In the aerospace and defence manufacturing, no margin is given in the high-stakes world. The destruction of any one component might cause a disaster, and it might cost millions of dollars or even human lives. Due to this, traceability is not only a regulatory challenge, but it is a mission-critical provision. All turbine blades, landing gear struts, and structural panels should be traceable back to their starting batch of manufacturing, source of material, and date of production.

Although there are other marking technologies, laser etching or inkjet printing are just a few, there is one technology that has become an industry standard in marking critical metal components, the Dot Peen Marking. This technology is also known as micro-perception, and it delivers the distinct permanence, safety, and readability that other technology cannot achieve.

The Science of “Low Stress” Marking

Metallurgy is the major factor that contributes towards the use of dot peen marking as opposed to laser or other traditional impact stamping by aerospace engineers.

Aerospace is designed to withstand extreme forces, but the components are commonly composed of stress-sensitive materials. Micro-cracks formed on the surface of the metal may be caused by a traditional stamper machine, which employs a high-impact press to stamp the characters. These micro-cracks may extend under the great vibration and pressure of flight and cause metal fatigue and subsequent part failure.

Likewise, a heat-affected zone (HAZ) may be formed in thermal laser marking to change the metallurgical characteristics of the alloy and thereby weaken it.

Dot peen marking resolves this by employing a pneumatically or electrically powered stylus to punch the material at high frequency. It does not eliminate material or heat it, but removes the metal through compressing. This produces an effect of a low stress mark, which keeps the component intact. In critical parts such as turbines of jet engines, this low-stress property is not negotiable.

Durability in Hostile Environments

Defence and aerospace equipment have to work in some of the worst environments on Earth (and in the air). Components are exposed to excessive heat and cold, salt spray, sand, and high-speed and high-velocity fluids.

The marks on the surface (as an inkjet or light laser annealing) become very simple to fade or abrade under such conditions. A dot peen mark is, however, very deep. It is a mechanical recess in the metal. The identification code can be read even after decades of wear and tear have been inflicted on it. This is important in the process of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), where the technicians are required to detect parts that might have been operated for 20 or 30 years.

Visibility Through Coatings

Aerospace and defence components are numerous and may be processed rigorously after their manufacture. They are primed, painted, anodized, and galvanized to avoid corrosion.

One of the typical problems of laser marking is that it leaves a high-contrast mark on the bare metal surface. After that is painted, the mark will go away. Dot peen marking, on the other hand, produces a 3D mark that is textured. Owing to its depth, the characters or Data Matrix codes can be seen and read even after applying a thick coating of paint or anti-corrosion coating to the part. This will also make sure that the part will never lose its identity, no matter what is done to finish it.

Compliance with Stringent Standards

Strict identification standards, including the ATA Spec 2000 and SAE AS9132, apply to the aerospace industry. These are the standards that determine the quality, geometry, and format of unique identification (UID) codes.

The contemporary dot peen machines are made to address these requirements. A computer can control the dot peen systems, whereas human error can cause misaligned or illegible text when using a manual stamper machine. They are able to produce 2D Data Matrix codes with high quantities of data, such as part numbers, cage codes, and serial numbers, in a footprint smaller than a couple of millimeters.

Securing High-Value Assets

In addition to the components, it is a highly specialized sector with costly engineering equipment to assemble and maintain. It is high-value equipment that may be lost or misplaced in huge hangars and shipyards.

Organizations can add these engineering tools to an automated asset tracking system by applying the durable dot peen marks on them. This eliminates Foreign Object Debris (FOD), such as a tool being lost in an airplane engine or a hull, which is one of the primary concerns of aviation safety. The permanent mark is used to guarantee that, in case a tool is discovered in an inappropriate location, it can be directly traced to the last user or storage location.

Conclusion

Although laser marking has found its niche in the fast, high-contrast marking of non-critical components, dot peen is still the better alternative in the structural and safety-critical parts of the aerospace and defence industries. It is essential because it can offer excellent traceability that is permanent and does not disrupt the metallurgical integrity of the part.

Do you have an outdated stamper machine that you are upgrading, or are you in need of an aerospace that must be as compliant as the rest of the world? dot peen technology can be as reliable as these industries are demanding. It is the silent protector of quality, which sees to it that no detail, not even the tiniest bolt, is lost or damaged.

Make sure your mission-critical traceable with the aerospace-grade MarknStamp marking solutions. Get in touch with us now to receive a free consultation and sample test!

FAQs

1. Does Dot Peen marking on aerospace weaken it?

No, dot peen is a low-stress technique that does not cut metal, but presses it, so that it does not cause fatigue cracks.

2. Is it possible to read dot peens after painting?

Yes, the mark can be left visible and scannable even after being painted or covered with a layer.

3. Does a stamper machine differ from dot peen?

Yes, a conventional stamper machine employs impact force, whereas a dot peen employs the controlled and programmable micro-indentations to provide precise output.