One of the oldest marking technologies involves marking using a heated metal matrix. The heat transfers the ink from a special (hot foil) ribbon onto the product.
Advantages of the technology:

• Clearly visible inscription, possible in black or white;
• Can write both horizontally and vertically;
• Equipment is very simple, requires no maintenance or special knowledge;
• Does not require special operating conditions – resistant to moisture, cold;
• Low cost, low operating expenses.

Disadvantages:

• Limited inscription area – usually up to 3 lines, 10 characters each;
• Text cannot be constantly variable;
• Not quick to change text;
• Unable to print bar codes and similar.