International Marking Group (IMG)

Marking Handbook

Questions & Answers

1. Can I mark round parts?
Yes, by rolling on the bench marker or by using the contour blocks.

2. Can I mark plated parts?
Yes, as long as the part conducts electricity.

3. Can I mark anodized parts?
Not after anodizing. Mark deep before anodizing and it will show through the anodizing.

4. What type of repairs will be needed on the power unit?
Almost none. Most power units are guaranteed for at least 6 months.

5. Can I mark black oxided surfaces?
Yes, in most cases using low voltage, high pressure and proper electrolytes.

6. Can I mark Parkerized parts?
In most cases, no.

7. Is the electrolyte harmful?
No. It may stain clothes, but will wash out. If you swallow it, drink a lot of water and see a doctor.

8. How deep can I go?
An AC mark is around .0003 inches deep. A DC etch can go as deep as .005 inches or more, but generally .001 inches is considered deep.

9. What is an etch?
The dark mark is a combination of an etch and a plate.

10. How long will a stencil last?
Depending on the kind and the use and the configuration and the depth required you can get from one to thousands of impres- sions.

11. Can I make my own stencils?
Yes, by using a typewriter or dot-matrix printer on the die impression stencils.

12. How clean does the surface of the part have tobe before marking?
Just free of sharp particles which would cut the stencil. Light oil is fine.

13. How rough a surface can you mark on?
A reasonable smooth forged or cast surface.

14. Will this method of marking cause corrosion?
Yes, if not neutralized with the proper neutralizers.

15. How well does this mark stand up in a salt spray test?
Excellent.

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