Laser Marking GS1 Solutions for the Rail Transport Industry

Overview of suitable laser systems for marking / application areas in the rail industry

Laser marking applications in rail infrastructure:

Application area	Type of components	Recommended laser machines
Track material	Rails, track fasteners, sleepers, tournouts	VIN Marker, SpeedMarker
Control and safety technology protection systems, sensors	Interlocking and monitoring systems, signal Box shunting technology, level crossing	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Electrical systems	Overhead line systems, point heating, railroad power supply systems	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Property protection & building automation	Intrusion detection, access control, video security systems	InMarker, SpeedMarker

Laser marking applications in rail vehicles:

Vehicle system	Key components	Recommended laser machines
Brake system	Brake control, actuator brake, magnetic rail brake	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Vehicle body	Boarding and loading equipment, towing and pushing equipment	InMarker
Drive system	Drive control, motor, gearbox	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Chassis	Frame, suspension, wheelset, chassis	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Auxiliary and ancillary supply	Compressed air supply, pressure tank system, battery system	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Interior	Interior, heating, ventilation, sanitary, kitchen	SpeedMarker , Speedy
Energy supply	Protective devices, combustion engine systems	InMarker, SpeedMarker
Central control and communication	Train control technology, diagnostic and communication systems	SpeedMarker
Operational control technology	Operational communication (radio)	SpeedMarker , Speedy
Maintenance / training workshop	Material tests, model making, training, further training	SpeedMarker , Speedy

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Which laser machine is best for rail components and vehicles?

InMarker

SpeedMarker series

Speedy series

Customized solution

Laser labeling with compact integration laser

The InMarker series powerful (up to 200 watts) industrial laser engravers guarantee precise marking with short cycle times as part of your production line, robot cell or production facility.

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Mandatory labeling requirements for rail components

Respective of the individual labeling requirements of manufacturers or suppliers, rail operators define well over 300 different components for rail vehicles and infrastructure as subject to mandatory labeling (see excerpt above). The classification ranges from safety-critical and approval-relevant to operation-relevant, high-cost components or maintenance plan-relevant. At the same time, the GS1 DataMatrix code and the plain text line must also be visible when the product is installed (if technically feasible) and should ideally be located near the existing type plate.

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Industry solutions

In the rail sector, there are numerous parallels to the automotive industry. Here, too, it is not just about “small” cars, but often also about commercial vehicles and trucks. For example, deep engraving or special production solutions for brake marking are required in both sectors. Trotec has extensive application and process knowledge in these applications, which makes realization and implementation much easier for our customers and often shortens the time required.

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Also read: Brake disc marking according to EURO 7

GS1: driving standardization and efficiency in rail operations

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GS1 as a common standard in the rail industry.

Industries such as mechanical engineering or vehicle technology have long been using the standardized option of traceability using GS1. In the meantime, rail operators from 23 countries have also agreed to use GS1 identification numbers such as GTIN, GIAI and SGTIN. This is because the comprehensive use of a common standard offers some potential:

Electronic and improved exchange of data between manufacturers, operators and regulatory authorities
Optimization of logistics processes and the management of (sub)suppliers
Improvement of error and warranty management
Collection and use of data for product development, operation and maintenance
Improved counterfeit protection for manufacturers

Summary: More security, more transparency and leaner processes - which ultimately benefits everyone involved.

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GS1 integration made easy with SpeedMark and support from Trotec

Trotec is a GS1 Solution Partner and, with the SpeedMark software, offers the simple option of processing GS1 codes. In addition, the individual workflows of the laser process can be defined in the SpeedMark software and thus ideally adapted to your workflow. For more complex processes or the ERP connection, we also offer support from our software specialists from our Galvo Competence Center.

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Product handling solutions for efficient laser marking

Our customizing enables the connection of automation or partial automation if you require, for example, palletizing, robot handling or workpiece fixtures, round engravings, etc.

With SpeedMarker workstations, you can use SpeedMark Vision to position markings on workpieces quickly and precisely via camera support. You also avoid expensive rejects thanks to Smart Adjust.

Alternatively, you can use the InMarker integration laser with Safetycone to flexibly place markings directly on the component. This can be integrated into your production line or used as a stand-alone solution and is particularly useful for very heavy or large components or high quantities.

Options for flexible product identification

Laser source tailored to your material and process requirements

With our customizing, the Trotec laser systems can also be equipped with other laser sources in addition to fibre or CO₂ lasers. Depending on the material properties, processing requirements and cycle times, UV lasers, PICO lasers or FEMTO lasers are available for selection, for example.

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Examples of processing options

Annealing – Color change through heating
Deep engraving – often used for highly stressed components
Fine engraving – mostly used for labeling
Perforating – this processing can be helpful for textiles, for example. Organic materials such as
Materials such as leather, wood, etc. can be decorated or prepared for further work steps
Kerf Cut - making rigid materials flexible using cutting technology

Global applications of GS1 standards in the railroad industry

Despite the use of a uniform GS1 standard, there are differences in application between countries. These differences mainly concern the specific implementations and the focus of the respective railroad operators, for example:

DE - Deutsche Bahn uses the GS1 standards intensively for the life cycle management of parts and components. The focus is on traceability and compliance with safety standards.
AT - In Austria, the focus is on optimizing material flows and increasing efficiency in operations. ÖBB uses GS1 standards to ensure seamless integration into existing logistics processes.
CH - SBB uses the GS1 standards primarily to improve maintenance processes and to ensure the availability of spare parts. The focus here is on the precise identification and management of safety-relevant components.
FR - SNCF uses GS1 standards to support interoperability and cross-border operations. The focus is on compliance with international regulations and improving transparency in the supply chain.
IT- Trenitalia is using GS1 standards to optimize passenger information and ticketing systems, ensuring a smooth travel experience. In addition, the focus is also on improving the supply chain for spare parts.
ES - RENFE is using GS1 standards to streamline logistics processes, particularly in the high-speed infrastructure. At the same time, it is trying to achieve environmental goals through sustainable procurement.
UK - Network Rail uses GS1 standards to obtain real-time information on rail components and to plan maintenance work more efficiently. The safety and availability of critical components are key priorities.
SE - Sweden's SJ uses GS1 standards to promote sustainability in the supply chain, particularly by optimizing recycling processes and reducing waste.
JP - JR Group uses GS1 standards to increase efficiency in high-speed train logistics while ensuring safety through precise component traceability.
CA - Canada's VIA Rail uses GS1 standards to improve the integration of supply chain processes and ensure the availability of spare parts in remote regions.
US - American Amtrak optimizes maintenance processes and transparency in the procurement of safety-critical components with GS1 standards.
AU - In Australia, rail operators use the GS1 standard to manage the lifecycle of parts and components, ensure traceability and optimize maintenance processes. This includes the precise identification of safety-relevant components and integration into existing logistics processes

Laser Machines for the Railroad Industry