Further advances in its inexpensive MicroLiner technology have been announced by Borries Marking Systems. The capabilities of this compact marker have been enhanced with an addition to the hand-held version: an in-line marker especially for automated work piece marking. This newer marking instrument is capable of generating scribe, stylus or dot-matrix marking, all readable by a human eye. Its capabilities also include ECC200 DataMatrix code marking that can be read by automated vision systems. The MicroLiner 312 is fully programmable, capable of marking at speeds up to four characters per second, with flexibility for in-line processing, lot control and traceability. The marker is driven by high-speed stepper motor drives. It moves on precision ball-bearing spindles and a carriage with circular ball tracks in both axes. Lightweight (only 6.6 lbs—3 kgs), the marker can be fixed--mounted in any orientation for automated applications; or it can be installed on indexing mechanisms or part-holding fixtures. According to Don Hubchik, U.S. Manager for Borries, “The MicroLiner is manufactured to mark a broad range of part geometries, and offers various tooling options for flexibility. It also can be protected by a cover if it is placed in environments that are dirty or wet.” The size of the marker measures 6½ inches (160 mm) in height by 5.9 inches (150 mm) in length by another 5.9 inches in depth. Its compact controller can generate time and date codes internally or it can receive marking data from other sources by means of an RS232 interface, or by way of an optional RS422, Profibus, Ethernet or DeviceNet. Signal exchanges with the user’s automation can be via digital I/O or the above- mentioned interfaces. The marker’s controller is equipped with a standard MACRO program, and can be integrated into a higher-level station control. All parameter settings can be modified using the membrane keyboard (also marker text and positions) or the Borries MACRO loader program. With this program, a test and set-up operation also is possible, including teach-in features on marking positions.
