Universal Marking Inc.

Why UMI Is The Leader in Metal Marking Services
Laser Marking Services
Engraving Services
Electrochemical Etching Services
Grit Blasting / Sand Blasting Services
Impression Stamping / Debossing Services
Ink Marking Services
Silk Screening / Screen Printing Services
Custom-Made Metal Dies
Inspection Stamps
Why Manufacturers Choose UMI for Metal Part Marking

Why UMI Is The Leader in Metal Marking Services

Universal Marking Inc. (UMI) is one of the largest metal part marking companies in the United States. Since 1975, we’ve offered an extensive range of services designed to accommodate the needs of diverse industries. Our industrial laser marking services are relied on by over 300 clients spanning 24 industries. We are AS9003 and ITAR compliant and ensure each project adheres to stringent quality standards. Clients from across the globe trust UMMI to deliver cost-effective, accurate marking services with fast delivery.

Laser Marking Services

Our laser marking services achieve precise, non-contact marking and etching on pressure-sensitive components. Using CNC-controlled laser beams as fine as 0.002 inches in diameter, we can create anything from simple designs to highly detailed graphics, all while adhering to strict tolerance requirements. Laser metal part marking is compatible with a wide range of materials and coatings, including anodized and heat-treated surfaces.

Our etching depths range from 0.0001 to 0.002 inches, while depths greater than 0.002 inches are considered to be laser markings. Both etching and marking services create crisp, clear marks with minimal stress on the component. Since cycle times are extremely fast and consistent, even high-volume jobs are completed quickly.

Engraving Services

UMI uses the most advanced CNC technology to translate vector art files into precise markings. This allows us to maintain extremely tight tolerances for marking depth and location. Our component engraving services achieve depths ranging from 0.001 to 0.030 inches, with location tolerances as tight as 0.001 inches. We accommodate hardened materials up to 55 Rockwell, making these services suitable for diverse applications.

Engraving Services

Electrochemical Etching Services

Also referred to as electrolytic etching, electrochemical etching is a stress-free method of creating sharp-edged markings on metal parts. The process involves pressing an electrolyte-soaked electrode onto a stencil that’s placed on a metal part. An electric current is applied, dissolving the metal beneath the stencil in depths up to 0.006 inches. This process does not weaken the physical or chemical properties of the metal part and is suitable for heat-treated materials exceeding 60 Rockwell.

Grit Blasting / Sand Blasting Services

Also known as abrasive etching, the grit or sand blasting process involves propelling high-pressure streams of abrasive materials through a stencil onto a part’s surface. This technique removes surface contaminants and produces clear marks, even on rough, coated, or rusty surfaces. Grit blasting also works well on glass or acrylic surfaces, and creates a “frosted” look on the surface.

Impression Stamping / Debossing Services

Our impression stamping and debossing services use hydraulic or pneumatic presses to push a heat-treated die into a metal part. The resulting marks are very deep, at greater than 0.030 inches, with no image or depth variation between pieces. Since the presses used in this process can exert over 8,000 pounds of pressure, they create deep marks into metal as hard as 60 Rockwell. The impression stamping process involves very fast cycle times and creates consistent marks, making this technique ideal for high-volume production runs.

Ink Marking Services

Rubber stamp ink marking services use custom-made rubber stamps to evenly apply ink onto parts. Since low pressure is applied to the marking area, this process is compatible with sensitive materials. In many applications, a clear polyurethane coating is applied after stamping to maximize the graphic’s durability.

UMI’s ink marking process achieves high-contrast, long-lasting marks. We typically use two-part epoxy inks that reduce dry times and custom-manufacture stamps in-house for faster turnarounds and reduced costs.

Silk Screening / Screen Printing Services

Screen printing, or silk screening, is a process of transferring paint or ink through mesh material onto an ink-blocking stencil. As the ink penetrates small openings in the mesh, detailed graphics are created, with minimal pressure applied to the marking area. The silk screening process is compatible with many substrates, including:

Ceramics
Glass
Metal

Plastic
Wood

UMI stocks inks in an extensive range of color options and can print in virtually any color your project requires to accurately match your branding or aesthetic goals. We handle both high and low-volume production runs.

Custom-Made Metal Dies

At UMI, we manufacture custom metal dies using state-of-the-art CNC electrical discharge machining (EDM) Sinker technology. This equipment creates durable die images with characters as small as 0.010 inches, with depths up to 0.100 inches. Choose from a large catalog of styles, including:

Bold face
Flat face

Outlines
Graphics

Inspection Stamps

With an extensive range of services and nearly five decades of marking expertise, UMI has been a trusted partner for many demanding metal part marking projects. We not only adhere to the highest industry standards but are proud to deliver fast, precise, and efficient services on every order.

Inspection Stamps

UMI provides a variety of inspection stamps through our Paramount Stamp Works Division, acquired in 1983. Purchasing these high-quality marking devices allows our customers to conveniently mark products themselves, for quality control, compliance, and other purposes. Some of the most popular inspection stamps we provide include:

Date stamps
Self-inking stamps
Steel hand stamps
Rubber stamps

Pre-inking stamps
Numbering stamps
Signature stamps

Why Manufacturers Choose UMI for Metal Part Marking

UMI is more than a metal part marking company, we’re a reliable extension of your operations. We enable OEMs, military suppliers, commercial manufacturers, and much more to outsource complex part marking tasks without sacrificing quality or compliance.

We offer over 30 marking techniques and more than 20 inspection stamps, with expertise in hundreds of specifications, including MIL-STD-130, SAE AS478, BAC5307, and hundreds more. Whether you need to order a single component or thousands of parts, we’re equipped to deliver fast, accurate, and cost-effective results. To get started, request a quote online. You can also reach out to our sales team by calling 800-803-8333 or emailing info@universalmarking.com.