Columbia Marking Tools Launches New Programmable Marking Machine Line with Advanced I-Mark(TM) Network Capable Machine Controller.
The I-Mark(TM) Software and machine control are now offered with Columbia Marking Tools dot-peen and scribe programmable marking machines.
Columbia Marking Tools is a predominant machine tool builder for marking systems. Columbia is well recognized for quality designs of air impact markers, hot stamping systems, roll marking, bar-stock marking, and laser systems. Now, Columbia is celebrating 50 years of business with the launch of a completely new programmable marking line. This line features the cutting edge I-Mark Software, with state of the art controllers, and industrial marking heads. (3) models are now available: M-Series bench-top machines, I-Series Integration Models, and the C-Series custom systems.
The M-Series machines are complete and ready to run right out of the box, and are great for moderate to high production marking applications. The M-Series dot-peen marking machines are bench-top designs featuring a basic I-Mark(TM) controller with a easy to use GUI interface. The M-series models are offered in a variety of marking windows and the x-y CNC movement for the marking head is provided by high torque stepper motors and linear rails which mark up to five (1/8") characters per second with good quality readability. Upgrades include: Touch Screen interface, 3rd axis control for automated Z or rotator to mark on the OD of round parts.
The compact I-Mark(TM) I series marking head is approximately 7 x 7 x 7 inches in size and has a marking window of 2.35 x 1.59 inches. The solid aluminum frame offers a choice of 3 sides to mount on, allowing for extreme flexibility when integrated the marking system into automated production equipment. The I-series is available in either dot-peen, with high torque stepper motors and linear rails, or scribe, with high torque stepper motors and ball screw drives. An advanced controller has multiple I/O points for machine controls, USB, and Ethernet connection for networking. In addition, the marking controller is capable of providing PLC controls. The required logic is easily programmed in the I-Mark(TM) windows platform and downloaded to the controller along the marking information. The I-Mark(TM) controller will offer integrators a cost savings due to the ability to provide marking, motion and additional controls from one control. With this functionality, no additional PLC may be required in an automated marking station.
The versatile C-Series is used extensively for custom solutions, but is also well suited for integration. These systems have both air and electric versions. The C-series is also dual mode - and is capable of marking in both dot-peen and scribe in a single program. Options include: air or electric automated Z axis, multiple window sizes, stepper (regular marking speed (5) characters per second) or servo (fast marking speed (10) characters per second). The slim head design makes this the perfect solution for custom mark and read stations.
The I-Mark(TM) I series system is provided with a complete package including a Windows software interface. This software runs on most windows platforms with user-friendly icons for quick navigation thru programming. The I-Mark(TM) software has an extensive help file, integrated video demos, and graphic icons that combine to provide reduced start-up time. Drag and drop functionality is incorporated to assure quick program generation and easy entity sizing. Multiple character fonts are supported including OCR (optical character recognition). Advanced 2D data matrix configurations include: entity selection, and sizing parameters. In depth user control is available for custom shift codes, complex date coding, and advanced sequences. Import DXF files for marking logos, or for use as background positioning files. The software also contains a machine controller view with advanced diagnostics.
Columbia Marking Tools is a leading designer and manufacturer of metal and plastic marking equipment including stamps, roll marking dies, roll marking and impact marking machines, numbering heads and special marking machines.
E-mail: info@columbiamt.com
