What is the difference between dot peen and vibropeen?

Both dot peen and vibropeen marking techniques entail making a mark on a surface by striking it with a stylus or a pin. The way the pin or stylus is driven, however, is where the two approaches diverge most.

When a pin in a dot peen system is driven, either electrically or pneumatically, it impacts the surface to produce a series of dots that come together to make a mark. This leaves an obvious mark on the surface.

A piezoelectric vibrator powers the pin in a vibropeen device. Rapid pin vibration causes a continuous line to appear on the surface. As a result, the mark is made by a continuous vibration as opposed to a sequence of impressions, making it less noticeable but more resilient.

The particular application and intended result determine which of the two dot peen and vibropeen to use. While vibropeen works better for subtle, long-lasting markings appropriate for severe situations, dot peen works better for prominent, easily readable marks.