Innovative ZF transmission systems
Identities given by laser marking

Friedrichshafen along Lake Constance, “Zeppelin City”: Every year, several hundred thousand highly developed drivelines, transmissions, axles, and steering systems are fabricated at the headquarters of ZF, a global automotiove supplier. The systems ensure the mobility of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial equipment all around the world. Thanks to typeplates, the products can be unambiguously identified at any time. XENO 1 fiber laser stations by cab are marking the aluminum plates at facility 1 in Friedrichshafen with pinpoint accuracy, resistant to wear and permanent.

Typeplates ensure, for instance, driveline solutions being traceable and implemented in optimum manner. Key data may be the name of a manufacturer, series and model designations, year of construction. Customer numbers, rotational speeds, power ratio resulting of rotational input and output speeds all play further roles, so do oil specifications. The so-called machinery directive applies.

Dynamic in every way

At the end of a highly precise process chain ‒ ranging from design and component production through assembly to functional testing ‒ transmissions take on identities. “See here our DynamicPerform elements as an example,” says Michael Walter, production engineer in the ZF Marine & Special Driveline Technology business section. “DynamicPerform,” he further adds, “is ZF’s proven TraXon transmission enhanced by a clutch module. It matches notably with three- to five-axis mobile cranes that move heavy loads and must maneuver with precision.”

ZF operators professionally punch marked typeplates onto the transmissions. “The plates are for identification, tracing and quick service diagnostics,” says Mr. Walter. “Markings must remain legible to our technical staff even after years of use. This is fundamental to assure customers immediate assistance, such as by procuring a spare part.” Data on transmissions are throughout their lifespan exposed to mechanical and environmental impacts, for example wear, light, extremely high or low temperatures.

Markings exerted by a fiber laser offer various benefits: focusability on smallest spaces, high processing speeds and no mechanic al stress exerted on the component

Why laser marking is first choice

Fiber laser technology impresses wherever top-notch and durable markings are on demand, and a marking system must provide a long lifespan. Such features makes it specifically economical. ZF operates two cab XENO 1 systems in its manufacture in Friedrichshafen. Perfectly adapted to the application, they achieve high efficiency. A motor-driven z-axis allows heights been adjusted quick and easily using a focus finder. A scan head is linked to the beam source. A featured planospherical lens bundles the laser beam. It also enables specified marking fields be covered. A pilot laser simulates a marking process, while interior LED lighting simplifies observation when the workroom door is closed. XENO systems at ZF provide cablase automation software.

Fixed and variable data

Each XENO 1 is linked to a PC at its respective workstation. A handheld scanner is provided. ZF operators use it to scan a barcode or 2D code on the relevant task card. A desired plate design is selected as defined by the scan. Part list and order numbers are automatically retrieved as fixed data from an Excel sheet in the ERP system and entered into the fields on the typeplate ‒ along with the manufacturer as a variable number. The laser image is displayed on the monitor to an operator. Pressing the start button on XENO 1 triggers the marking process.

A successful collaboration

Mr. Walter recalls: “I first came across cab in early 2024.” At that time, the ZF Group already had cab equipment successfully in use at other facilities. “I was able to contact the sales representative through the homepage. Mr. Bayerle evaluated our requests and recommended XENO 1. We were later given a demonstration of the system at the cab showroom in Karlsruhe. In the end, the compact design and ease of use of XENO 1 were deciding factors. We have so far been very satisfied with the performance of the systems and also with their availability. The cab company provided expert support and training during rollout, implementation to our facilities and the plates design. Our cab service contacts respond quickly and straight whenever there are questions.”

---

---

 Laser marking system XENO 1

 

October 2026