Firearm and gun marking

The three types of firearm markings

Serial and identification markings

These are the most critical engravings for regulatory compliance.

Serial markings identify the firearm’s manufacturer, model, caliber, and production number, allowing full traceability across borders and throughout the firearm’s lifetime.

Legal and traceability markings (serial numbers, manufacturer codes, caliber, country of origin) require permanent, precise, and tamper-proof engraving.

Recommended technologies:

• Laser marking - Produces clean, high-contrast markings suitable for legal serial identification.
  Non-contact process ensures no deformation even on heat-treated metals.
  Ideal for alphanumeric codes, barcodes, or QR Data Matrix.
  
  
• Deep laser marking - When regulations demand deep engraving, high-power laser systems deliver markings with depth comparable to mechanical engraving but with superior precision and repeatability.
  Perfect for barrels, slides, and frames where serials must remain readable after refinishing or wear.

These technologies fully comply with EU Directive 2017/853 and ATF standards for traceability.

Functional markings

Functional markings are used for internal process tracking, lot identification, and maintenance data.

They are often applied to internal or structural components that are not visible to the end user but are essential for manufacturing control and after-sales traceability.

These markings serve manufacturing and operational purposes: batch codes, component references, and assembly identification.
They must be fast to apply, permanent, and legible under wear.

Recommended technologies:

• Dot peen marking - Uses a tungsten carbide stylus to strike the surface and form characters through controlled micro-impacts.
  Suitable for hardened steels, cylindrical parts, and uneven surfaces.
  Guarantees durability even in extreme environmental conditions.
  
  

• Impact marking - Pneumatic or mechanical stroke systems ideal for high-productivity lines or thick components.
  Provides consistent, deep marks with minimal maintenance.
  Often used on heavy-duty parts like receivers or bolts.

Decorative and branding markings

Beyond compliance, firearm marking also serves a branding and aesthetic purpose.

Especially in the sporting and luxury firearm sectors, there is growing demand for customized engravings that combine technical precision with artistic detail.

Markings used for logos, aesthetic engravings, and personalization require detail, contrast, and surface integrity.

Recommended technologies:

• Laser marking (Awave, Arex F Series) - Offers exceptional precision for fine artwork, text, or emblems.
  Perfect for branding or custom engravings on polished metals, anodized aluminium, or titanium.
  
  
• Deep laser marking (Amark Series) - Adds relief effects and visible depth for high-end or limited-edition firearms, combining durability with luxury appeal.

Choosing the right technology for your firearms

The choice of marking technology depends on the type of marking, the material of the component, and the production volume.

Automator provides one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry, ensuring full adaptability to defense, sporting, or civilian firearm production.

Each solution guarantees permanent, legible, and compliant markings, supporting the safety and traceability objectives defined by international authorities.

Materials and surface considerations

Different firearm materials and surface treatments affect marking quality, contrast and durability. Choosing the right marking method and pre-/post-processing steps ensures permanent, legible marks without compromising part performance.

Key materials & recommendations

• Carbon steel / hardened steel — very common for barrels and frames. Best: micro-percussion and laser fiber. Micro-percussion produces deep, durable impressions; fiber lasers create high-contrast marks without deforming heat-treated surfaces. For nitrided or parkerized finishes, increase laser power or use deeper micro-percussion settings to ensure legibility.
  
  
• Stainless steel — corrosion-resistant but often less receptive to low-energy marking. Best: fiber laser (with correct wavelength/pulse) or micro-percussion at higher impact settings. Electrochemical marking can produce good contrast on polished stainless when chemical contrast agents are used.
  
  
• Aluminium / anodized aluminium — very laser-friendly: laser marking produces high-contrast marks on bare aluminium; anodized surfaces lend themselves to high-visibility marks with low thermal input. Electrochemical marking also works well on bare aluminium; avoid excessive percussion to prevent deformation.
  
  
• Titanium — lightweight, strong and heat-sensitive. Best: fiber laser with controlled parameters (to avoid heat-affected zones). Micro-percussion is possible but requires calibrated impact to prevent micro-cracking.
  
  
• Polymers and reinforced plastics (grips, stocks) — avoid high-heat lasers unless validated; prefer hot stamping, pneumatic impact, or low-power laser markers designed for plastics. Marking depth and contrast depend on polymer type and color.
  
  
• Coated or painted surfaces — if the coating must remain intact, prefer electrochemical marking or low-energy laser that modifies the top layer without removing it. For permanent marks through coatings, consider pre-marking before coating or post-marking with micro-percussion to penetrate the layer.
  
  

Surface prep & post-processing tips

• Cleaning: remove oils, residues and powders before marking to ensure repeatability and contrast.
  
  
• Masking: use masks or fixtures to protect adjacent areas when marking decorative parts.
  
  
• Contrast enhancement: apply post-mark treatments (ink filling, passivation, chemical contrast) for serials required to be readable under poor lighting or after wear.
  
  
• Testing & validation: always validate marking parameters on representative samples (including heat-treated batches and coated parts) and document depth/legibility to comply with ATF/EU traceability audits.

Why choose Automator for firearm marking

Since 1940, Automator Marking Systems has been designing, manufacturing, and servicing industrial marking machines worldwide.
Our long-standing presence in the firearms, aerospace, and automotive industries reflects our commitment to precision, ethics, and regulatory compliance.

• In-house R&D and engineering for custom solutions
  
  
• Full range of marking technologies: laser, micro-percussion, roll, electrochemical, hot stamping, and pneumatic impact
  
  
• Global service network and technical consultancy
  
  
• Compliance with EU Directive 2017/853 and ATF standards