In modern manufacturing, speed isn’t the only advantage. Consistency, traceability, and hands-free workflow integration matter just as much. That’s exactly why TYKMA Electrox developed Automation Mode, a built-in control layer that lets external systems communicate directly with our automated laser marking systems.
If your facility uses robotic cells, conveyors, PLCs, barcode systems, or custom automation, Automation Mode turns a TYKMA Electrox machine into a fully integrated marking station, featuring true laser marking automation, not just a standalone unit.
Below is a real-world example of Automation Mode in action. In-Position Technologies integrated a Universal Robots UR7e with our Minilase 60W MOPA fiber laser system to automate barcode-driven part marking, a clear example of robotic laser marking in a live production environment. The robot handles loading, unloading, and cycle timing while the laser system manages door control, job selection, and the mark process.
Automation Mode demo featuring a Universal Robots UR7e paired with a Minilase MOPA fiber laser system. Video courtesy of In-Position Technologies.
Below is a breakdown of what Automation Mode does and why it matters to engineers, integrators, and high-volume production teams.
What Is Automation Mode?
Automation Mode is a protocol-based interface within TYKMA Electrox laser systems that enables laser-based automation through bi-directional communication with external equipment. Your automation environment can tell the laser system what to do, and the laser system can confirm status, errors, completion signals, and more.
This includes:
- Reading incoming commands from PLCs, robots, or custom software
- Triggering actions inside the laser system
- Reporting machine events back to your automation controller
- You get a predictable, controllable, repeatable workflow through your automated marking systems without operator intervention.
Key Automation Features
1. Pneumatic Sliding Door Control
Robotic cells need predictable timing. Automation Mode allows external systems to command:
- Open door
- Close door
- Verify door status
This is perfect for pick-and-place robots, conveyors, or drawer-style loading.
2. Robotic Loading & Unloading
Automation Mode synchronizes your robot’s movements with the marking cycle for a fully automatic marking system experience:
- Robot confirms the door is open
- Robot loads the part
- Robot triggers mark cycle
- Robot removes part when marking is complete
- No manual touch points. No wasted time.
3. Barcode & Data Capture
TYKMA Electrox systems can:
- Read 1D/2D barcodes
- Pull variable data from external sources
- Auto-populate the marking file with serialized, batch, or UDI-compliant information
- This is a clean solution for traceability workflows in an automated laser environment across medical, aerospace, firearms, and automotive environments.
- Set XY axis stages and laser focal height based on selected program data
4. Automated Job Switching
Your automation environment can select which file to mark:
- Automatically load marking templates
- Switch jobs based on part ID, barcode, or PLC command
- Reduce operator error and keep cycle times tight
5. External Triggers and Status Signals
Automation Mode emits clear, readable status outputs:
- System Ready
- Cycle Active
- Mark Complete
- Error or Interlock Triggered
Integrators get everything required to build a reliable state machine around the laser.
Why Automation Mode Matters for Production Teams
1. Higher Throughput Laser Processing
Eliminate non-value-added steps and let your robot or conveyor drive the pace of your automated laser marking systems. Laser mark and engrave pallets of parts in high-volume production runs.
2. Error-Proof Marking
No guessing. No misloads. No operator mistakes. Every automated marking system benefits from built-in vision for post-process validation.
3. Better Traceability
Every part is marked with the correct data automatically. Scan marked barcode data after laser marking for validation purposes.
4. Safer Workflows
Doors, interlocks, and system states are controlled and verified electronically.
5. Scalable Integration
From small, automated fixtures to full robotic cells, Automation Mode fits naturally into:
- PLC-driven lines
- Six-axis robotic arms
- Gantry systems
- Feeding equipment
- Machine vision workflows
- Industries Using Automation Mode
- Firearms – automated serial and model marking
- Medical Devices – UDI barcodes and plastic/metal traceability
- Automotive – VIN, batch codes, and component ID
- Aerospace – high-accuracy 2D code marking
- Contract Manufacturing – mixed-model, high-volume flows
If automation is part of the workflow, Automation Mode becomes a must-have.
How it works with Minilase™ and Zetalase™ Laser Marking Systems
Automation Mode is available on all major TYKMA Electrox platforms, delivering complete automation laser marking solutions, including:
Each system supports a consistent set of automation commands, keeping integration simple across multiple stations.
Automation Mode in Action at SHOT Show 2026
At SHOT Show 2026, TYKMA Electrox demonstrated automated laser engraving using the same cobot from Universal Robots to load and unload a 60W Minilase laser engraving system equipped with an automatic door.
The system was configured to mark black anodized aluminum business cards in an automated workflow. One side of the card was Cerakoted, allowing the laser to demonstrate Cerakote Laser Imaging alongside standard anodized aluminum marking.
Using Cerakote Laser Imaging parameters, the laser marked the Cerakote layer to create a topographic pattern and logos in the center of the card. The result was a subtle but detailed permanent mark with no inks or consumables, produced entirely within an automated load-and-unload cycle.
This SHOT Show demonstration reinforced how TYKMA laser systems integrate with collaborative robots for repeatable, production-ready automated marking applications. The same automation architecture can be applied to a wide range of materials, coatings, and part geometries, making it suitable for manufacturers looking to scale laser engraving into automated production environments.
Automation Mode Summary
TYKMA Electrox Automation Mode lets external systems fully control the laser marking process. It supports robotic loading, barcode-driven data input, pneumatic door commands, job switching, PLC communication, and status reporting. Manufacturers gain a powerful way to automate laser engraving, laser marking, and part traceability workflows. TYKMA’s support and training resources help teams implement automated marking systems with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Automation Mode enables full bi-directional communication between TYKMA laser systems and external automation equipment.
- Robots, PLCs, and conveyors can command the laser system to open/close the pneumatic door, trigger marking cycles, and control workflow timing.
- The system can read barcodes and auto-populate marking files for serialized, batch, and UDI-compliant workflows.
- Automation Mode supports automated job switching, reducing operator error and speeding up mixed-model production.
- External triggers and status outputs (System Ready, Mark Complete, Error, Interlock, etc.) make integration predictable and reliable.
- Ideal for robotic loading/unloading, high-volume lines, and fully automated traceability systems across medical, automotive, aerospace, and firearms industries.
- Available across TYKMA Electrox platforms including Minilase™, Minilase™ XL, Zetalase™ XL, Vereo™ integrators, and Atlas™ gantry systems.
- Boosts throughput, consistency, and safety while minimizing labor and manual touch points.
- Explore TYKMA Electrox’s full range of automated marking systems to find the right marking system for your production line.
Ready to Streamline Robotic and Automated Laser Marking?
Ready to streamline robotic and automated laser marking? Automation Mode delivers a reliable, laser-based automation interface for PLCs, robots, and high-volume production lines across every industry we serve. Explore TYKMA Electrox automation-ready laser systems or speak with our engineering team to get started.
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