Products Automation of Laser Marking

The automation of FOBA laser marking systems is fundamentally possible and has already been successfully implemented in a variety of ways. There is no “standard solution”—instead, automation is tailored to the individual requirements of the respective application and production environment. 
The following types of automation have already been implemented:

• Tray feeder systems for automated feeding of workpieces
• Clamping devices with integrated rotary unit in the FOBA M series for precise positioning and rotation
• Robot connections for automatic loading and unloading of laser stations
• Integration of individual lasers into customer-specific machine designs
• Integration into existing production lines, e.g., for inline marking during the manufacturing process

FOBA laser marking systems can be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of automation concepts – from semi-automated solutions to fully integrated production systems.
 

The communication between a FOBA laser marking system and other machines and IT systems is individually programmed according to the requirements of the production environment. In most cases, we use a TCP/IP-based interface, which enables reliable and flexible connection to higher-level systems such as PLC controls, ERP systems, or customer databases.
With the help of FOBA middleware, all relevant marking parameters can be controlled centrally. The middleware acts as an interface between the laser system and the machine control system and enables easy integration – even into complex production lines with axis systems, rotary units, or automated feeders.

Typical communication scenarios are:

• Product identification on tablets: The system receives information about the product type and position via the interface.
• Database connection: Product data, serial numbers, or marking content are transferred directly from a customer database.
• Machine communication: FOBA systems can communicate with upstream or downstream machines, for example, to receive marking approvals or forward status messages.

We adapt our systems flexibly to your infrastructure – whether through direct connection to existing controls or integration into higher-level IT systems. The result is a consistent, automated solution that fits seamlessly into your production processes.




 

Yes, FOBA laser marking systems can be easily integrated into linear transport and conveyor systems. We offer special machine configurations with an extended and continuous X-axis that allows a conveyor belt to pass directly through the marking station.

This solution is ideal for inline applications where products are continuously transported and marked while in motion. 

The systems are designed to be flexibly adapted to different conveyor speeds and product sizes.

Thanks to their modular design and close cooperation with automation partners, FOBA systems can be integrated into existing production lines as well as new plant concepts – including communication with controllers, databases, and other machines via standardized interfaces such as TCP/IP.

Whether for single-piece processing or series production, integration into conveyor systems enables efficient, automated, and precise marking—without any manual intervention.

Yes, robot integration is possible with FOBA laser marking systems and is frequently used. Robots perform tasks such as automated loading and unloading or the precise positioning of workpieces within the marking station.

However, direct integration of a robot into the machine itself is not currently planned. Instead, FOBA offers an automatically controlled rotary clamping device that can be installed within the M-series. 

This device takes care of the precise positioning and rotation of the workpieces, enabling automated processing without the need for external robots inside the machine.

For more complex automation scenarios, the M series can communicate with external robot systems and other machines via standardized interfaces (e.g., TCP/IP), allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into automated production processes.

Yes – FOBA works with a network of experienced automation partners who can also provide you with support for expanding your marking solution at a later date. Whether you need robot technology, conveyor systems, clamping devices, or integration into existing production lines, our partners have the necessary expertise to automate your FOBA laser marking machine to fit your exact requirements.

Even if you start with a manual solution, your system remains future-proof: The machines are designed to be flexibly expandable and integrable into automated processes – including communication with ERP systems, databases, and other machines.

FOBA supports you from planning to implementation – together with partners who understand your requirements and implement them reliably.

FOBA laser marking systems are designed to be flexibly switched between automated series production and manual single-part production – without the need for costly modifications.

Thanks to the modular machine architecture and intelligent software solutions, the operating mode can be quickly adapted. In automated processes, external systems such as robots, conveyor technology, or clamping devices take over the handling of the workpieces. For single-part production, operation can be manual – for example, by having the operator insert and position the workpiece directly.

The FOBA M series offers particularly good conditions for this:

• Automated processes can be controlled via interfaces and deactivated if necessary.
• Manual operation is possible at any time, e.g., for sample parts, small series, or custom-made products.
• The software recognizes the operating mode and adjusts the process control accordingly.

This flexibility makes FOBA systems ideal for companies that want to manufacture large quantities automatically and occasionally process individual parts manually.

Yes, FOBA laser marking systems can be partially or fully automated, depending on requirements and the production environment. The difference lies in the degree of automation and the level of human interaction in the process.

Partial automation
In partial automation, individual process steps are automated while others remain manual. Typical examples are:

• Automated loading and unloading by robots or tray feeders
• Rotary clamping devices for automatic positioning
• Camera-assisted marking processes for quality control

The operator remains actively involved in the process, e.g., when inserting the workpieces or releasing the marking.

Full automation
Full automation covers the entire process – from parts handling and marking to quality inspection and data tracking. The system takes care of the following:

• Workpiece recognition and positioning
• Communication with ERP/MES systems
• Documentation and traceability (e.g., UDI, serial numbers)
• Consistent process control without manual intervention

FOBA offers modular automation solutions that can be flexibly adapted to your infrastructure and production goals.
Whether partially or fully automated, FOBA systems are future-proof and scalable. They can be expanded or adapted at any time, making it easy to switch from manual or semi-automated production to full automation at a later date.

FOBA offers the option of fully automating laser marking systems and integrating them into customized in-house designs, particularly through its in-house SAR (Special Application Request) department.

SAR develops tailor-made solutions for special requirements, e.g., for special component formats, complex production lines, or individual machine concepts. The appropriate laser sources, axis systems, automated loading units, and communication interfaces are selected and configured for the selected laser in a special housing—all tailored to your production environment.

What are the typical features of a SAR solution?

• Integration into existing or new production systems
• Fully automated handling and marking (“marking on the fly” or stationary)
• Modular design for maximum flexibility
• Connection to ERP/MES systems and databases
• Use of FOBA camera and software solutions for process control

Whether you are working with a machine manufacturer or planning your own design, FOBA supports you with technical expertise, project support, and an experienced engineering team that understands and implements your requirements.

The software used in FOBA laser marking systems is usually tailored to the project – depending on the degree of automation, production environment, and customer requirements. Software sovereignty lies either with FOBA or with the customer or their system integrator, depending on how the integration is carried out.

With MarkUS software, FOBA offers a powerful solution for controlling and designing marking processes. It supports up to five axes, is compatible with FOBA vision systems, and enables precise, traceable marking. Standardized interfaces such as TCP/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, and serial communication are available for communication with external systems.

In addition, the FOBA middleware ensures easy integration into existing IT and production systems. It allows central control of all relevant marking parameters and can be administered by both FOBA and the customer.

Who has control over the software therefore depends on these factors:

• FOBA, if the machine is operated as a stand-alone unit or with FOBA's own automation.
• On the customer side, if the machine is integrated into a customer's own control or ERP/MES environment.

In any case, FOBA offers flexible solutions that can be adapted to your infrastructure – including user roles, remote access, and interfaces for smooth communication.

Safety is fully guaranteed in all FOBA automation solutions, including robot connections. FOBA attaches great importance to process-reliable and standard-compliant integration, especially in complex automation scenarios.

All systems are developed and tested in accordance with applicable safety standards (e.g., CE conformity). When integrating robots or conveyor systems, modular safety concepts are used to ensure both operator protection and process stability.

Important safety aspects:

• Interface compatibility with PROFINET, TCP/IP, and other industry standards enables reliable communication and control.
• Integrated image processing systems check each marking immediately after the laser process and ensure error-free results.
• Modular system architecture allows protective devices, light grids, and safety zones to be adapted to the degree of automation.
• Documentation and traceability (e.g., UDI, serial numbers) are fully automatable and auditable.

FOBA supports you in the planning and implementation of safe automation solutions – from individual components to fully integrated production cells. Safety remains the focus even with subsequent expansions.

FOBA laser marking systems are equipped with digital inputs and outputs (I/Os) that can be used for communication with external components such as axes, sensors, or controllers. These interfaces enable individual control and are technically designed to be integrated into complex automation solutions—for example, via TCP/IP, PROFINET, or other industry standards.

However, please note:

The disclosure and use of these I/Os is not enabled by default. In many automation scenarios, our laser marking systems are subordinate units that are controlled via central controllers. To ensure a secure and controlled system architecture, certain signals must be deactivated or specifically enabled.

This release is only granted to certified distributors and system partners who develop their own extensions or integrations. In such cases, FOBA provides support in the form of technical documentation, coordinated interfaces, and project-specific consulting.

Automating a FOBA laser marking system can significantly reduce cycle times – i.e., the number of parts processed per unit of time. Automated processes enable continuous processing without manual intervention, which shortens cycle times and increases throughput.

What are typical automation steps that contribute to cycle time optimization?

• Automated parts handling (e.g., robots, tray feeders, conveyor technology)
• Integrated image processing for immediate quality control
• Software-supported process control with minimal transfer times
• Communication with ERP/MES systems for fast data provision

Another advantage: automation can reduce or completely replace manual tasks. This not only saves labor, but also increases process reliability and repeatability—especially for high volumes or complex marking requirements.

FOBA offers modular automation solutions that can be flexibly adapted to your production conditions—whether as partial automation or fully integrated manufacturing cells.

Reliable cooperation between robot systems and FOBA laser marking systems is ensured by a combination of intelligent interface integration, proven automation technology, and close communication between partners.

FOBA relies on sophisticated interface solutions that enable smooth connection of laser marking systems to robots and automation systems.

Both semi-automated and fully automated processes are used – from robot-assisted parts handling and pick-and-place operations to camera-assisted process control with the HELP system (Holistic Enhanced Laser Process). These technologies ensure high process stability and consistent marking quality.

Another factor contributing to our success is our close cooperation with distributors and automation partners. FOBA attaches great importance to solution-oriented communication and project support based on partnership. Sales, service, and project engineers are available worldwide to provide advice and support the implementation of customized system solutions – from the initial needs analysis to training and technical support.

The result is a holistic interaction between technology and communication that makes the integration of FOBA laser marking systems into automated production environments reliable and efficient.