Stainless steel clamping and identification systems distributor Banding & Identification Solutions Africa (Bisa) acquired a PRO-Mark liquid crystal display (LCD) pin-marking machine at the end of last year and demonstrated the machine’s capabilities at the Electra Mining Africa Expo last month.

US-based band-clamping and fastening solutions company Band-It Idex manufactures the machine.

Bisa business manager Rosa Remendos tells Engineering News that the bench-mounted and fully programmable dot-marking machine can be used for the marking of the strapping on hoses, cables and production equipment.

“The PRO-Mark LCD pin-marking machine uses programmable marking, component identification, serial numbering, logo marking, cable identification and traceability on site,” she adds.

Other features include the easy-to-use on-screen creation of layouts using simple drag and drop graphical interfaces. Layouts can be rapidly created and checked before marking, while the markings can be printed on the Band-It stainless steel tags and cable ties.

In addition, the machine can be used with a laptop, as it allows for the use of a plug-and-play universal serial bus, with Windows compatible software, Remendos points out.

“Currently, there is an industry need for quick and reliable product identification systems that can print onto stainless steel tags and cable ties, Remendos notes, adding that while stainless steel is a difficult material on which to engrave, the company is promoting the PRO-Mark that can quickly, easily and directly print on this metal.

Further, Bisa has introduced a range of stainless steel cable ties and tags that can be used in conjunction with the pin-marking machine.

Remendos reiterates that plastic cable ties and identification tags are simply inade-quate or even dangerous for many applications, which might include fire hazards, corrosive environments and extreme temperatures.

However, the Band-It cable ties and tags are low profile, with no sharp edges, and are quick and easy to install. They are also ultraviolet-ray resistant, vibrationproof and shock tested and can withstand extreme temperatures, she emphasises.

Band-It tags are made from 304 or 316 stainless steel, which has high corrosion resistance and good tensile strength, while the Band-It ties, also made from the 316 stainless steel, are coated with Nylon 11, which has enhanced chemical and weathering resistance for long life expectancy.

The stainless steel clamps and cable ties, as well as the relevant tools, are imported from Band-It’s manufacturing plants in the US and the UK.

Meanwhile, key company focuses include using traditional and social media, as well as the Internet, to promote Bisa’s products and services range, particularly in the mining, food processing and hose industries.

“Despite challenges in the current economy, which include lower-grade and cheaper products from India and China, as well as a shortage of locally produced high-quality stainless steel grades required for strapping, Bisa continues to grow and promote our products, keeping valued customers updated on Band-It products, special promotions and industry-related news,” Remendos concludes.