Since 1975, Universal Marking Inc. has supported industrial manufacturers with precision marking solutions and custom die manufacturing. We produce high-tolerance marking dies designed to create permanent, legible impressions on materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and hardened alloys. Universal Marking Inc. has also made dies for the fashion industry designed to mark materials such as leather and denim.
Our capabilities include custom EDM dies and in-house branding die manufacturing, helping engineers and supply chain teams select marking tools that meet durability, readability, and production requirements.
2D EDM Dies
A 2D EDM die is a precision marking tool manufactured from hardened tool steel, typically achieving a Rockwell hardness of 58 or higher. These custom EDM dies feature raised reverse characters that are pressed into a part, creating a permanent indentation.
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) enables high-precision detail and repeatability, making these dies suitable for high-volume production where consistent marking and tool longevity are critical.
3D EDM Dies
When marking curved or irregular surfaces, flat dies often produce inconsistent impressions. 3D EDM dies address this by incorporating contoured characters that match the part’s geometry, enabling uniform marking depth across the surface.
These custom EDM dies are commonly used on cylindrical components such as turbine shafts and medical tubing, where consistent marking is required for traceability and compliance.
Embossing Dies
Embossing dies consist of matched male and female tooling used to form a raised or recessed image by deforming the material. This process produces highly visible, permanent marks without the use of inks or chemical treatments.
Proper alignment between die components is critical to prevent material distortion, misregistration, or premature tool wear. Universal Marking manufactures embossing dies with precise tolerances to maintain consistency across production runs.
Branding Dies
Branding dies are used for heat-based marking on materials such as wood, leather, and certain plastics. These dies consist of a metal blank with raised reverse characters that are heated and pressed into the material to create a permanent impression.
Our in-house branding die manufacturing process ensures uniform heat distribution across the die surface, reducing the risk of hot spots that can cause uneven marking or material damage.
Bar Marking Dies
Bar marking dies are designed for use with continuous roll marking machines, enabling markings to be applied along the length of bars or pipes during production. This process supports high-speed, automated marking without interrupting material flow.
These dies are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas and construction, where long components must be marked with specifications, heat numbers, or identification codes in a single pass.
Selecting the Right Metal Die for Your Application
Selecting the appropriate die type depends on part geometry, material, marking method, and production volume. Each die type serves a specific function within industrial marking processes.
- Use 2D EDM dies for flat surfaces and high-volume production
- Use 3D EDM dies for curved or cylindrical components
- Use embossing dies for raised or recessed marks on flat materials
- Use branding dies for heat-based marking on non-metal substrates
- Use bar marking dies for continuous marking along long materials
Request Custom Metal Dies Built for Your Marking Requirements
Universal Marking, Inc. manufactures custom metal dies designed for precision marking across demanding industrial applications. From custom EDM dies to in-house die manufacturing for branding, we support projects requiring durability, consistency, and compliance with strict quality standards.
Our AS9003-approved and ITA-compliant facility produces marking tools for aerospace, medical, industrial, and defense applications, helping manufacturers maintain traceability and product identification. Contact our team or request a quote to discuss your specific die requirements.