Serial numbers
Apply unique, permanent identifiers using data from a PLC, database or production order.
Permanent. Precise. Production-ready.
Fibre laser marking machines built for permanent traceability
Specify fibre laser marking for serial numbers and Data Matrix codes on your metal parts, including stainless steel. Prove contrast, code readability and the marking cycle on representative components before choosing a workstation or integrated system.
✓ Metals & engineered plastics✓ No inks, ribbons or labels✓ UK integration & support
START WITH YOUR PARTWhat do you need to mark?
01MetalsSteel, aluminium, brass & more
02PlasticsHigh-contrast permanent ID
032D codesQR & DataMatrix traceability
04Production linesControls, vision & handling
Approve metal identification through its later process steps: A metal marking trial should represent the finished component and the conditions it will encounter after marking.
Industrial laser identification
A permanent mark. A dependable production record.
Fibre laser marking delivers durable, high-resolution product identification without routine marking consumables. Oxford Traceability specifies the laser, optics, enclosure, software and handling around your part and your required cycle.
Arrange a sample marking trialQR & DataMatrix
Create compact machine-readable codes for traceability, maintenance and product records.
Logos & product ID
Mark brand graphics, part references, ratings and regulatory information without labels or ink.
Text, dates & batches
Generate crisp alphanumeric text, batch details and date information at production speed.
Variable data
Control marking content from files, scanners, vision systems and factory data sources.
Vision verification
Check code presence, content and readability, with handling of non-conforming parts.
High-resolution identificationMarks designed around the material
Materials & mark quality
Contrast, permanence and readability — proven on your samples.
A successful laser mark depends on more than laser power. Material grade, coating, colour, texture, focus, field size and line speed all influence the result. We test representative components before final specification.
Common metals
- Stainless and mild steel
- Aluminium and anodised aluminium
- Brass, copper and titanium
- Coated and plated components
Engineered plastics
- Laser-sensitive polymers
- Electrical and automotive housings
- Medical and technical components
- Black, light and coloured mouldings
Not sure how your material will respond? Send a sample and your artwork. We will assess contrast, cycle time and code quality before recommending a system.
Why fibre laser?
Built for demanding production environmentsPermanent identification
Resistant to handling and designed to remain with the part through its service life.
Fine, repeatable detail
Small characters, complex logos and compact 2D codes with controlled positioning.
Low consumable demand
No ink, ribbon or label stock in the marking process, reducing routine changeovers.
Automation-ready
Connect to sensors, PLCs, scanners, databases, vision and reject systems.
Production-line integration
The laser is one part of a complete marking process.
Oxford Traceability engineers the presentation, control and verification around the mark. Whether the machine sits beside an operator or inside an automated cell, the objective is the same: the right data, on the right part, at the right time.
- 01Detect & identifySense the part and retrieve the correct production data.
- 02Position & markFixture or track the component and apply the programmed mark.
- 03VerifyInspect presence, content and code readability where required.
- 04Record & handleLog results and separate non-conforming product safely.
INTEGRATION OPTIONS
- PLC & production data
- Machine vision
- Part handling & fixtures
- Extraction & guarding
System configurations
Specified around how you manufacture.
We help you choose the right enclosure, focal arrangement, controls and handling method rather than forcing the application into a standard box.
ConfigurationBest suited toTypical features
Enclosed workstationManual loading and mixed partsInterlocked door, fixture, focus control
Rotary marking cellCylindrical or multi-sided partsRotary axis, chuck or tailored tooling
In-line systemContinuous automated productionSensors, PLC control, line handshakes
Turnkey marking cellComplex handling and verificationRobotics, vision, reject and data logging
Industry applications
Traceable parts across UK industry.
From a single identification station to a connected factory process.
Automotive & EV
Components, housings, connectors and safety-critical identification.
Aerospace & engineering
Part references, serialisation and durable production records.
Electronics
Compact codes, plastics marking and identification of assemblies.
Medical & laboratory
High-resolution, non-contact marking for controlled manufacturing.
Tools & fabricated products
Logos, product data and permanent anti-mix-up identification.
General manufacturing
Batch, date, operator and product information linked to production.
Application-first specification
Prove the mark before you choose the machine.
Send your samples
Include the actual material, artwork, code content and required marking area.
Define the production need
Tell us the rate, loading method, data source and verification requirement.
Review the result
We assess the mark and propose a practical, production-ready configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a fibre laser marking project?
Speak directly with an application engineer about your material, mark and production process.
Call 01865 36278501What materials can a fibre laser mark?+
Fibre lasers are widely used on stainless steel, aluminium, anodised aluminium, brass, copper, titanium, coated metals and many engineered plastics. The exact mark depends on the material grade, finish, colour and required contrast, so representative samples should be tested.
02Can the machine mark QR codes and DataMatrix codes?+
Yes. A correctly specified system can create static or variable QR and DataMatrix codes, serial numbers and human-readable text. Code size, surface finish and verification requirements are confirmed during application trials.
03Can a fibre laser be added to an existing production line?+
Yes. Systems can be engineered around existing conveyors, machines and controls, including part detection, PLC handshakes, data exchange, guarding, extraction, vision inspection and reject handling.
04Does fibre laser marking use ink or labels?+
No marking ink, ribbon or applied label is required. The laser changes or removes material at the surface to create a permanent mark, reducing routine consumable handling.
05What information is needed for a quotation?+
Send the material, part dimensions, marking area, required content, cycle rate and details of any existing line. Photographs, drawings and physical samples help us select the right configuration and prove the mark.
Technical content reviewed by the Oxford Traceability application team
Start your marking trial
Tell us what needs a permanent identity.
Share the material, mark content and production rate. We will help you define the right fibre laser marking system.
Prove the complete code layout, not just a sample logo
For a traceability project, send the data that the finished mark must contain and examples of the longest expected values. Keep human-readable text, serial numbers and machine-readable code requirements distinct. A short demonstration identifier may not represent the layout, space or marking time of the production record.
Show the permitted marking area, part curvature, surface finish and how the component will be located. Include normal variation in the material and coating. Trial the proposed code and text together on real parts, then assess appearance, required readability and the approved surface condition after marking.
Define what verification means for the application. Presence confirms that a mark exists; decoding checks that a reader can interpret a symbol; comparing decoded data checks it against the expected identity. If a formal code-quality grade is required, specify the applicable method and acceptance criteria separately.
The data sequence also needs a trial. Challenge duplicate requests, a part removed before marking, a marking interruption and a failed verification. Agree when an identifier is considered used, what happens to the affected part and which result is retained. This keeps the marking machine connected to a dependable production record.
- Layout sample: Longest data values, text size, code area and the permitted position on the real part.
- Physical sample: Representative materials, finishes, geometry and normal location variation.
- Process sample: Successful and interrupted marking sequences with the required identity and verification record.
QR and Data Matrix marking · Production-data and line integration