North America or to answer any questions you might have.

 

Tags: dot peen marking permanent traceability , serialization marking , vin dot peen , barcode to scan mark , dot peen , flymarker , flymarker mini , marking , letters , numbers , symbols , logos , 2d data matrix codes , serialization , dates , times , barcode scanning

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