Which solutions for automotive part marking & traceability?
Nearly every part of a vehicle is marked with a unique identifying code or number for traceability purposes
Gravotech offers robust, permanent marking solutions (laser, dot-peen, rotary, and scribing) to meet the stringent requirements of automotive part marking and vehicle traceability. Marking each part of a vehicle with a unique identifying code ensures thorough traceability. This allows automotive manufacturers and their suppliers (OEMs, Tier 1, 2, and 3) to track every step of a part’s journey, from raw material to final assembly.
Identification is crucial in the automotive industry for compliance, quality control, and safety. With 50 years experience in the automotive sector, we design our marking solutions to ensure permanent, tamper-proof traceability and vehicle identification through serial numbers, QR codes, 2D codes/Datamatrix codes, logos, and more, integrated directly into your production line.
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Which machines for automotive part marking?
Our laser marking machines provide high-contrast and permanent marking, for fast and efficient automotive marking applications.
- Integrable laser machines are simple to install into production lines and are perfect for fast sequential part marking. Adding a Mini-inline laser protection nose ensures the protection of the operators and surroundings.
- While laser stations (WeLase™, LW2, LW3) are more focused on single to batch part marking and operator security.
The versatility and speed of laser marking machines make them an ideal solution for a wide variety of automotive part marking applications, on both metallic and plastic automotive components.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBER Laser
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Laser protection nose for integrable laser markers.
Mini-inline
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Medium fully automated laser marking station.
LW2
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Large fully automated laser workstation with Fiber, Hybrid or Green sources
LW3
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Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID Laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN Laser
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Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
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Our dot-peen marking machines deliver deep and permanent marking, making them a cost-effective solution for your production line. These reliable and affordable machines are simple to integrate and provide fast markings for the automotive industry.
The fastest pneumatic dot peen marking machine.
XF510p
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The most precise and consistent electromagnetic dot peen marking machine.
XF510m
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Standalone dot peen marking station.
IMPACT
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Deep and permanent dot peen marking system.
XF530 p/m
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Our rotary marking machines offer deep or very deep permanent markings for vehicle identification. Although less common in the automotive industry, they are ideal for producing small batches where durability through deep marking is required.
Rotary marking provides the necessary depth and precision for durable automotive part marking on small series components that must withstand intensive use.
- IS400: Robust industrial engraver handling medium to large parts with fast transitions from flat to cylindrical marking for versatile automotive applications.
Our integrable scribing machines provide quiet and deep marking, complying with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) standards. Scribing machines, in production lines, are predominantly used for VIN applications on chassis, frames, and doors. Parts must be carefully clamped during the marking process as the scribing machine digs deeply into the material.
| Technology | Machines | Applications | Advantages | Constraints | Price |
| Laser (Fiber, MOPA) | Integrable: Station: LW2 |
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| $$-$$$ |
| Dot-peen | Integrable: XF510p Station: Impact |
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| $-$$ |
| Scribing | Integrable: SV530 |
|
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| $-$$ |
| Rotary | CNC table: IS400 |
|
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| $$-$$$ |
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ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 define general quality management principles, while ISO/TS 16949 focuses on automotive-specific quality. ISO 26262 ensures functional safety for electrical and electronic systems, and CEI 61508 covers broader industrial safety requirements. Additionally, "49 U.S. Code Chapter 301 - Motor Vehicle Safety" mandates safety regulations in the U.S. market, ensuring vehicles meet essential safety criteria across all stages of production. Please inquire about your local rules and regulations regarding automotive part marking and vehicle identification as various countries and regions might not follow above-mentioned international standards. |
Automotive traceability across vehicle components
Chassis, frame & body
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code that identifies the vehicle, typically located on the chassis, frame, and dashboard, and complying with specific standards.
Key components like the chassis, frame, body in white, doors, fenders, hood, trunk lid, and roof panels are often marked with part numbers or production codes. The Mini-inline, a laser protection nose directly mounted on a laser marking head, can easily address the automotive marking process and guarantees all parts are easily identifiable.
Ensure your large automotive parts are identified with deep, legible, and tamper-proof markings before and after treatment, and store or send information for comprehensive traceability.
Learn more about V.I.N marking
Transmission part identification
Ensure complete traceability of each transmission unit by marking the transmission case with a unique serial number or code, as well as internal components, bearings, and axle drives.
Electromagnetic dot-peen and laser marking machines provide high-quality marks in fast cycle times, making them ideal for high production rates. These permanent marking solutions are durable and efficient, ensuring that the marks remain legible and tamper-proof throughout the lifecycle of the parts. It is a core requirement of automotive part marking.
CONTACT AN EXPERT
Engine and fuel systems
Ensure complete traceability of each engine block including parts from different suppliers.
Cylinder heads, fuel pumps, injectors, fuel rails, regular or special fuel tanks - such as hydrogen tanks - and other major components are all identified with unique serial numbers.
Dot-peen and laser marking machines are both suitable for engine marking as they allow to mark 2D codes such as DataMatrix™ codes, serial numbers, work shift codes, assembly plant codes, dates, V.I.N., logos, and more.
Read, inspect, and track codes at each stage. The verified data is automatically recorded in the customer’s database for seamless tracking and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process and beyond. It is underpinned by robust automotive part marking.
CONTACT AN EXPERT
Exhaust & catalytic converter marking
Exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are hollow parts that can be noisy to mark. Scribing technology is the most suitable solution, ensuring a quiet workplace while managing multiple files and logos for OEM and aftermarket identification of common parts.
Scribing technology allows you to mark serial numbers and DataMatrix codes using the same machine. This efficient method meets all your automotive marking needs with minimal disruption.
It is known that catalytic converters must be marked with serial numbers to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
CONTACT AN EXPERT
Interior and exterior plastic parts
Many plastic car parts are identified, with a code, by labels. However this identification method is increasingly replaced by laser or dot-peen marking due to the short lifespan of labels.
High-speed marking keeps pace with injection presses, providing high-contrast marking on a wide variety of plastics.
These automotive oriented plastics include interior parts such as dashboards and lighting components, but also engine parts such as air intakes, or plastic elements within larger assemblies like bumpers.
Our vehicle identification solutions ensure Grade-4 Datamatrix codes, the highest grade possible as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 for internal traceability and production line automation, with esthetic marking suitable for visible interior parts.
Want to learn more about interactions between lasers and plastics?
Automotive safety part marking
Safety part marking for automotive traceability
Marking is crucial for these parts due to the potential for mass recalls in case of major safety issues. Key components include:
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Brake discs
- Brake calipers
- Bumpers
- Airbags
- Control arms (steering and suspension)
- Steering-related parts
Ensuring traceability and identification of these safety-critical parts helps maintain high standards and quick response times.
Electric vehicle (EV) identification
EV part identification for automotive traceability
The growing market share of EVs introduces new automotive parts specific to these vehicles such as:
- Battery enclosures
- Batteries
- Battery retention bays
- Cooling systems
- Stators
Use proper automotive part marking machines to identify these components to ensure effective traceability and vehicle identification, and comply with the industry's high standards and safety requirements.
Global ID Solutions
For key accounts and industrial leaders
You are a global industrial company looking for a trusted partner for your identification needs?
With a rich legacy of innovation and a deep understanding of industry requirements, Gravotech offers a wide range of solutions for identification requirements.
Through a collaborative approach, Gravotech works closely with its clients to understand their unique needs and challenges, allowing them to develop solutions that deliver consistent and precise results. With a global network of dedicated support professionals, Gravotech ensures that Key Accounts receive prompt assistance and ongoing technical support, maximizing uptime and minimizing downtime.
| FAQ: The 4 questions most frequently asked of our experts |
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🔽How do you ensure automotive laser marking resists heat, oil, and abrasion?
To ensure the resistance of any automotive part marking against heat, oil and abrasion, the key is to achieve sufficient depth in the mark. A deep mark ensures that the identifying code is legible and remains intact despite corrosive products, high temperatures, and friction throughout the part's lifecycle. Dot peen and scribing technologies are recommended to create durable, permanently marked codes.
🔽What are the most suitable marking technologies for automotive components?
The most suitable marking technology depends on the component material and customer specifications. Laser marking (Fiber/MOPA) is increasingly used for plastic parts (sensors, valves, electronic automotive components). Dot-peen remains historically strong for engine parts, and Scribing is often mandatory for VIN codes on car chassis due to its quiet, deep marking. Gravotech is the only brand that has mastered all of these technologies.
🔽What is the best machine for automotive part marking?
Best machine is usually Fiber laser and Mini-inline, but it depends on the requirements of the client and the specifications of their production process:
- For delicate or plastic pieces, Gravotech laser marking machines (Fiber/MOPA or WeLase/LW2/LW3) are the best choices.
- For durability and low budget, dot-peen or scribing (XF510p or Impact) are ideal.
For high-speed or part changes within an automated production environment, integrable laser (Mini-inline) or dot-peen stations offer fast, reliable configurations.
🔽How does automotive part traceability help reduce product recalls?
Automotive part traceability is a quality control measure that helps automotive manufacturers reduce recalls. It allows companies to track every piece through the production process. If a part fails quality or safety checks, the traceability system immediately identifies and isolates the non-conforming batches, preventing them from reaching the market.
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Ensure comprehensive automotive traceability
Chassis, frame & body
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code that identifies the vehicle, typically located on the chassis, frame, and dashboard, and complying with specific standards.
Key components like the chassis, frame, body in white, doors, fenders, hood, trunk lid, and roof panels are often marked with part numbers or production codes. The Mini-inline, a laser protection nose directly mounted on a laser marking head, can easily address the automotive marking process and guarantees all parts are easily identifiable.
Ensure your large automotive parts are identified with deep, legible, and tamper-proof markings before and after treatment, and store or send information for comprehensive traceability.
Transmission part identification
Ensure complete traceability of each transmission unit by marking the transmission case with a unique serial number or code, as well as internal components, bearings, and axle drives.
Electromagnetic dot-peen and laser marking machines provide high-quality marks in fast cycle times, making them ideal for high production rates. These permanent marking solutions are durable and efficient, ensuring that the marks remain legible and tamper-proof throughout the lifecycle of the parts.
Engine and fuel systems
Ensure complete traceability of each engine block including parts from different suppliers.
Cylinder heads, fuel pumps, injectors, fuel rails, regular or special fuel tanks - such as hydrogen tanks - and other major components are all identified with unique serial numbers.
Dot-peen and laser marking machines are both suitable for engine marking as they allow to mark 2D codes such as DataMatrix™ codes, serial numbers, work shift codes, assembly plant codes, dates, V.I.N., logos, and more.
Read, inspect, and track codes at each stage. The verified data is automatically recorded in the customer’s database for seamless tracking and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process and beyond.
Exhaust & catalytic converter marking
Exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are hollow parts that can be noisy to mark. Scribing technology is the most suitable solution, ensuring a quiet workplace while managing multiple files and logos for OEM and aftermarket identification of common parts.
Scribing technology allows you to mark serial numbers and DataMatrix codes using the same machine. This efficient method meets all your automotive marking needs with minimal disruption.
It is known that catalytic converters must be marked with serial numbers to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
Interior and exterior parts
Many plastic car parts are identified, with a code, by labels. However this identification method is increasingly replaced by laser or dot-peen marking due to the short lifespan of labels.
High-speed marking keeps pace with injection presses, providing high-contrast marking on a wide variety of plastics.
These automotive oriented plastics include interior parts such as dashboards and lighting components, but also engine parts such as air intakes, or plastic elements within larger assemblies like bumpers.
Our vehicle identification solutions ensure Grade-4 Datamatrix codes, the highest grade possible as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 for internal traceability and production line automation, with esthetic marking suitable for visible interior parts.
Want to learn more about interactions between lasers and plastics?