Reliable sheet metal marking with REA

Mühltal, September 18, 2024 - Reliable systems for permanent marking are indispensable in sheet metal and metal processing - also on the way to the digital factory of the future. REA Elektronik will be presenting its systems for reliable marking and code verification at EuroBLECH 2024. Highlight: the diverse applications of REA's HR systems with durable ink, etching ink and oil-free lubricants.

The REA JET HR 2.0 high-resolution printers are true multi-talents. They apply razor-sharp alphanumeric texts, logos and also variable and serialized information such as date, time, counters, shift codes and database content. Depending on the size of the print layout, up to four print heads can be combined to create markings up to 50.8 millimeters high. And they are also maintenance-free thanks to cartridge technology.

Precise pinpoint marking and large area application
Depending on the surface, users can choose from different types of ink for metal marking with the REA JET HR. It uses pigmented ink to print on absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces. The special "wet-on-wet" technology was developed for smooth, transparent or metallic substrates: For this, an HR system with two print heads first applies a white ink layer and immediately prints on it with black or colored ink before the two dry together. When using etching ink, the REA JET HR triggers a chemical process when the information is applied to metallic surfaces, permanently bonding it to the metal - as a risk-free alternative to laser marking.

The REA JET HR can do even more. For lube applications, it brings together the best of two worlds: the cartridge technology from REA JET and the oil-free lubricants from LBI oil free. The REA JET HR-Lube applies lubricants precisely and mist-free where they are needed. Thanks to the oil-free lubricants, stamping and bending machines remain clean and the stamped parts can directly be processed without any cleaning. Precise dosing and application with the digitally controlled nozzles of the REA JET HR make it possible to calculate the manufacturing costs per component more accurately. It also prevents dripping and eliminates the need for extraction, further cleaning steps and therefore machine downtime. The REA JET DOD-Lube system, based on the technology of large character inkjet printers (see below), is recommended for large-area application of oil free lubricants.

With laser, ink, paint or primer
Like REA JET HR, REA's other systems for non-contact marking also work reliably in the most adverse environments and on difficult to mark surfaces. The following systems will also be presented on the REA booth at EuroBLECH.

The REA JET FL fiber laser is used when markings need to be incorporated into the surface of harder metals or plastics. It works reliably even on oily, corroded surfaces or surfaces at temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Celsius. Its focused light beam marks products with extremely small texts, logos and codes in high resolution using engraving or annealing marking, in which the material changes color when heated.

The REA JET DOD 2.0 large character inkjet printer delivers excellent, high-contrast print results even in dusty and damp environments, with vibration and strong temperature fluctuations. It is the fastest and most durable system in its class and, with its pigmented, fast-drying inks, prints non-absorbent surfaces such as steel pipes or aluminum plates with texts, data or logos with a height of 5 to 140 mm per print head at speeds of more than 600 m/min. Several print heads can be combined for larger markings.

The REA JET ST spray marking technology solutions enable precise marking of metallic surfaces with paints and varnishes. This is because color markings are indispensable for many industrial processes. They apply their information dot by dot, even in areas that are difficult to access - and at surface temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. The REA JET ST systems work over large areas when it comes to applying protective coatings, primers or process fluids for the pre- or post-treatment of metallic surfaces.

Finally, the latest generation of code quality inspection systems from the REA VERIFIER product line provide certainty: they confirm that the 1D- or 2D-code applied is not only legible and correct, but also complies with international standards or meets application-specific requirements based on ISO standards.

Experience REA from October 22 to 25, 2024 at EuroBLECH in Hanover: Hall 12, Booth 12-A54.