TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMM4200/420 Marking System General Arrangments

System Overview
The Telesis TMM4200/420 PINSTAMP is a high-speed, multipin marking system that permanently prints messages into a variety
of materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastic. Hardened pins are
pneumatically accelerated to indent dot matrix characters into the
item being marked. The shape, size, density, and location of
characters are determined by the user through the system software.
The marking head moves the pin cartridge through X- and Y-axis
motions to reach the correct position for each dot of the characters
to be marked. The system software automatically controls
pneumatic pin extension and retraction to mark the message.

button trigger switch and an integral standoff to position the marker

against the marking surface. The fixture-mounted unit is available
for mounting in a fixed location.

The TMM4200 Marking Head includes the mechanical motion

components to position the marking pins at precise X/Y positions and
the pneumatic components to drive the marking pins from, and return
the pins to, the pin cartridge. A shield plate around the pin cartridge
assembly helps prevent debris from entering the marking head cavity.
The TMM4200 marking head is an X/Y-traversing mechanism.
Using two stepper motor drives, it accurately positions the pin
cartridge at coordinate-defined locations in marking window within
.008mm (in Fine mode) and .032mm (in Standard mode). The
TMM4200 uses a rack-and-pinion drive system to rapidly position
the pin cartridge and to accommodate the rigorous dynamics of
impacting and rebounding.
The floating pin design permits consistent, high-quality marks, even
on irregular, slightly curved surfaces. It also accommodates
applications where marking surfaces cannot be positioned at a
consistent distance from the marker.

Marking Pins. The TMM4200 uses 25S-series and 150SA-series

marking pins available in various cone (tip) angles. The 25S-series
pins are made of powdered steel stainless steel with diamond tips or
carbide. The 150SA pins are made of powdered steel or tool steel
with carbide tips. Refer to the marking head installation drawing for
pin stroke (pin extension) dimensions.

TMM4200 Configurations include a hand-held version and a

fixture-mounted version. The hand-held marker is available for
portable operation. It incorporates a pistol grip handle with a push

TMC420 Controller includes an integrated keyboard with a four

line LCD display. It provides the electrical interface and software
control of the TMM4200 marking head. (Refer to TMC420
Controller Specifications for details.)

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

Pin Cartridges. The standard system uses non-lubricated,

lightweight pin cartridges for the 25S-series and 150SA-series pins.
Cartridges for 25S pins are available in two configurations: four (4)
pins spaced on 6mm centers or on 12mm centers. The cartridge for
150SA pins contain two (2) pins spaced on 25mm centers. The
cartridge configuration dictates the size of the marking window along
the X-axis. Refer to the marking head installation drawing for details.

The Marker Cable connects the marking head to the controller.

The highly flexible cable is 4m (13.1 ft.) long and attaches to the
back of the marker with a quick disconnect connector. Optional
extension cables lengths are available.
The Filter/Regulator Unit includes two regulators with pressure
gauges to control drive air and return air. The first regulator contains
a filter to help remove contaminants from the supply air. Two air
lines connect the regulated air to the marking head. Drive air fires the
impact pin; return air pushes it back into the cartridge. Standard air
lines are 4m (13.1 ft.) long made of 6mm tubing.

2003 2010 Telesis Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved

1 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMM4200 Hand-held Detail Drawing

System Setup
1.

Fixture-mounted markers only. When designing a

fixture, allow for 3-axis adjustment to aid in horizontal,
vertical, and lateral alignment of the marking head.
Mount marking head to a suitable fixture using four
M5-0.80 bolts. Mounting bolts must not extend into
marking head more than 10mm (0.39 in.).

2.

Mount filter/regulator assembly, using brackets provided,

within 4m (13.1 ft.) of marking head.

3.

Connect drive air and return air lines to the connectors

on back of marking head.

4.

Connect supply air to input port on filter/regulator assembly.

5.

Adjust pin stroke, drive air and return air for proper pin
impact depth.
Nominal drive air pressure 5.5 bars (80 psi)
Nominal return air pressure 1.5 bars (20 psi)
Note: The TMC420 is not a sealed unit. Protect it from
potentially damaging conditions and contaminants. Do
not block case vents. Ensure the marking system is
electrically isolated from any devices that may generate
extreme electromagnetic interference (EMI).

6.

7.

Ensure controller power switch (on back panel) is OFF;

connect power cable to controller.

8.

Connect marker cable to controller; tighten securely.

9.

Position controller power switch to ON (on back panel)

to start the system software.

System Options

Optional Custom Cartridges (pin quantity and spacing)

Marking Head Extension Cables
TMC420 Controller Mounting Bracket Kit
TMC420 Controller NEMA12 Enclosure
Bar Code Scanner
Bar Code Wand
Backup Utility Software
Upgrade Utility Software
Logo/Font Generator Software

Locate controller as close as practical to marking head.

Standard marker cable length is 4m (13.1 ft.).

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

2 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMM4200 Fixture Mounted Detail Drawing

TMM4200 Marking Head

Specifications. The TMM4200 marking head specifications are
subject to change without prior notice.
DIMENSIONS

see illustrations

RATING

NEMA2 (I.P. 41)

WEIGHT

HAND-HELD:

1.86 kg (4.08 lb)

excluding marker cable, and pin cartridge
FIXTURED: 1.58 kg (3.47 lb)
excluding marker cable, pin cartridge, and
tooling

OPERATING TEMP.

0 to 50C (32 to 122 F), non-condensing

AIR SUPPLY

Clean and dry, 4.2 to 8.3 bars (60 to 120 psi)

AIR CONSUMPTION

0.15 L/sec (0.32 SCFM) idle

0.28 L/sec (0.60 SCFM) marking

MARKING AREA

see illustrations

PIN TYPES

25S-series, various cone (tip) angles

150SA-series, various cone (tip) angles

PIN MATERIAL

Powdered Steel or Stainless Steel with

Diamond Tips or Carbide (25S-series)
Powdered Steel or Tool Steel with Carbide
Tips (150SA-series)

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

Marking Characteristics. The TMM4200 can produce characters

as small as 0.75mm (0.03 in.) high. Text strings may be rotated
180 to print inverted. Characters can printed with resolutions from
4 to 79 dots/cm (10 to 200 dots/in.) for an engraved look. The depth
of mark can be adjusted over a significant range by adjusting the
pin stroke and, to a lesser extent, by adjusting the drive air pressure.
Three marking modes are available to optimize quality and speed.
Raster mode prints side-to-side, indexing downward one row at a
time. Matrix mode prints up and down, indexing one column at a
time. Continuous mode prints with only one pin at a time tracing
the character shape.
Marking Speeds. The system is capable of marking eight (8)
characters per second (two characters per pin per second) using a
four-pin cartridge to print 3mm (0.118 in.) high characters in the 5x7
font. Speeds will vary widely depending on the selected character
size, style, and dot density. Specific times can be verified by a Telesis
representative.
Marking Noise. Although every attempt is made to reduce noise,
the material being marked significantly influences the noise level.
For example, marking a solid lead block produces less noise than
marking a thin-walled steel pipe.
Pin Life. Pin life depends largely on the type of material being
marked, how hard or abrasive it is, and the required marking depth.
On typical metals with a hardness of Rockwell Rb47, marking at a
depth of .127mm (0.005 in.), powdered steel pins average about
3 million impressions before needing sharpened.

3 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMM4200 Marking Head (continued)
Vibration Data. Vibration tests were performed under controlled
conditions imitating, as closely as possible, typical normal operation.
Conditions such as rigidity of the work piece, material, setting of
the machine, etc. may vary in actual operational use and would alter
the actual vibration level. Despite detailed guidance instructions
provided with each machine, such conditions are beyond the control
of Telesis and must remain the responsibility of the end user.
Accordingly, you should conduct your own tests to establish safe
working levels of use.
The vibration tests were conducted using the following parameters:
Drive Air Pressure.................... 4.08 bars (60 psi)
Return Air Pressure ................. 1.36 bars (20 psi)
Pin Stroke................................. 8 mm (.31 in)
Marking Base........................... 20 mm (.79 in) thick steel
Marking Surfaces..................... 2 mm (.08 in) thick steel plate
4 mm (.16 in) thick aluminum plate
Marking Mode .......................... Dot
Text Marked ............................. TELESIS
(11x16 font, 5mm [.20 in] characters)
HHHEEE000888
(5x7 font, 3mm [.12 in] characters)

The following test results reflect the worst-case scenarios under the
given test conditions.
Steel Marking Surface
Pin

VM

25C

0.4 m/s

150SA

0.8 m/s

T (EAV)

T (ELV)

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

Aluminum Marking Surface

Pin

VM

25C

0.6 m/s

150SA

1.2 m/s

T (EAV)

T (ELV)

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

more than 24 hr

where:
VM

= hand/arm vibration magnitude.

T (EAV) = time to reach the Exposure Action Value based on

continuous marking.
T (ELV) = time to reach the Exposure Limit Value based on

continuous marking.

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

4 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMC420 Mounting Drawing

TMC420 Controller
Configurations. Three models of the TMC420 are available for use
with the TMM4200: the TMC420 table-top controller, the TMC420P
panel-mounted controller, and the TMC420N enclosure-mounted
controller. All controllers provide the same software features and the
same connectivity for external communications. Differences occur
only in their mounting configurations.

TMC420 Specifications. The TMC420 controller specifications

are subject to change without prior notice.
DIMENSIONS

refer to TMC420 Mounting Drawing

DIMENSIONS

refer to TMC420P Mounting Drawing

RATING

NEMA1 (I.P. 30) stand-alone

NEMA12 (I.P. 65) installed

WEIGHT

3.10 kg (6.8 lb.)

OPERATING TEMP.

0 to 50C (32 to 122 F), non-condensing

POWER

95-130 VAC, 2 amps, 50-60 Hz single phase

200-250 VAC, 1 amp, 50-60 Hz single phase

I/O VOLTAGE

12 to 24 VDC (customer-supplied)

RATING

NEMA 1 (I.P. 30)

WEIGHT

2.15 kg (4.75 lb.)

OPERATING TEMP.

0 to 50C (32 to 122 F), non-condensing

POWER

95-130 VAC, 2 amps, 50-60 Hz single phase

200-250 VAC, 1 amp, 50-60 Hz single phase

I/O VOLTAGE

TMC420P Specifications The TMC420P controller specifications

are subject to change without prior notice.

12 to 24 VDC (customer-supplied)

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

TMC420N Specifications The TMC420N controller specifications

are subject to change without prior notice.
DIMENSIONS

refer to TMC420N Mounting Drawing

RATING

NEMA12 (I.P. 65)

WEIGHT

12.77 kg (28.1 lb.)

OPERATING TEMP.

0 to 50C (32 to 122 F), non-condensing

POWER

95-130 VAC, 2 amps, 50-60 Hz single phase

200-250 VAC, 1 amp, 50-60 Hz single phase

I/O VOLTAGE

12 to 24 VDC (customer-supplied)

5 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMC420P Mounting Drawing

Environmental Considerations. The following environmental

considerations must be taken into account when installing the
TMC420 controller.
Contaminants. The vented and fan-cooled TMC420 is rated
NEMA1 (IP30). Accordingly, in environments where solid
and/or liquid contaminants are present, the possibility exists that
these contaminants can be drawn into the TMC420 controller and
possibly result in failure of a number of electronic components.
For that reason, in these types of environments, the controller
must be located in a sealed industrial enclosure. To facilitate
such installations, Telesis offers the panel-mounted TMC420P
and the enclosure-mounted NEMA12 (IP65) rated TMC420N.
Telesis also offers an optional NEMA12 (IP65) enclosure in
which the TMC420 can be mounted for applications that do not
require frequent operator access to the TMC420 display and
keyboard.
EMI Susceptibility. Although the system has been found to be
in compliance with pertinent susceptibility standards, care should
be taken when installing near welders and other extreme
generators of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Particular care
should be taken to ensure welder currents are not injected
through the marking head chassis. The marking head chassis is
connected to the electrical service earth ground through the
marking head cable. The marking head should be electrically
isolated from all surfaces which could become part of a welder
current path.

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

System Software. The system software is permanently installed in

the controller. It provides the user interface for the operator to
control the marker. The software also provides a library for storing,
loading, and editing user-defined patterns. Patterns are files stored in
the controllers memory. The controller can store up to 75 patterns.
Each pattern contains one or more fields. A field defines a single
object and how it will be printed. Fields may define text strings, 2D
data matrix symbols, Goto commands, or Pause commands. Text
fields may include alphanumeric characters, symbols, and special
message flags. The message flags automatically insert data into the
text string, such as serial numbers, times, and dates.

Interface Panel. The interface panel provides various ports for

connecting the marker, host computers, logic controllers, or
optional accessories.

Serial Interface. The Host Port is used for RS-232 and RS-485
communications with serial devices such as a host computer or bar
code scanner. Up to 31 controllers may be used in a multi-drop
configuration using the RS-485 interface. The host computer can load
patterns, download messages, place the marker on/offline, and
monitor system errors. (See Serial Communications for details.)

6 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

TMC420N Mounting Drawing

I/O Control Signals. The TMC420 is configured for DC I/O only.

The TTL I/O Port may be used to connect a remote pushbutton
control for Start Print and Abort commands. The I/O Port may be
used to connect a PLC or other DC I/O source. The I/O Port allows
remote control of pattern selection, printing, aborting, placing the
marker online, and monitoring of the Ready and Done output
signals. Cable connectors and connector pins are supplied with the
controller for constructing appropriate interface cables.

Serial Communications. The Host Port may be used for either

RS-232 or RS-485 communication. The RS-232 interface is most
often used with remote devices such as bar code readers or host
computers. The RS-485 interface is normally used for long
transmission distances or multi-drop networks of up to 31 TMC420
controllers. The serial port may be configured to communicate
using either the Telesis Programmable Protocol or Telesis Extended
Protocol. The following describes the serial data character format
on all transmissions to and from the TMC420 controller.

START PRINT

Input signal, begins print cycle

SEL_0, 1, 2, 3 *

Input signals, remote pattern selection (15* max.)

Asynchronous

SEL_3 *

Input signal, marker online

1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, or 19200 baud-host

ABORT

Input signal, aborts print cycle

One Start Bit

INPUT COMM

For all inputs (+ or supply)

One or Two Stop Bit(s)

READY

Output signal, ready for message or start print

Seven or Eight Data Bits

DONE

Output signal, print cycle complete

None, Even or Odd Parity

OUTPUT COMM

For all outputs (+ or supply)

System software allows SEL_3 signal to be configured for remotely

selecting patterns or for remotely placing the marker online. If used
for marker online, pattern selection is reduced to 7 patterns (max).

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

7 of 8

TMM4200/420 Marking System

Programmable Protocol is used where very simple one-way
communications are required (such as with bar code scanners).
Programmable Protocol provides no error checking or
acknowledgment of the transmitted data. Note that XON/XOFF
Protocol applies even when Programmable Protocol is selected.
Starting Character specifies where the software begins to count
character positions. This number must be entered in ASCII
decimal format such as 2 for STX.
Terminating Character identifies the end of transmitted string
(usually ASCII carriage return character, decimal 13).
Character Position counted from the starting character ignoring
all characters preceding it.
Character Length accepts variable length messages (if set to 0)
or messages of a pre-specified, fixed number of characters.

TYPE A single, printable ASCII character that defines the

meaning (type) and content of the message downloaded from the

host, where:
1

overwrites the specified field of currently loaded pattern,

using the format 1nn<string> where nn is the field number.

updates specified variable text field of currently loaded pattern,

using the format Vnn<string> where nn is the field number.

Q updates specified query buffer with the data received from host,
using the format Qnn<string> where nn is the buffer number.
P

specifies pattern name to be loaded for printing

O resets marker and places it online

G initiates a print cycle to mark the currently loaded pattern
I

Ignore Character identifies the character to ignore when sent

from the host (usually ASCII line feed character, decimal 10)

requests the marker output status; returns a single-digit

hexadecimal value to report state of READY and DONE:
Returned Value

DONE

READY

0
1
2
3

off
off
ON
ON

Off
ON
Off
ON

Message Type allows message-type recognition which defines

how the marking system will use data it receives from the host..
P

loads a specific pattern identified by data extracted from host

updates first variable text field with data extracted from host

overwrites first text field with data extracted from the host

Q updates text in first query buffer with data extracted from host
0

requests the marker error status; returns a value that

represents a particular type of error:
Returned Value

indicates that host will provide message type, field number

(if applicable), and data; delegates message type selection
to the host on message-by-message basis. The host
message must use the format Tnn<string> where:
T

= P, V, 1, or Q to indicate the message type.

nn

= two-digit number to indicate field number or

query text buffer where data will be placed.
Note that a number is not used with
Message Type P.

<string> = pattern name (Message Type P) or field data

(Message Types V, 1, or Q), as applicable.

Extended Protocol includes error checking and transmission

acknowledgment. It should be used in applications where serial
communication is a vital part of the marking operation. Extended
Protocol must be used in multi-drop applications. All
communications are carried out in a master-slave relationship with
the host being the master. Only the master has the ability to initiate
communications. If the host does not receive a response within three
seconds, it should re-transmit its original message. If no response is
received after three tries, it should declare the link to be down.
The following describes the message format as sent from the master
to the TMC420 controller.
SOH TYPE [##] STX [DATA TEXT] ETX BCC CR

0x0000
0x0001
0x0002
0x0004
0x0008
0x0010
0x0020
0x0080
0x0100
0x0200

TYPE OF ERROR
(no error)
ONLINE_ERROR
PATTERN_LOAD_ERROR
DISALLOWED_NO_PATTERN
DISALLOWED_OFFLINE
PATTERN_FIELD_ERROR
MARKER_ABORTED_ERROR
PIX_OUT_OF_RANGE_ERROR
RAM_ERROR
SN_RANGE_ERROR

[##] Two optional ASCII decimal digits that specify the Station
ID number for use in multi-drop network applications. The ID may
range from 00-31. Note that 00 is reserved for applications
where only one controller is used. In such applications, this field
may be eliminated and 00 will be assumed.
STX ASCII Start of Text Character (002H).
[DATA TEXT] Optional field that may be required for certain

message types.
ETX ASCII end of text character (003H).
BCC Optional Block Check Code that is generated and sent to
improve link reliability by providing fault detection. The BCC is
calculated by taking an eight bit addition of the TYPE and DATA
TEXT characters and transmitting them as a three digit ASCII
decimal number in the range from 000 to 255. If the sum is greater
than 255, the most significant bit overflows and is discarded.
CR ASCII Carriage Return Character (00DH).

SOH ASCII Start of Header character (001H). The controller

ignores all characters received prior to the SOH.

TRADEMARKS
Telesis and PINSTAMP are registered trademarks of Telesis
Technologies, Inc. in the United States.
NEMA is the registered trademark and service mark of the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Doc. No. 33530 Rev. F

8 of 8