High-quality marking, code verification and wetting for sheet metal production

Mühltal, September 16, 2025 - Automated processes for cost reduction, traceability and sustainability will be the focus when the international sheet metal processing industry meets at the innovation driver Blechexpo 2025. The full-range supplier REA Elektronik provides high-performance solutions for essential marking with ink, laser, code verification and wetting: systems, software and consumables - all from a single source.

One technology, multiple possibilities for sheet metal production - the REA JET HR 2.0 High Resolution Inkjet Printer and the REA JET DOD 2.0 Large Character Inkjet Printer are such multi-talented machines: Using a wide variety of inks, they mark metal products of all kinds - and also apply LBI oil free lubricants precisely where they are needed without any mist or dripping. The stamping and bending machines remain clean, the finished parts do not have to be cleaned and can be processed companies immediately. For smaller components, precise dosing and application with the digitally controlled nozzles of the REA JET HR is intended, while the REA JET DOD system is used for large-area wetting.

Ink marking - "wet on wet" or with large lettering

Thanks to its cartridge technology, the REA JET HR 2.0 is maintenance-free. It prints alphanumeric texts, logos as well as variable and serialized information in razor-sharp ink. The combination of up to four print heads makes markings up to 50.8 millimetres high possible. With two print heads, the REA JET HR 2.0 uses "wet-on-wet" technology to apply label content directly to smooth, transparent or metallic substrates. To do this, it first applies a white ink layer and immediately prints it with black or colored ink before the two dry together.

Using pigmented and fast-drying inks, the REA JET DOD 2.0 Large Character Inkjet Printer prints texts, data or logos between 5 and 140 mm high per print head on non-absorbent surfaces such as steel pipes or aluminum plates. Several print heads can be combined for larger markings. The fastest system in its class works at speeds of more than 600 m/min and is also the most durable - with reliably excellent and high-contrast print results, even in the event of vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations, in dusty and humid environments.

Laser marking - in the cabin or "on the fly"

Even on oily, corroded or more than 1,000 degree Celsius hot surfaces, REA LASER FL Fiber Lasers work reliably and apply markings to harder metals or plastics. The REA LASER FL200, FL300 and FL500 fiber laser models stand out for their simple integration and open xml-based automation interfaces. Using bundled light, they also print extremely small texts, logos and codes in high resolution. Their intensive and fast deep engraving can even replace classic embossing systems for marking steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the marking is produced by tempering, in which the heated material changes color.

If the REA LASER FL are integrated into the individually configurable REA LASER Marking Station, their extremely versatile concept enables laser processing at a stand-alone manual workstation through to fully automated, networked processing from batch size 1 to infinity. For the price of a series product, all parameters can be defined according to customer requirements - from the dimensions of the process chamber to the laser power, placement of the marking field and material feed and removal.

The new, robust REA LASER HD (Heavy Duty) Fiber Laser laser engraving system was developed especially for heavy industry. It applies permanent laser markings and high-quality data matrix codes in the shortest possible marking time, even under the toughest conditions - with "Laser Marking on the Fly" technology, even on moving components.

Precise marking with paint, varnish or process fluids

With precise marking, the spray mark technolgie solutions REA JET ST mark metallic surfaces where industrial processes require color markings - even at surface temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Even in areas that are difficult to access, they apply their information point by point with paint or lacquer. The REA experts have also opened up a second field of application for spray mark technolgies: the REA JET ST systems apply protective coatings, primers or process fluids for pre- or post-treatment to metallic surfaces.

Markings and codes have to be readable and also correct, for trouble-free automation and reliable traceability, compliance with international standard specifications and application-specific requirements based on ISO standardization. This is confirmed by the code verification systems in the REA VERIFIER product line. The REA VeriCube DPM with integrated DOME illumination verifies directly marked codes on high-gloss, highly reflective surfaces. The universal, stationary verification system delivers reliable results even with complex 3D shapes to optimize and maintain the print quality of the codes.

Experience REA from October 21 to 24, 2025 at Blechexpo in Stuttgart: Hall 6, Stand 6301