I-Mark Software FAQ

This FAQ addresses common questions about the I-Mark software, including installation, setup, operation, communication, and troubleshooting.

1. General & Getting Started

Q1: What is I-Mark software?
A: I-Mark is a professional industrial marking software package developed by Columbia Marking Tools (CMT). It is used to create, edit, manage, and execute marking layouts for I-Mark dot-peen and scribe marking systems and serves as the primary control platform for these machines.

Q2: What are the minimum system requirements to run I-Mark?
A: The minimum requirements are:

  • Operating System: Windows® 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, or Windows 7 (32-bit only)
  • Processor: Pentium®-class CPU, 1 GHz minimum
  • RAM: 512 MB
  • Video: 65,536-color video card at 1024 × 768 resolution
  • Network: 10/100 T-Base network card
  • Required Windows Components:
    • .NET Framework 4.0
    • Microsoft Visual C++ 8.0
    • Windows Installer 3.1

Q3: What is the difference between Basic Mode and Advanced Mode?
A: When launching I-Mark, you must select an operating mode:

  • Basic Mode:
    • Streamlined interface with essential marking functions
    • Recommended for stand-alone marking machines
    • Displays all available machines on the network
  • Advanced Mode:
    • Intended for system integrators and complex installations
    • Enables the use of Workspaces to group and filter machines
    • Reduces clutter and improves organization in facilities with many controllers

Q4: How do I register my I-Mark software and obtain a permanent license key?
A: New systems include a 90-day temporary license. To obtain a permanent key:

  1. Connect to your controller, open I-Mark, and navigate to Diagnostics.
  2. Record the 8-character Machine ID.
  3. Complete the online registration form:
    http://www.marking-machines.net/I-MarkRegistration.html
  4. CMT will email a permanent License Key within one business day.
  5. Return to Diagnostics, click Update Key, paste the key, and click Submit.

2. Layouts & Entities

Q5: How do I create a new marking layout?
A:

  1. Go to the Home tab and select Create New Layout.
  2. Choose your machine type from the list.
  3. Do not modify the hardware dimensions (width and height).
  4. Adjust speed or dwell settings as needed.
  5. Select a preset (Draft, Normal, or High Resolution).
  6. Click OK to create the layout.

Q6: What types of content (“Entities”) can be added to a layout?
A: The following entity types are available from the Layout ribbon:

  • Text – Alphanumeric characters
  • Graphics – Imported logos or drawings (DXF format)
  • Lines – Simple geometric lines
  • Data Matrix – 2D codes for traceability
  • UID Code – Codes compliant with standards such as MIL-STD-130N

Q7: How do I add dynamic text such as dates or serial numbers?
A: Use Wild Cards (dynamic placeholders) within a text entity:

  • Date: %m/%d/%Y
    • Example: Date %m/%d/%Y → “Date 01/15/2024”
  • Counters: %C1, %C2, %C3
  • Shift Name: %S

Insert these by double-clicking the text entity and typing the desired code.

Q8: Can I import my company logo?
A: Yes. Logos must be imported in DXF format.

  1. Go to File > Import > Import DXF Graphic.
  2. Select the DXF file.
  3. Set the Arc Tolerance (1–2000; lower values increase detail).
  4. Save the graphic to the system library.
  5. In your layout, click Graphic on the Layout ribbon and select the saved graphic.

Q: What is SquareDot and when should I use it?
A: SquareDot prints high‑resolution squares instead of round dots, improving camera readability on rough surfaces like castings or heavy machining marks. Enable SquareDot = Yes in the DM entity’s Properties and adjust Dot % as needed.

Q9: How do I mark text in a circle or at an angle?
A:

  • Select the text entity.
  • Use the Entity ribbon to adjust:
    • Angle – Rotates the text
    • Radius – Curves the text along a circular path

3. Machine Setup & Operation

Q10: How do I connect I-Mark to my marking machine?
A:

  1. Go to the Marking tab.
  2. Click Connect to Marking Machine.
  3. The software will scan the network and connect to the controller.
  4. A green check mark next to the machine ID confirms a successful connection.

Q11: How do I teach the machine where to mark on my part?
A:

  1. Double-click the entity to be positioned.
  2. Go to the Entity tab and select Teach > Manual Control.
  3. Use the on-screen jog controls to position the pin.
  4. Return to Teach and select All Positions to update the layout.

Q12: What is the difference between a Trial Run and a Start Run?

  • Trial Run:
    • Simulates the entire marking cycle
    • The pin does not strike the part
    • Used to verify positioning and travel limits
    • Strongly recommended before every Start Run
  • Start Run:
    • Executes the live marking process
    • The pin engages and marks the part

Q13: Why should I download my layout to the controller?
A: Downloading stores the layout and all settings directly in the controller’s memory. This ensures consistent operation even if the PC is disconnected and is considered best practice before production.

Q14: How do I adjust marking speed?
A:

  • Global Speed: Select the layout background and adjust speed.
  • Entity-Specific Speed:
    1. Select the entity
    2. Go to Settings
    3. Uncheck Global
    4. Enter a custom speed value

Q15: How do I set up a serial number counter?
A:

  1. Open the Counters dialog from the controller ribbon.
  2. Select a counter and define Start, Final, and Increment values.
  3. Insert the counter placeholder (e.g., %C1) into a text entity.
  4. Download the layout to the controller.

Q16: How do I configure shifts for automatic shift marking?
A:

  1. Open the Shifts tab.
  2. Click Add, name the shift, and set its start time.
  3. Repeat for all shifts and click Apply.
  4. Insert %S into the text entity.
  5. Download the layout to activate the settings.

Q: How far should the pin be from the part? What about air pressure?
A: Set pin‑to‑part distance to roughly 0.188"–0.250" (3/16"–1/4") and adjust system air pressure using the integrated regulator for a clean mark 30 to 60 psi.

4. Communication & External Control

Q17: Can the I-Mark system be controlled by a PLC?
A: Yes. The controller supports EtherNet/IP communication.

  • Configure the controller I/O map for EtherNet/IP.
  • Use uppercase PLC placeholders such as %P0.
  • The PLC writes commands to the Input Control Register and reads status from the Output Control Register.

Q18: My machine will not connect. What should I check?
A: Verify the following:

  1. PC and controller are powered on and on the same network
  2. IP addresses are on the same subnet
  3. Default controller IP is 10.1.10.225
  4. Hardware and software versions are compatible

Q19: Can I start marking without a computer connected?
A: Yes, using the optional CMT Start Button.

  1. Connect the 25-pin connector to the controller’s Input port.
  2. Assign a layout to Slot 0 in the Layouts dialog.
  3. Download the configuration to the controller.
  4. Pressing the external button will run the assigned layout.

5. Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Q20: Mark quality is poor or inconsistent. What is the most likely cause?
A: In most cases, the marking stylus (pin) is worn, chipped, or damaged. Replace the stylus according to the maintenance instructions in the manual.

Q21: The system shows a “Key Expired” fault.
A: The 90-day temporary license has expired. Register the software and install a permanent license key (see Q4).

Q22: I-Mark displays a “Fatal Error” on startup. How do I fix this?
A: This is typically caused by a corrupted user database.

  1. Close I-Mark.
  2. Navigate to:
    C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Columbia_Marking_Tools\
  3. Delete the entire Columbia_Marking_Tools folder.
  4. Restart I-Mark. The database will rebuild automatically.

Q23: How do I back up my layouts?
A: Two methods are available:

  • File Copy:
    • Copy layout files from
      C:\Users\Public\Documents\I-Mark\Basic
  • Export:
    • Go to File > Export > Layouts
    • Creates a compressed .cmtlx file

Q24: What should I do if a fault code appears?
A: Refer to the Fault Codes table in the Appendix of the main manual for detailed explanations and corrective actions.

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