Decision Tree: Which Marking Method Should You Choose?

<pre>Do you need PERMANENT marks?

├── NO → Inkjet marking

└── YES

├── Is your material METAL or HARD PLASTIC?

│ ├── NO → Laser marking (best for non-metals)

│ └── YES

│ ├── Do you need HIGH PRECISION (fine text, 2D codes)?

│ │ ├── YES → Laser marking

│ │ └── NO

│ │ ├── Is BUDGET the primary constraint?

│ │ │ ├── YES → Dot peen marking

│ │ │ └── NO → Laser marking

│ ├── Is the surface ROUGH, CURVED, or IRREGULAR?

│ │ ├── YES → Dot peen marking

│ │ └── NO → Laser marking

│ └── Do you need DEEP marks (>0.3mm) for extreme wear?

│ ├── YES → Dot peen marking

│ └── NO → Laser marking

Quick shortcut: If you need permanent marks with good precision and can afford $3,000+, get a laser marker. If you need deep marks on a budget, get dot peen. If permanent marks aren’t required, inkjet is the economical choice.

Still unsure? [Describe your application and we’ll recommend the right marking method →]