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Plastic engraving machines

Plastic marking has become a key process for industries seeking both functionality and design flexibility.

From product traceability to brand customization, modern marking systems enable precise, durable, and aesthetic engravings on a wide range of plastic materials.

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Laser

Laser

Dot peen marking

Dot peen marking

Impact Marking

Impact Marking

Scribe marking

Scribe marking

Roll marking

Roll marking

Hot marking

Hot marking

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Why choosing the right plastic marking machine matters

Choosing the correct plastic marking machine is essential for achieving high-definition, durable, and consistent results.

Plastics such as PC, PA, PES, PE, PET, and ABS all react differently to heat, pressure, and wavelength; each requires a specific approach to maintain surface integrity and contrast.

Automator’s range of technologies:

  • Laser
  • Dot Peen
  • Impact
  • Scribe
  • Rolling
  • Hot marking

These technologies cover every application, from delicate aesthetic engraving to deep industrial identification.

Each method offers distinct advantages: laser ensures non-contact precision; dot peen guarantees mechanical resistance; impact provides speed and economy; scribe delivers smooth, silent marking; rolling ensures perfect results on cylindrical parts; and hot marking adds color and definition.

Supported by expert consultancy, Automator guides manufacturers to the optimal configuration for their material, geometry, and production line — transforming marking into a true element of quality and competitiveness.

 

Fiber laser plastic marking: precision and versatility

Among the most advanced technologies for plastics, fiber laser plastic marking stands out for its clean, contactless operation and superior readability.

Using concentrated laser energy, it permanently modifies the surface without deformation, producing crisp logos, serial numbers, barcodes, or DataMatrix codes.

Automator’s laser marking machines for plastic operate with multiple sources — Fiber, Green, UV, CO₂, and aWave™ — allowing perfect adaptation to each polymer’s characteristics. The system’s adjustable parameters (power, pulse frequency, wavelength) ensure high-contrast results on materials like ABS, PET, and polycarbonate.

Compared with printing systems, fiber laser marking requires zero consumables, minimizes maintenance, and guarantees permanent, chemical-resistant results. These features make it a sustainable, efficient choice for high-volume manufacturing.

Automator’s ISO 9001-certified solutions deliver precise, durable engravings that meet the highest industrial and regulatory standards.

 

Dot peen marking: durable and flexible identification

Dot peen marking — also called micro-percussion marking — is one of the most versatile methods for plastic and metal engraving. It uses a pneumatically or electronically controlled stylus to create micro-indentations, forming alphanumeric codes, logos, or 2D barcodes with outstanding permanence.

This CNC-controlled technology offers durability, automation, and reproducibility, making it ideal for both standalone workstations and integrated production lines. Automator’s ADP series includes benchtop, portable, and battery-powered models capable of marking metals, plastics, rubber, and coated materials.

Deep dot peen marking ensures visibility even after painting or sandblasting, while portable units enable flexibility on large or fixed components.

Fast, rugged, and cost-effective, it remains one of the most widely used industrial marking methods worldwide — and a core Automator expertise since 1940.

 

Impact marking: simple, fast, and economical

For companies seeking a cost-effective and reliable plastic marking solution, impact marking remains a proven classic. A single controlled stroke — manual or pneumatic — engraves the surface with clarity and depth.

Automator’s impact machines are engineered for consistent results across metals and hard plastics.

The MB Series can operate as benchtop units or be integrated into automated lines as electropneumatic systems. Thanks to a precision anti-deformation device, every mark is crisp and uniform.

Impact marking combines speed, depth, and simplicity, making it perfect for logos, serial numbers, and alphanumeric codes on components requiring legibility and durability at low cost. Each Automator system is designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring Italian quality, precision, and long-term reliability.

 

 

Scribe marking: precision through silence

Scribe marking (or stylus engraving) is one of the fastest and quietest ways to mark metals and plastics. It generates a continuous “scratch” line with a diamond or carbide tip, producing deep, elegant, and low-noise markings.

Automator’s scribe systems combine a large marking area in a compact, lightweight unit — ideal for deep, continuous-line engraving on steel, aluminum, and rigid plastics.

The proprietary AC500+ universal controller with 7" touchscreen allows operators to create text, logos, geometric shapes, and QR or DataMatrix codes with intuitive precision.

With advanced control of stroke depth and position, Automator scribe machines guarantee smooth, permanent results without vibrations or structural stress — a perfect balance of accuracy, efficiency, and operator comfort.

 

Rolling marking: high-volume efficiency

For cylindrical components or large batches, rolling (or roll) marking offers unmatched productivity and repeatability. The process transfers the mark through pressure, either from a die rolling onto the part or vice versa.

Ideal for pipes, bars, flanges, and round plastic or metal parts, Automator’s rolling markers ensure deep, consistent, and distortion-free results.

Electropneumatic and manual versions accommodate various diameters and shapes — even hexagonal bars — while accessories like interchangeable numerators and extendable holders enhance customization.

Roll marking is fast, durable, and safe: protected activation devices ensure full operator security, and each unit guarantees precise pressure control for uniform marking.

Our heritage in roll systems ensure dependable performance for continuous and integrated production environments.

 

Hot marking: color, contrast, and creativity

When visual impact matters, hot marking delivers both beauty and performance. Automator’s hot marking machines use a heated head with a precision thermostat to adapt temperature and timing to each material — including plastic, wood, and leather.

This technique enables dry or color marking by inserting a colored nylon ribbon between the part and the marking head. The heat transfers the pigment permanently, creating crisp and vibrant results.

Automator complements its hot marking systems with a complete set of accessories:

  • double-acting piston for precise motion
  • automatic tape unwinder
  • manual and automatic numerators
  • steel character holders
  • pneumatic safety devices

Simple, fast, and durable, hot marking is ideal for decorative branding or identification on heat-sensitive materials — combining craftsmanship and automation in a single process.

Learn about the applications of Automator markers:
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Micro marking: how small can it be?

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Marking license plates and nameplates, here's how to do it!

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Microchips, circuits and sensors: how to mark electronic components

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Economical deep marking: is it possible?

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How to mark inside the glass

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Mandatory markings on blister packs

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Microdot marking on components to be painted

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The marking of brake discs

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The importance of marking for cell phones

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The marking of leather and leather belts

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Marking in shipbuilding and for vessels

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Marking of surfaces of different heights, that's how!

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The importance of marking in the arms industry

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Since 1940 proudly Made in Italy!

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Marking in the fittings industry

Benefits of laser marking machines for plastic

The advantages of a laser marking machine for plastic go well beyond aesthetics.

Compared to inkjet or thermal printing, laser technology ensures permanent, non-contact marks resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure. It eliminates the need for inks, labels, or solvents — reducing maintenance and environmental impact.

Key benefits include:

  • high precision and repeatability: every mark is sharp and identical, even at microscopic scale.
  • cost-efficiency: no consumables or frequent replacements required.
  • eco-friendly process: zero emissions and minimal waste.
  • speed and flexibility: compatible with serial production or one-off customizations.

Automator’s laser systems integrate seamlessly into industrial workflows, adapting to different plastic types and shapes.

With adjustable parameters and real-time monitoring, operators maintain full control over the marking process.

The result is a clean, durable mark that ensures traceability, quality assurance, and brand distinction in any industrial context.

 

Custom solutions by Automator: from consultancy to performance

Every industry has unique marking requirements — and Automator’s mission is to meet them all. From initial consultation to after-sales support, the company offers tailor-made plastic marking solutions that merge technical precision with operational simplicity.

Thanks to proprietary innovations like EuGENIUS™ software, operators can easily design and control markings on any plastic material, adjusting parameters for optimal clarity and contrast. Combined with the robustness of Automator’s machinery, this system guarantees consistent, high-quality results.

As a 100% Made in Italy manufacturer, Automator ensures reliability, traceability, and compliance with international standards. Whether for small components or large production batches, the company’s engineering team provides the most effective configuration — from fiber laser to hot or microdot marking.

Partnering with Automator means investing in lasting performance, reduced production costs, and the confidence of working with one of the most experienced players in the industrial marking sector.

 

Contact our team for more information about Automator laser marking machines

Automator Marking Systems
USA | Canada

475 Douglas Ave, Chillicothe

OH 45601

USA

 

Phone: +1 740-983-0157

Mail: infousa@automator.com