We Know Steel
Premium Industrial Marking & Coding Solutions for Traceability in UK Steel & Metal Manufacturing
At REA UK, we deliver unbreakable traceability and identification for steel and metal manufacturers across the UK and Ireland, specializing in high-quality, contact-free coding and marking on all alloys—from ingots and coils to strip, pipes, beams, profiles, and parts. Our German-engineered solutions, enhanced through our international partnership with Smarktec, tackle the extreme demands of heavy industries, including high temperatures up to 1,200°C, humidity, vibration, and high energy surfaces and parts. With over 40 years of expertise, we provide robust inkjet, laser, labelling, and verification systems that integrate seamlessly, reducing downtime and enhancing supply chain visibility for premium compliance.
What sets REA apart?
What sets REA UK apart is our independent operations and engineering wing, developing bespoke sub-solutions like inline vision to check each mark, integration with line PLC’s for operator-free control, automation of the marking systems, and centralised software for full factory-wide visibility of all REA solutions with bespoke function modules for every need. Unlike competitors, our systems boast long lifespans exceeding 10 years in harsh environments, with oil-penetrating and etching inks for indelible marking—amplified by Smarktec’s specialized high-temp capabilities, ensuring GS1-compliant traceability designed to meet UK and EU standards.
Application List:
- High-Temp Marking on Billets, Blooms & Slabs: Apply durable codes at up to 1,200°C on hot alloys with REA high temperature inkjet and lasers for batch/identification in steel mills.
- Indelible Marking on Strip, Tubes & Pipes: Use oil-penetrating inks for durable marking on lubricated steel and etching inks or laser for indelible marks.
- Identification Marking for Coils & Plates: Whether marking directly on the surface or applying heavy duty labels, REA has the automated solutions to meet your needs, allowing for 100% verified coil production.
- Traceability on Beams & Profiles: Apply full traceability for lifecycle tracking, supported by automation for precision and safety in high speed environments.
- Batch & 1D/2D Codes on Parts: Ensure supply chain visibility with DPM codes, enhanced by inline vision and verification in metal processing.
- Multi-Coloured Dots/Lines for Differentiation: Mark alloys for sorting/quality, with robust inks resisting vibration/dust in heavy-duty lines.
Industry Challenges List:
- Extreme Temperatures & Environments: Marking at 1,200°C or in dusty/vibrant mills risking fade—solved by Smarktec/REA high-temp inks and robust designs.
- Indelible Marking on Oily Surfaces: Ensuring codes adhere to alloys like coils/pipes, addressed via oil-penetrating/etching formulas for permanence.
- High-Speed & Continuous Production: Maintaining accuracy without downtime, handled through PLC integrations and automation for operator-free control.
- Traceability for Recycling/Compliance: Meeting UK and EU standards in supply chains, mitigated by centralised software and inline vision checks.
- Error-Prone Identification in Heavy Industries: Gaps leading to scrap/recalls, countered by bespoke modules for full visibility on ingots to parts.
Steel and Metal Application Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can REA systems withstand the rigors and variability of steel manufacturing?
Our systems are designed to last, even in primary steel manufacturing. Paired with our automation, systems can adapt to variable product flows self-maintain for maximum uptime and 10+ year operational lifespans.
Can REA print on very hot products?
Yes, our range of high temperature inks are stable and robust at temperatures up to 1200°C, durable even after high pressure water jetting.
What sub-solutions does REA UK offer for steel/metal?
Inline vision to check each mark, integration with line PLC’s for operator free control, automation of the marking systems and centralised software for full factory wide visibility of all REA solutions with bespoke function modules for every need.
Can REA Mark and Verify DPM Codes?
Yes, our range of fibre lasers are ideal for DPM marking and our VeriCube can easily verify and grade each mark.
How can I get started with REA UK for steel marking?
Contact us for a free assessment—our experts tailor Smarktec-enhanced solutions to your needs, ensuring premium ROI.
We’re here to help
Hi! My name is Josh, I’m the Solutions Engineer at REA UK.
Do you have any questions about what we do? Would you like to learn more about our products?
Get in touch today!
