Ums - Part Mark Manual
Ums - Part Mark Manual
Metaletch Electrochemical
Marking Equipment
The quality of the mark achieved will depend on the following factors:
UMS can give advice on the items needed to best suit your application when the equipment is purchased. If you
have a new marking application or would like further information please call us on +44 (0)1420 565800 or email
[email protected].
• The image that is to be marked onto the component is found on the stencil which is laid on the component.
• The electrolyte solution carries the current through the image in the stencil and is absorbed in the felt pad
that is attached between the stencil and the marking head.
• When the marking head is applied to the component and the footswitch pressed the component circuit is
completed and the electrolytic action begins.
Oxide Marking
This produces a black mark although a white/grey oxide can be achieved on aluminium and chemically blacked steel.
The mark can be produced on most ferrous and some non-ferrous metals. It is the most common form of marking
and a mark can be produced in 1 to 3 seconds. The mark is a few microns thick on the surface of the component
and can only be removed with extensive abrasion.
Etch Marking
This process is similar but removes a small layer of metal and produces a below surface mark so is absolutely per-
manent. Etching is commonly carried out on metals such as brass, bronze and aluminium. It will take 1-3 seconds
to achieve a depth of 0.003mm. Depths of 0.1mm can also be achieved easily as well as deep etches.
Work Area
• It is advisable to keep the work area clean, dry and tidy. Accidental staining or corrosion of surround-
ing metal may occur if electrolyte is spilled and not thoroughly cleaned off and neutralised.
• Please refer to health & safety information (MSDS sheet). Email [email protected] if a copy is required.
• When neutralising change tissues frequently. Never use a cloth or industrial wipe as they will become
saturated in electrolyte in a very short period of time and will severely affect the performance of the
neutraliser.
• Never mix electrolytes or neutraliser solutions. Electrolytes are water based solutions but contain
chemicals so should only be used as directed. If you need to change electrolytes to mark a different
metal, the marking head must be washed in water and the felt pad changed to avoid contamination.
This also applies to the stencil.
• Electrolytes should be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Shelf life is 18 months and the date
of manufacture and use by date are printed on each bottle.
Stencils
• The mark will only be as good as the stencil you are using. If you are using a photographic stencil then
wash it after use and store it carefully out of direct sunlight. We supply a stencil cleaner if required.
• POD and BRSK stencils are disposable , ideal for marking variable information as well as datamatrix and
intended for only a small number of marks of each impression and this will vary depending on the set-
tings used and the type of mark being applied a well as the electrolyte being used. POD stencils can be
used for oxide and etch (below surface) marking. BRSK stencil tapes should only be used for black ox-
ide marking and alphanumeric data.
PRINT ON DEMAND
Check the Kit Contents
Cordset
Footswitch
Earthplate
Please check the contents of the kit carefully against your delivery note. Please con-
tact the supplier of your product as soon as possible if any item is damaged or missing.
Page 5
Marking Unit
LCD display
Program edit
and select but-
tons
Footswitch
socket
Mains supply
ON/OFF switch
CE plate
13 pin acces-
sory socket
Mains input
Input voltage selector socket
110—120
220—240v AC 50—60
Hz
Page 6
Connect footswitch
Output socket
This is used in conjunction with the ME3000P semi automatic jig. It can also be used to
control other special marking jigs and fixtures such as the RSH marking handle.
The RSH Marking Handle is an optional marking handle which can be used without a
footswitch. The marking cycle is activated by simply depressing the marking head. It
has a reservoir bottle in the top of the handle.
Page 7
Checklist
1. Ensure the equipment and surrounding workplace is clean and dry. Any spillage of solutions should be
cleaned immediately. Failure to do this will result in possible corrosion of the component, the equip-
ment and cross contamination onto other metal parts.
2. Ensure you have selected the correct electrolyte for the metal you are marking. (Check if you need to
neutralise after marking. Read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the electrolytes you are us-
ing. If required email [email protected] to request a copy.
3. Ensure you have a good earth.
4. When the machine is switched on the following will be seen
Language
The language default is English. To change language do the following:
Press “-” to access SETUP.
Choose the language you wish to use. Languages available are English,
French, German, Czech, Spanish and Italian
Press “x” to see more languages.
Press “+” for OK.
4. Next wet the felt pad with the correct electrolyte solution.
5. Place the stencil on the component and position ready for marking. Tip If using a BRSK or POD sten-
cil it can be difficult to see the text an position. Dampen the surface of the component with a little
electrolyte from the marking head (do not depress the footswitch) and then place the stencil down. A
little electrolyte will bleed through and make the data more visible.
6. Place the marking head on the stencil.
7. Depress the footswitch (you do not need to keep your foot on the footswitch during the marking cycle)
Tip Gently rock the marking head from side to side to produce the mark. If the marking area is larg-
er than the marking head then a sweeping action over the stencil will achieve the same result.
8. In “Timer Output” mode, you will see on the LCD display, the timer countdown to zero and the amount
of amps used during the marking cycle.
Page 8
Neutralising
After marking, place a small amount of neutraliser onto a clean tissue and wipe it over the marked area, and
any part of the component that has come into contact with Electrolyte.
Dry the component with another dry tissue. TIP It is important to use separate clean tissues of applying and
final drying of marked area. Failure to do so could cause corrosion of the component and surrounding work
areas, due to residual electrolyte. In the image on the right ME6 electrolyte is used to black oxide mark
stainless steel and uses MN1 neutraliser.
Programs
Types of program
Blank Programs
There are 4 ‘USER’ programs that the operator can program and adjust. These are blank and have to be set-
up by the operator which allows program settings and naming for specifc applications.
Preset Programs
There are also 11 pre-set programs. Which are already set up for common marking applications. By choosing
a preset program to match your marking requirements you can be sure that you will achieve the best results
with minimal effort. The preset programs can be edited and changed by the user / operator if required.
See below for preset programs available. Select by Program Name as follows:
ME6 Stainless oxide mark Oxide marking on Delay: 0 Seconds ME6 or MA5
most stainless
Function: Oxide
steels using ME6
electrolyte Power: 3
Marking Time: 1.5 Seconds
Buzzer volume: 2
Buzzer time: 0.5 seconds
Oxide marking on Delay: 0 Seconds ME6
carbide with a
ME6 Carbide compound Function: Etch
pre-etch function
first Power: 3
Marking Time: 2 Seconds
Function: Oxide
Power: 2
Marking Time: 2 Seconds
Buzzer volume: 3
Buzzer time: 1 seconds
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Preset Programs
PROGRAM USE SETTINGS IDEAL ELEC-
TROLYTE
ME8 Cast Iron Oxide Cast Iron Oxide Pro- Delay 0 seconds ME8
gram Function Oxide
Power 6
Marking time 2.5 seconds
Buzzer vol 2
Buzzer time O.5 seconds
Programs
PROGRAM USE SETTINGS IDEAL ELEC-
TROLYTE
ME5 Manual Etch Marking Deep etching on non Delay 0 seconds ME5 or MA2
-ferrous metals with
Function Etch
continuous marking
output Power 6
Marking time Manual
Buzzer vol Off
Buzzer time
ME5 Timed Etch Marking General etching on Delay 0 ME5 or MA2
non-ferrous metals
Function Etch
with timed output
Power 6
Marking time Manual
Buzzer vol Off
Buzzer time
Program Editing
To change the name press the “ ” to move across the screen to the name.
Use the “+” and “-” keys to change the letters to create your own name.
When finished press “” to move across the screen until “DELAY TIME OFF” appears.
Delay time
This function is normally used with an Air Jig or automated marking system. It
sets a delay for the output power to be switched on after the timer has been
energized. This is useful when using a semi-automatic marking head (SMV) or
curved stencil caps. The delay allows the stencil to come to rest and settle on
the component before the output power is applied. This will give a sharper
mark.
Press “+” key to select delay time in 0.25 sec increments. For marking onto
flat material the setting should be set to “0”.
Etch
Press “+” to select “YES” if you wish to perform an etch (below surface) mark.
Press “-” or “+” to select correct power setting.
Etch Time is used to program the marking time in 0.25 second increments.
The lowest setting is manual which will give a continuous output to the marking head and the buzzer will not sound
in manual mode.
User Programs
Oxide
After Delay Function Press “-” for NO if you want to produce an Oxide mark.
Press “+” to select “YES” if you wish to perform an oxide mark (black mark)
Press “-” or “+” to select correct power setting.
After Delay Time Press “+” to select “YES” if you wish to perform an etch (below surface) mark.
Press “-” or “+” to select correct power setting.
Etch Time is used to program the marking time in 0.25 second increments. The lowest setting is manual which will
give a continuous output to the marking head and the buzzer will not sound in manual mode.
Press “-” or “+” to set etch time.
Press "-" to select "0FF" seconds for Oxide Delay if it is not required (this is a function used for compound or com-
bined marking which switches the power off to the marking head for the specified time. This allows the marking
surface to cool slightly before the oxide layer is applied. This setting may improve the quality of the oxide mark on
some metals).
Buzzer Volume
The marking unit is fitted with a buzzer to indicate the end of the marking cycle.
The default setting 1 = ON
Press "-" to turn the buzzer to OFF.
Metal Types
Note all MA electrolytes are neutralised with de-ionised water. These are high grade electrolytes which are purity
tested and mainly used for Aerospace and Nuclear.
Please note the settings are approximate and will vary depending on the stencil used, grade and surface finish of the
metal that is to be marked. The area of mark may also affect the quality of the mark. Some trials may be required
to achieve the best results.
Material Type Gen- Neu- High Pow- Mark- Image Comments
of eral tralis Purity er ing
Mark er Electro- Set- Time
Elec- lyte ting (secs)
trolyte
(Aerospa
ce/ Nu-
Aluminium Etch ME5 MN2 MA2 Med- 10-15 Mark before anodising.
max Good for deep etching.
Stencil must be kept wet
with fresh electrolyte and
head applied with mini-
mum pressure. To ensure
max penetration in the
shortest time a deep etch
bridge is advised
Aluminium White ME5 MN2 MA2 Low- 1-2 Mark before anodising.
Oxide med
STEELS
Stainless Oxide ME6 MN1 MA5 Min- 1-3 Important the correct
Steel med settings are used other-
wise marks can appear
brownish
Stainless Etch ME12 MN1 MA5 Med- Min 4 The length of time to etch
Steel max will depend on the depth
required. If etching with a
carbon marking head
thicker felt is recommend-
ed, eg C grade which is
6mm thick.
High Carbon Oxide ME17 MN1 - Med- 4-5 ME3 can be used but can
Steel, mild max cause water staining.
steel low ME8 can be used and
carbon, high doesn’t need to be neu-
speed (HSS), tralised but best results
tool steel & normally achieved from
sawblade ME17.
steels
Page 15
High Carbon Etch ME3 or MN1 Med- Min 4 Gives a good etch.
Steel, mild steel ME12 or max Recommend deep
low carbon, high ME13 etch bridge if deep
speed (HSS), tool etching.
steel & sawblade
steels ME3 is less aggres-
sive so can be better
when using less
robust stencil paper.
If using BRSK stencil
tapes we would rec-
ommend a low pow-
er setting an etch of
approx. 10 seconds
followed by a second
etch of 10 seconds.
Chem Black Steel White ME20 MN1 - Low- 0.5-2 Black finished on
Oxide med steel can vary from
steam temper ox-
ides, used on drills,
to chemical blacks
used for decorative
purposes. Variation
in oxide films can
affect mark quality.
Expect a white oxide
finish.
Chem Black Steel Etch ME12 MN1 - Med- Min 4 Cleaning off in an
max ultra sonic tank after
marking can in some
cases clear any re-
maining salts and
dislodge any stub-
born particles of the
black oxide treat-
ment which have
been broken up by
the etching process.
Black steels – Etch ME12 MN1 - Med- Min 4 Most of these treat-
phosphate, heat max ments are very diffi-
treated and other cult to oxide or etch.
supplemental In most cases etch-
finishes ing through the col-
oured surface to
reveal the base met-
al will give a white
or natural finish to
the mark. Testing is
required and neu-
tralising is essential.
Brass Etch ME5 MN2 MA2 Med- 10-15 Good for deep etch-
max ing. Stencil must be
kept wet with fresh
electrolyte and head
applied with mini-
mum pressure. . To
ensure max penetra-
tion in the shortest
time a deep etch
bridge is advised
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Carbide Com- ME6 MN1 - Low 0.5 Should give a good black oxide
bined etch mark when using the combined
mark function on the ME3000T.
2-3
oxide
Cast Iron Oxide ME8 - MA1 Med- 1-3 No post marking treatment
& rough max required when using ME8.
machined
Chrome Oxide ME3 MN1 - Med- 1-3 A good oxide mark achievable
Plate or max on decorative or thin plated
ME6 chrome plating. Hard chrome
or does not oxide well but deep
ME25 etching is possible using ME16.
Chrome Etch ME16 MN1 - Med- Min 4 Use a generous supply of elec-
Plate max trolye and when applying the
marking head, rock throughout
the marking cycle to allow small
amount of gases to escape.
Ideally use deep etch bridge. If
etched too deep there is a dan-
ger of going through the
chrome to the substrate.
Cobalt & Oxide ME15 MN1 MA5 Med- 0.5- For sandblasted surfaces apply
Stellite max 1.5 a light film of oil before marking
Alloys Stel- to achieve better oxide. Etch-
lite – ing can also be achieved.
ME4
Copper Etch ME5 MN2 MA2 Med- 10-15 Good for deep etching. Stencil
Max must be kept wet with fresh
electrolyte and head applied
with minimum pressure. . To
ensure max penetration in the
shortest time a deep etch
Gold & Etch ME5 MN1 - Med- Min 4 Gold cannot be oxide marked.
Gold Plate Max Gold plate can form a light ox-
ide but this is in fact a light
oxide from the substrate. For
gold plate marking it is best to
deep etch the base metal be-
fore gold plating. Etching
through the gold will destroy
the plating and will wear very
quickly if the part is cleaned on
a regular basis.
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Nickel & also Oxide ME2 MN MA1 Med- 1-2 Can be difficult to achieve a
copper nickel 2 max good contrast mark. Rec-
ommend test mark first.
Pewter Etch ME12 MN - Max 10-15 Keep the stencil wet and
1 mark using a rocking mo-
tion to improve the etch
rate.
Silver & Etch ME5 MN1 - Med- 2-8 A shallow etch is recommend-
Silver Plate max ed to avoid etching to the
substrate. After marking
some staining usually occurs
around the mark. The compo-
nent should be washed in wa-
ter and then cleaned with a a
proprietary cleaner such as
“Brasso”.
Stellite Oxide ME4 MN1 - - - Gives a white oxide. Please
send a sample for test mark-
ing.
Tin Oxide ME5 MN2 MA3 Min- 0.5-2
or med
ME14 MN1
Titanium Oxide - - MA4 or Low- 0.25- Degrease the marking surface
MA5 med 0.75 if needed and dry carefully.
Do not pre wet the metal with
electrolyte before applying the
stencil. Apply a very firm
pressure when marking. Best
results achieved by placing the
stencil directly the part rather
than fixing it to the marking
head. Do not use too much
electrolyte, the pad should
only be damp.
Titanium Oxide ME6 MN1 - This can mark well but testing
Nitride or for is recommended. The best
ME8 ME6 selection of electrolyte will
depend on the grade of mate-
rial.
Zinc Oxide ME17 MN1 MA1 Med 1-2 Do not over wet the felt pad.
Zinc Plate Oxide ME27 MN1 - - - Please send samples for test-
ing
Zinc Colour Com- ME4 MN1 - Max 1.5 A combined mark can only be
Passivation bined done with the ME3000T (Etch
plus oxide in one operation).
Zinc Colour Oxide ME28 - MA1 Max 1.5 Can give a good black mark
& Clear but may vary between plating
All equipment (power units, air jigs, electronic pump units) manufactured by Universal Marking systems Ltd are guaranteed against
faults arising from defective components or manufacture reported to Universal Marking Systems Ltd by the original purchaser,
within 12 months from the date of supply subject to the following conditions:
The equipment has been used in strict complacence with the operating instructions and exclusively with the solutions and accesso-
ries manufactured by Universal Marking Systems Ltd.
No alteration or repair has been undertaken, other than by Universal Marking Systems Ltd engineers.
The equipment shall be returned carriage prepaid to Universal Marking Systems Ltd at the owner’s risk.
Repair or replacement shall be at the discretion of Universal Marking Systems Ltd.
This registration card must be completed and returned (faxed or posted) to Universal Marking Systems Ltd within 30 days or pur-
chase.
Declaration of conformity
DIRECTIVE 93/68/EEC
ME3000
Model number:
T version
Date:
2020
has been manufactured to the technical specifications of the products and conforms in all respects to
the relevant standards and regulations in force and especially to :
Electromagnetic compatibility:
BS EN 50081-1:1992 part 1
BS EN 50082-1:1992 part 1