Medical Equipment Marking

Pryor’s systems allow medical manufacturers to:

Meet Regulatory Requirements
Pryor marking technologies align with EU MDR (2017/745), FDA UDI regulations, and UK MHRA guidelines. Whether marking serial numbers, logos, or GS1 DataMatrix codes, the systems deliver precise, durable results on complex and delicate surfaces.

Protect Patient Safety
In the event of product failure, rapid recall capability is critical. Pryor’s traceability solutions allow defective devices to be identified and removed from circulation efficiently, reducing clinical risk.

Maintain Product Integrity
Unique, permanent markings protect against counterfeit products and ensure authenticity. Each identifier can be linked to manufacturing records, origin data, and batch numbers for complete traceability.

Improve Production Efficiency
Automated systems integrate seamlessly with existing production lines. They help reduce operator error, minimise manual handling, and increase throughput, all while staying compliant.

Enhance Supply Chain Visibility
Full traceability supports better inventory control, waste reduction, and improved resource allocation from raw material intake to surgical use.

Specialised Solutions for Medical Applications

Medical components are subject to intense scrutiny. Both hygiene and performance requirements demand that marking technologies are precise, clean, and non-invasive.

Non-Invasive Laser Marking
Annealing is a heat-based, non-contact process which leaves no grooves or residue, making it suitable for stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic surfaces. These markings withstand aggressive cleaning and sterilisation protocols.

Barcode & DataMatrix Precision
Pryor systems generate codes that comply with GS1 and EU MDR standards. The software ensures accuracy in code contrast, quiet zones, and module size,  even on small, curved surfaces.

Software-Controlled Automation
Proprietary Marking Builder software paired with 3-axis laser control eliminates the need for manual adjustments. Repeatable, accurate results are achieved with minimal operator involvement.

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Using Lasers for Medical Equipment Marking

Laser marking is a highly precise, contact-free process that has become a mainstay in medical equipment identification. For manufacturers seeking accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with regulations such as UDI and MDR, laser systems offer a versatile, permanent marking solution without compromising surface integrity.

Pryor laser technology is engineered to deliver clean, legible codes, even on small or curved surfaces. Fibre lasers are ideal for stainless steel surgical tools, while green and hybrid laser sources can mark more reflective or heat-sensitive substrates like polymers or ceramics. Thanks to the non-invasive nature of laser annealing, these markings do not compromise material biocompatibility, making them especially suitable for implants and instruments requiring repeat sterilisation.

Automation and software integration are central to Pryor’s laser offering. Systems can be configured for high-volume production or specialist low-batch applications, with full control over mark depth, contrast, and layout. Laser marking ensures long-lasting traceability without wear or fading, essential for items subjected to abrasion, chemical exposure, or repeated cleaning cycles.

Where hygiene, traceability, and dimensional accuracy converge, laser marking stands as the most advanced solution currently available.

Using Dot Peen Marking for Medical Equipment

Dot peen marking remains a widely used solution for durable part identification, particularly where mechanical resilience and affordability are key concerns. The process uses a carbide-tipped stylus to create a series of indents on the material surface, forming alphanumeric codes, serial numbers, or DataMatrix codes.

In the medical sector, dot peen is especially well suited for non-critical components such as surgical trays, tool handles, or equipment housings which are areas where moderate surface disruption is acceptable. It’s a robust method, unaffected by environmental conditions, and capable of producing permanent marks on hard metals like titanium and stainless steel.

Pryor’s dot peen machines are built for industrial efficiency. Whether integrated into production lines or used as standalone workstations, they provide fast, repeatable results with minimal operator intervention. Variable stylus settings allow users to control depth and force, making the system flexible enough for mixed-material environments.

For applications requiring visible, tamper-resistant identification at scale, particularly where cost-efficiency is a factor, dot peen remains a reliable, proven technique.

Using Chemical Etching for Medical Equipment Marking

Chemical etching, or electrochemical marking, offers an alternative approach to identification that’s gentle on the material surface while still delivering durable, high-contrast results. This method is particularly valuable when marking thin-walled or delicate components where mechanical or thermal stress must be avoided.

The process involves applying an electrolyte solution and using an electrical current to transfer a stencil pattern onto the metal. It’s well suited for stainless steel, cobalt-chrome alloys, and titanium. All of which are common in the manufacture of surgical tools and implants.

Chemical etching is most commonly employed for low-volume, high-precision applications, such as prototype instruments or custom surgical equipment. While it doesn’t offer the same level of automation as laser or dot peen systems, it excels in scenarios where material sensitivity is a concern or where physical contact must be kept to an absolute minimum.

Pryor offers a range of electrochemical marking kits that are compact, easy to operate, and compatible with a wide range of conductive materials. For applications demanding clean, controlled markings with minimal structural impact, chemical etching remains a practical option, particularly in R&D and short-run manufacturing.