fast – wear-resistant – process reliable
Marking tools gravostar
The special feature of the marking tools developed by us is the non-cutting marking process. As with engraving, the marking contour is always traced by the machine axes. The feed speeds (when approaching the marking position as well as when traversing the marking contour), however, are massively higher than during engraving. The same applies to the service life of the marking needle.
Advantages of automated marking with gravostar
Main advantage: saving of part marking as a separate operation. This means that every manufactured part comes out of the CNC machine with the required marking and can be processed directly. In this way, parts can also be marked, if required, with real-time data read directly from the machine controller, such as serial numbering, current production time, etc.
With the tools it is possible to mark workpieces with alphanumeric text (letters and numbers), logos or also QR Code or Data Matrix Code.
Fast
Very short marking time: feed speeds of up to 5m/min can be achieved.
Wear-resistant
Extremely wear-resistant solid carbide needle with a service life of dozens of operating hours
Process reliability
Highest process reliability through non-cutting process in combination with in-process marking
Advice and customer service
The advantage of this procedure:
Each machined part comes out of the CNC machine with the required marking. The additional marking process with the associated handling effort etc. is completely eliminated.
Automatic changeover
The use of the tools is very simple and no additional installations on the machine side are necessary: Automatic change-over via tool changer, the needle is driven by coolant or compressed air through the machine spindle.
Integrated distance compensation function
All tool versions are equipped with an automatic distance compensation function, i.e. differences in distance between tool and marking surface are automatically compensated. This allows even workpieces with dimensional differences and/or uneven marking surfaces (e.g. raw castings) to be provided with uniform marking.
Product advantages
The advantages of gravostar marking tools conveniently in a PDF for downloading
Micropercussion: coolant-driven needle
gravostar W-20
The needle oscillation the gravostar W-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz...
The needle oscillation the gravostar W-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Needle actuation via internal tool cooling system (required coolant pressure approx. 10 – 50 bar)
- Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 0.5 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials (hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar WS-20
The needle oscillation the gravostar WS-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they...
The needle oscillation the gravostar WS-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool.
As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with large irregularities or dimensional differences such as rough casting parts etc.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc.
(no additional installations required) - Needle actuation via internal tool cooling system
(required coolant pressure approx. 5 – 50 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - The amount of distance compensation on the tool is adjustable
- Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials (hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar WS / WA
Various special holders with appropriate holders are available for applications where the marking has to be carried out at an angle to the machine axis.
These applications, which are usually customer-specific, can be equipped with coolant...
Various special holders with appropriate holders are available for applications where the marking has to be carried out at an angle to the machine axis.
These applications, which are usually customer-specific, can be equipped with coolant or compressed air operated micropercussion tools or scratching or ball point marking tools depending on the respective requirements.
The needle oscillation the gravostar WS-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool.
As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with large irregularities or dimensional differences such as rough casting parts etc.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Needle actuation via internal tool cooling system (required coolant pressure approx. 5 – 50 bar)
- Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - The amount of distance compensation on the tool is adjustable
- Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle
(material hardness 92 HRC)- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar WSX-20
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSX-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz...
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSX-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with large irregularities or dimensional differences such as rough casting parts etc.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc.
(no additional installations required) - Needle actuation via internal tool cooling system
(required coolant pressure approx. 5 – 80 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - The amount of distance compensation on the tool is adjustable
(integrated, adjustable coolant flow rate reduction) - Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle
(material hardness 92 HRC)- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar WSRX-20
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSRX-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz...
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSRX-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Sophisticated markings on any workpieces in a prescribed (tolerated) marking depth
(e.g. security-relevant parts in turbine construction, etc.)
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Needle actuation via internal tool cooling system
(required coolant pressure approx. 5 – 120 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - The amount of distance compensation on the tool is adjustable
- Integrated, precisely adjustable coolant pressure reduction
(for precise adjustment of the pre-defined marking depth) - Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar WSXP-20
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSXP-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS. All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz...
The needle oscillation the gravostar WSXP-20 tool type is generated by the coolant of the ICS.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the tool internal cooling system is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with large irregularities or dimensional differences such as rough casting parts etc.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Reinforced needle actuation via internal tool cooling system
(required coolant pressure approx. 5 – 80 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - The amount of distance compensation on the tool is adjustable
(integrated, adjustable coolant flow rate reduction) - Reinforced hard metal marking needle with very high wear resistance (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials (hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar W-types with special tool holders
It is often important not to exceed a maximum tool length, especially when used on smaller machines.
Therefore, all micorpercussion tools, as well as scribing and roller embossing tools, are also available as special solutions with integrated tool holders, some of which are even available...
It is often important not to exceed a maximum tool length, especially when used on smaller machines.
Therefore, all micropercussion tools, as well as scribing and roller embossing tools, are also available as special solutions with integrated tool holders, some of which are even available from stock. In addition, other customer-specific images can also be produced.
Here is a sample each with HSK50 for use in machining centres.
Extended needle holders for gravostar W-types
Different marking heads with extended needle guides and corresponding marking needles are available for marking applications in recessed areas.
These can be ordered separately or as a complete unit with standard adapter...
Different marking heads with extended needle guides and corresponding marking needles are available for marking applications in recessed areas.
These can be ordered separately or as a complete unit with standard adapter with a cylindrical Weldon shank shaft or with integrated special holders.
The marking heads with the three extended needle guides of 15mm, 50mm and 100mm available from stock are shown in the brochure sheet (download) below.
Wide range of needle designs
The standard marking needles are made of hard metal (hardness 92 HRC).
In the standard version, the needle tips come with an angle of 90° and a tip radius of R_0.5 mm...
The standard marking needles are made of hard metal (hardness 92 HRC).
In the standard version, the needle tips come with an angle of 90° and a tip radius of R_0.5 mm.
For applications with increased demands (marking of highly stressed parts such as turbines for power generation or aircraft engines etc.) marking needles with various tip contours are available. Special needles with a special coating or also in a diamond version are available for marking extremely hard or tough materials.
Some of the shapes and lengths of the marking needles available from stock are shown below on the brochure sheet (download). For special applications, any special designs can be produced within a few days.
Advice and customer service
Micropercussion: compressed air-driven needle
gravostar H-20
The needle oscillation for the gravostar H-20 tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as...
The needle oscillation for the gravostar H-20 tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the air supply is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Needle drive via central compressed air supply via the machine spindle
(required air pressure approx. 3 – 8 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- Various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 1 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials (hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar HRY-20
The needle oscillation for the gravostar HRY-20 tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as...
The needle oscillation for the gravostar HRY-20 tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the air supply is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual markings of any workpieces
with pre-defined (tolerated) marking depth (e.g. safety-relevant parts in turbine manufacture etc.).
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Needle drive via central compressed air supply via the machine spindle
(required air pressure approx. 3 – 8 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- Various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 1 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Integrated, precisely adjustable compressed air controller
(for precise adjustment of the pre-defined marking depth)- manometer connection (for measuring the pneumatic pressure setting)
- Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar H-20 PP
The needle oscillation for the gravostar H-20 PP tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as...
The needle oscillation for the gravostar H-20 PP tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the air supply is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual deeper markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Reinforced needle drive via central compressed air supply via the machine spindle
(required air pressure approx. 2 – 8 bar) - Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- Various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Reinforced hard metal marking needle with very high wear resistance (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar H-PP / WA
Various special holders with appropriate holders are available for applications where the marking has to be carried out at an angle to the machine axis.
These applications, which are usually customer-specific, can be equipped with coolant or...
Various special holders with appropriate holders are available for applications where the marking has to be carried out at an angle to the machine axis.
These applications, which are usually customer-specific, can be equipped with coolant or compressed air operated micropercussion tools or scratching or ball point marking tools depending on the respective requirements.
As with the other versions of the gravostar H-types the needle oscillation is generated by compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements for the impulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the air supply is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Individual deeper markings of any workpieces
in an angular arrangement to the spindle axis with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Reinforced needle drive via central compressed air supply via
the machine spindle (required air pressure approx. 2 – 8 bar)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Reinforced hard metal marking needle with very high wear resistance (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Swivel position of the angle adapter is individually steplessly adjustable
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- The tools are available in different versions and with additional options such as:
- VDI tool holders for lathes
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres
- needle holders with different extensions
gravostar HRY-20 PP
The needle oscillation for the gravostar HRY-20 PP tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as...
The needle oscillation for the gravostar HRY-20 PP tool type is generated using compressed air, which is supplied via the machine spindle.
All functional elements of the pulse control system are integrated in the tool. As soon as the air supply is activated, the needle begins to oscillate at a frequency of approx. 300 Hz.
Due to the high oscillating frequency, the individual marking points are so close to each other that they can no longer be individually recognised. The marking contour therefore appears as a continuous deep line.
Field of application
Deep markings with high quality requirements on any workpieces with pre-defined (tolerated) marking depth
(e.g. safety-relevant parts in turbine manufacture etc.).
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Reinforced marking needle activation (required air pressure approx. 2 – 8 bar)
- Standard model with 20 mm Weldon shank
- Various HSK, SK or special holders (optionally available)
- Needle holders with different extensions (optionally available)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 3 mm
(Regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Integrated, precisely adjustable compressed air controller
(for precise adjustment of the pre-defined marking depth)- manometer connection (for measuring the pneumatic pressure setting)
- Reinforced carbide marking needle with very high wear resistance (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- oscillation frequency of the marking needle: approx. 300 Hz
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process reliability due to easy pulse control integrated into the tool
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar H-types with special tool holders
It is often important not to exceed a maximum tool length, especially when used on smaller machines.
Therefore, all needle embossing tools, as well as scribing and roller embossing tools, are also available as special solutions with integrated tool holders, some of which are even available...
It is often important not to exceed a maximum tool length, especially when used on smaller machines.
Therefore, all needle embossing tools, as well as scribing and roller embossing tools, are also available as special solutions with integrated tool holders, some of which are even available from stock. In addition, other customer-specific images can also be produced.
Here is a sample each with HSK50 for use in machining centres.
Extended needle holders for gravostar H-types
Different marking heads with extended needle guides and corresponding marking needles are available for marking applications in recessed areas.
These can be ordered separately or as a complete unit with standard adapter...
Different marking heads with extended needle guides and corresponding marking needles are available for marking applications in recessed areas.
These can be ordered separately or as a complete unit with standard adapter with a cylindrical Weldon shank shaft or with integrated special holders.
The marking heads with the three extended needle guides of 15mm, 50mm and 100mm available from stock are shown below in the brochure.
Wide range of needle designs
The standard marking needles are made of hard metal (hardness 92 HRC).
In the standard version, the needle tips come with an angle of 90° and a tip radius of R_0.5 mm...
The standard marking needles are made of hard metal (hardness 92 HRC).
In the standard version, the needle tips come with an angle of 90° and a tip radius of R_0.5 mm.
For applications with increased demands (marking of highly stressed parts such as turbines for power generation or aircraft engines etc.) marking needles with various tip contours are available. Special needles with a special coating or also in a diamond version are available for marking extremely hard or tough materials.
Some of the shapes and lengths of the marking needles available from stock are shown below on the brochure sheet (download). For special applications, any special designs can be produced within a few days.
Advice and customer service
Scratch marking: no needle drive necessary
No active needle drive is needed in the scratch marking process as the marking needle is pre-tensioned by a spring. The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement. As soon as the point of the needle is brought into contact with the workpiece, the needle penetrates the surface of the material with a defined pre-tension pressure.
gravostar R-20
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle.
The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement...
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle.
The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement. As soon as the point of the needle is brought into contact with the workpiece, the needle penetrates the surface of the material with a defined pre-tension pressure.
Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth because of the consistent pre-tension pressure of the spring-mounted pre-tensioned marking needle in the axial direction with this extremely easily adjustable tool type.
Field of application
Individual rather fine markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 6 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Marking depth via individually pre-adjustable adjusting sleeve
(with scale for repeatable pre-tension pressure adjustment) - Stable housing made from stainless steel
- Standard model with hardened Weldon shank (clamping diameter 20 mm)
- Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle
(material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- an be used for almost all machinable materials (hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar RM-20
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle.
The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement...
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle. The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement. As soon as the point of the needle is brought into contact with the workpiece, the needle penetrates the surface of the material with a defined pre-tension pressure.
Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth because of the consistent pre-tension pressure of the spring-mounted pre-tensioned marking needle in the axial direction with this extremely easily adjustable tool type.
Field of application
Individual rather fine markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
- Compact, short construction with 20 mm Weldon shank
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 5 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Anodised aluminium housing with reinforced steel plate in the clamping area
(prevents deformation due to clamping screw) - 2 different adjustable marking depths
(pre-tension pressure of the marking needle 30 or 80 N) - Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle
(material hardness 92 HRC)- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
gravostar RM-12L
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle.
The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement. As soon as...
An active needle drive is not required for the scratch marking process because of the spring mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle.
The workpiece is marked by a combination of material compression and displacement. As soon as the point of the needle is brought into contact with the workpiece, the needle penetrates the surface of the material with a defined pre-tension pressure.
Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth because of the consistent pre-tension pressure of the spring-mounted pre-tensioned marking needle in the axial direction with this extremely easily adjustable tool type.
Field of application
Individual rather fine markings of any workpieces
with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
- Very compact construction with 12 mm Weldon shank
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 6 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Stable housing made from stainless steel
- Marking depth individually adjustable via adjusting screw
- Extremely high resistance to wear of the hard metal marking needle (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- feed speed more than 5‘000 mm/min possible
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 12 mm)
Advice and customer service
Roller embossing: for highest optical quality requirements
The unique feature of this process: the pre-tensioned marking needle which is spring-loaded in the axial direction is equipped with a freely rotatable solid carbide ball. The marking is shaped by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action of the hard metal ball on the surface of the material.
gravostar RB-20
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action...
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action of the hard metal ball on the surface of the material.
Roller embossing is used for fine, visually high-quality marking and for applications where absolute freedom from burrs without any material throw-up is required. Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth due to the spring-mounted marking needle with this tool type.
Field of application
Optically very high-quality, absolutely burr-free, fine marking
of any workpieces with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 5 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Marking depth via individually pre-adjustable adjusting sleeve
(with scale for repeatable pre-tension pressure adjustment) - Stable housing made from stainless steel
- Standard model with hardened Weldon shank (clamping diameter 20 mm)
- Marking needle with freely rotating carbide ball (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Very short marking time
- Absolute burr-free marking with extremely high visual quality
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
- VDI tool holders for lathes (optionally available)
- various HSK, SK or special tool holders for machining centres (optionally available)
gravostar RMB-20
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action...
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action of the hard metal ball on the surface of the material.
Roller embossing is used for fine, visually high-quality marking and for applications where absolute freedom from burrs without any material throw-up is required. Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth due to the spring-mounted marking needle with this tool type.
Field of application
Optically very high-quality, absolutely burr-free, fine marking
of any workpieces with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
- Compact, short construction with 20 mm Weldon shank
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 4 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Anodised aluminium housing with reinforced steel plate in the clamping area
(prevents deformation due to clamping screw) - Marking needle with freely rotating carbide ball (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Normal pre-tension pressure of the marking needle (98N)
- Very short marking time
- Absolute burr-free marking with extremely high visual quality
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
gravostar RMB-20L
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action...
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action of the hard metal ball on the surface of the material.
Roller embossing is used for fine, visually high-quality marking and for applications where absolute freedom from burrs without any material throw-up is required. Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth due to the spring-mounted marking needle with this tool type.
Field of application
Optically very high-quality, absolutely burr-free, fine marking
of any workpieces with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
- Compact, short construction with 20 mm Weldon shank
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 4 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Anodised aluminium housing with reinforced steel plate in the clamping area
(prevents deformation due to clamping screw) - Marking needle with freely rotating carbide ball (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Light pre-tension pressure of the marking needle (45 N)
- Very short marking time
- Absolute burr-free marking with extremely high visual quality
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 20 mm)
gravostar RMB-12
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action...
The unique feature of this process: the marking needle, which is spring-mounted and pre-tensioned in the axial direction, is equipped with a freely rotating solid carbide ball.
The marking contour is created by the compaction of the material left by the rolling action of the hard metal ball on the surface of the material.
Roller embossing is used for fine, visually high-quality marking and for applications where absolute freedom from burrs without any material throw-up is required. Even uneven marking surfaces can be provided with a consistent marking depth due to the spring-mounted marking needle with this tool type.
Field of application
Optically very high-quality, absolutely burr-free, fine marking
of any workpieces with regular, uneven or rough surfaces.
General information
- Use in machining centres, automatic lathes, etc. (no additional installations required)
- Extremely easily adjustable tool (without requiring a needle drive)
- Very compact construction with hardened 12 mm Weldon shank
Tool specifications
- Integrated, automatic distance compensation up to approx. 6 mm
(regular marking depth also of uneven marking surfaces) - Stable hardened steel housing
- Marking needle with freely rotating carbide ball (material hardness 92 HRC)
- needles are simple to replace with just a few manual operations
- can be used for almost all machinable materials
(hardness of marking surface up to approx. 62 HRC)
- Light pre-tension pressure of the marking needle (45 N)
- Very short marking time
- Absolute burr-free marking with extremely high visual quality
- Extremely high degree of process safety due to single, spring-mounted, pre-tensioned marking needle
- For universal use (Weldon shank shaft with a diameter of 12 mm)
Advice and customer service
Always informed
FAQs marking tools
The special feature of the marking tools developed by us is the non-cutting marking process. As with engraving, the marking contour is always traced by the machine axes. The feed speeds (when approaching the marking position as well as when traversing the marking contour), however, are massively higher than during engraving. The same applies to the service life of the marking needle.
As standard, all tool versions are equipped with a cylindrical Weldon shank of 20 mm.
In principle, however, all tools can also be supplied with integrated tool holders such as HSK etc., some of which are even available from stock.
How is the marking pattern created?
The desired marking is effected by the movement of the axis control of the processing machine.
The process is essentially the same as engraving with an engraving cutter. Exception: basically, work is carried out with a non-rotating machine spindle.
Which machine prerequisites are required?
When using the scratching and roller embossing tools, the operator merely requires the movement of the machine axes for running along the marking contour.
The use of the micro-percussion tools requires additional compressed air or coolant, which can be activated through the machine spindle during the processing cycle.
Which marking software is available for which controls?
The majority of control system manufacturers now offer corresponding marking programs for alphanumeric text markings.
For special marking tasks by means of serial numbering, transfer of real-time data etc. – as well as for the marking of Data Matrix Codes or QR Codes – we work together with corresponding partner companies.
Please get in touch with us if you require technical support!
What coolant pressure is required for the micro-percussion?
The minimum required coolant pressure is approx. 2 bar.
It is important to note that for applications below 5 bar, the WS type has to be chosen.
What pressure is required for compressed air-operated micro-percussion tools?
Air pressure within a range of 3 – 8 bar is required for tools in the standard version.
The reinforced PP versions (for deeper markings) require a minimum pressure of 2 bar.
What marking depth can be attained with gravostar?
Micro-percussion tools:
The depth of the marking is dependent on the available coolant pressure or air pressure, and is max. approx. 0.2 mm with the standard tools. With the tool versions WSP-20 or H-20 PP it is possible to achieve marking depths up to approx. 0.4 mm.
With the tool types WSRX-20 or HRY-20 and HRY-20 PP it is possible to reduce the marking depth precisely to the required dimension
Scratch marking tools:
Using the R-20 it is possible to achieve marking depths up to approx. 0.3 mm
With the RM-20 or RM-12L the maximum attainable depth is 0.1 – 0.2 mm
Roller embossing tools:
With these types of tools the marking depth is usually less than 0.1 mm. Due to the change in the surface structure the markings are still good visible (as scratches on surfaces).
How precise marking depths can be generated?
The marking depth is always dependent on the available coolant pressure or air pressure.
With the adjustable tool types WSRX-20 or HRY-20 and HRY-20 PP it is possible to reduce the marking depth precisely to the required dimension.
How does the marking depth behave with uneven marking surfaces?
All of our marking tools are equipped with an automatic distance compensation function. This means that the marking depth is always the same, even when marking on uneven surfaces.
What loads affect the machine spindle?
Micro-percussion tools:
Due to the pressure pulse control, the marking needle is no longer pressurised upon contact with the marking surface. Hence, the machine spindle is only subjected to a minimal axial pressure of a few N.
Scratching or roller embossing tools:
The strain depends on the available pre-tensioning pressure of the tools. In lateral direction this is a few N, in axial direction a maximum of 240 N.
What is the extent of the marking needle wear?
Scratch marking and micropercussion tools:
Due to the extreme hardness of the marking needle (92 HRC), it works virtually wear-free. Experience has shown that no wear can be detected even after several weeks with shift operation. In addition, the marking needle can be quickly and easily replaced in all tool types.
Roller embossing tools:
Due to the pivoting small carbide ball (diameter 1 mm), wear on the marking needle is significantly higher with these tools. We therefore recommend only using the roller embossing tools for applications where very high visual demands are placed on the marking.
What tool type is the right one for us?
This depends on various criteria, such as the hardness of the workpiece, the quality of the workpiece surface, the desired result of the marking (visual quality, marking depth), as well as the available machine equipment on which the tool should be used.
Please get in touch with us if you require technical support!
In our case, the marking surface is at right angles to the spindle axis of the machine – is there a solution for this without having to use an angle head?
Yes, as there is no need for a rotating machine spindle for non-cutting part marking, this is possible without any problems. Gravostar offers various tool versions with which part marking can be carried out at right angles or also at an angle to the axis of the machine spindle.
Please get in touch with us if you require technical support!
How does the marking affect the stability of the workpieces?
No material is removed during micro-percussion unlike engraving or laser marking. This means no damage to the material fibres and, as a result, there is virtually no reduction in the stability.
Because with micro-percussion only one fine dot is placed after the other, also very thin workpieces can be marked without any deformations.
What are the advantages compared to engraving?
Shorter marking time
In contrast o engraving, gravostar operates at very high feed rates of more than 5‘000 rpm. (material-dependent). The infeed or piercing speed can also be as fast as desired with the tools.
Insignificant tool wear
There is no risk of tool breakage due to wear or a too high feed rate. Furthermore, the marking remains practically unchanged even if the needle is slightly worn (no burr formation). The advance and plunge speed can also be set as quickly as required with the tools.
Maximum process reliability
In comparison to engraving, quality and process reliability when marking with gravostar are considerably higher.
Automatic distance adjustment function
Due to the automatic distance compensation (between the workpiece and the needle) workpieces with an uneven surface or larger dimensional tolerances (e.g. raw cast parts or round shapes) can also be marked without any problems.
The automated parts-marking prolongs the machine running time – does this make sense?
It is correct that the processing time of the “expensive” production machine is extended by several seconds. It is therefore impossible to provide a general response to this question and it must be individually assessed with every task.
An alternative is post-marking, which however requires an additional working sequence. In doing so however, it is necessary to consider the following points:
- The total processing time of the parts production is increased
- Marking, or the associated handling usually involves additional costs and/or manual working time
- Process reliability suffers (parts may be forgotten or incorrectly marked)
As an overall result, this means that: despite minimum extension of machine processing time, the marking integrated in the metal cutting process is often the most economic and above all most reliable option.
Is periodic maintenance work necessary on gravostar?
No, the operation of all marking tools manufactured by us is completely maintenance-free.
The marking depth is too low
It is necessary to note in general: in contrast to engraving, with gravostar tools the marking depth is not set through the tool distance!
- Measures with micro-percussion tools:
- Increase the coolant pressure or air pressure setting (if possible)
- Use of tool types for deeper markings: WSXP-20 (coolant) or H-20 PP (compressed air)
- Measures with scratching and roller embossing tools:
- Reduce the needle preload pressure on the tool
The marking is too deep
It is necessary to note in general: in contrast to engraving, with gravostar tools the marking depth is not set through the tool distance!
- Measures with micro-percussion tools:
- Reduce the coolant pressure or air pressure setting
- Use tool types with integrated pressure reduction equipment (gravostar WSRX-20 or gravostar HRY-20)
- Measures with scratching and roller embossing tools:
- Reduce the needle preload pressure on the tool
We require marking in dot matrix, is there a tool solution for this?
For the efficient production of such a marking, it is necessary to use a needle embossing tool with a comparatively low oscillation frequency (generally < 20 Hz).
Using the tool type gravostar HAF-20 we have developed such a needle embossing tool, which is equipped with an integrated frequency setting.
We would like to mark our parts on a CNC machine with Data Matrix Code or QR-Code. Is this possible?
This is fundamentally straightforward using the gravostar marking tools, and a number of customers have already realised this process.
The greatest challenge here lies in the software for generating the DMC, in order that the individual dots can be approached by the CNC machine.
However, appropriate solutions are now available from individual control system manufacturers.
We require automatic marking of real-time data (serial number, production date, etc.) on the CNC machine. How does that work?
The respective data is generally automatically read out from the machine control system or the network.
FAQs summarised for download
The FAQs of the gravostar marking tools conveniently in a PDF for downloading