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.
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.
We can custom order inks to meet most Aerospace and Defense specifications. Many of our clients use ink marking to serialize part numbers, cage codes, or manufacturing numbers. Ink marking is particularly suitable to mark parts that are large and cumbersome, making other marking techniques difficult.
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
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
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.
Call (562) 634-6300 | Toll-Free (800) 803-8333 | Fax (562) 633-0600 | 14053 Orange Ave. Paramount, CA 90723
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
