Abstract

A method for applying identification markings on surfaces of moving panels and strips, preferably steel sheets and steel strips. The method is particularly applicable at high speeds, in which the surface of the moving panel or strip between an inspection station and an identification or marking station, is divided into zones of a length equivalent to the marking to be applied. Every individual zone between inspection station and identification or marking station is traced electronically, and the surface of each traced zone is oxidized and melted by a laser light source. Each zone is assigned a location in a shift register associated to an inspection station, and each inspection station is assigned several inspection tasks. A shift register is used for each inspection task. Information items originating from various inspection tasks are recorded in individual shift registers at locations assigned to an individual zone. The shift registers are controlled by a clock generator synchronously with the speed of the panels or strips, and synchronously with one another.