Description
Product Introduction
The Columbia Marking Tools 288SP-OB-25-D is a 3-ton double-acting pneumatic air impact marker engineered for high-speed automated part identification, serial numbering, and trace-ability marking. Operating on kinetic acceleration (F = ma), this compact unit generates up to 6,000 lbs (3 tons) of instantaneous force at 80 PSI using compressed air, stamping clear identification codes into steel, aluminum, and industrial alloy components without distorting surrounding part geometry.
The 288SP-OB-25-D configuration features a Subplate Mount (SP) chassis, a B-Style rod designed for single CM8X round character inserts (OB), a 2.5-inch maximum stroke (25), and a Side-Ported End Cap with a 24VDC position sensor (D). Replacing an unstable or damaged marking tool with a verified 288SP-OB-25-D unit eliminates faint or unreadable part stamps, preventing quality rejection flags in continuous manufacturing environments.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Full Model Part Number | 288SP-OB-25-D |
| Manufacturer | Columbia Marking Tools (CMT) |
| Operation Type | Double-Acting Pneumatic (Air Forward, Air Return) |
| Max Impact Force | 3 Tons / 6,000 lbs (26.7 kN) at 80 PSI |
| Bore Size | 1.25 inches |
| Stroke Length | 2.5 inches (Option Code: 25) |
| Mounting Style | Subplate Mount (Option Code: SP) |
| Rod Type / Holder | B-Style Keyed Non-Rotating Rod for CM8X Round Insert (Option Code: OB) |
| End Cap / Sensors | Side-Ported End Cap with Turck 24VDC Return Sensor (PNP Sourcing) (Option Code: D) |
| Air Supply Connection | 3/8″ NPT Porting |
| Operating Pressure | 20 to 80 PSI (1.3 to 5.5 Bar) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
During high-volume automotive transmission component machining, an automated line requires 100% trace-ability date-stamping before parts advance to heat treatment. If the return position sensor on the marking cylinder fails or internal shock bumpers degrade, the main cell PLC stops receiving the “Marker Retracted” input flag. The entire automation cell grinds to a halt to prevent robotic pick-and-place grippers from crashing into an extended marking rod. Swapping in a pre-tested 288SP-OB-25-D restores precise kinetic marking force and reliable 24V DC return feedback to your cell controller in minutes.
Typical Applications:
- Automotive Assembly Lines – Stamping engine block date codes, transmission housing batch numbers, and chassis ID tags.
- High-Volume Machining Cells – Punching QC inspection marks, lot numbers, and part codes into cast iron or aluminum housings.
- Metal Stamping & Fabrication – Integration into automated transfer presses for immediate post-form part identification.
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
Every surplus or reconditioned CMT 288SP-OB-25-D unit undergoes a strict 5-stage bench test protocol before shipping:
- Mechanical & Rod Alignment Audit: High-magnification check of the non-rotating key mechanism, subplate mounting face, internal thread condition, and seal integrity.
- Pneumatic Leakage Sweep: Pressurized static seal check at 80 PSI to verify zero blow-by across internal piston seals during forward and return strokes.
- Kinetic Impact & Cycle Test: Repeated firing on a calibrated test anvil to measure velocity impact consistency and internal shock absorber bumper response.
- Sensor & Output Verification: Verification of the Turck 24VDC PNP return proximity sensor under continuous cycling to ensure clean switching logic to the PLC.
- Cleanroom Decontamination & Packaging: Cleaned, lubricated/treated, port-capped to prevent air passage contamination, and foam-encapsulated for safe transport.
288SP-OB-25-D
288SP-OB-25-D
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ Confirm the Cylinder Principle (F = ma vs. F = P \times A): Never confuse an air impact marker with a standard linear air cylinder. Standard 1.25″ cylinders produce ~80 lbs of static thrust at 80 PSI; the 288-series impact marker uses high-velocity kinetic acceleration to generate 6,000 lbs of instantaneous force. Ensure surrounding tooling can withstand the impact energy!
❗ Do Not Over-Tighten Character Inserts: When installing your CM8X round stamp inserts into the OB rod holder, use the correct set-screw torque. Over-tightening deforms the keyed rod channel, causing binding during the high-speed stroke.
⚠️ Maintain Regulated Air Line Filtration: Wet, un-filtered plant air ruins internal seals and micro-switches rapidly. Always run the unit through a dedicated filter-regulator-lubricator (FRL) pack rated for pneumatic tools to maintain long seal life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the “SP” mean in part number 288SP-OB-25-D?
A: “SP” designates the Subplate Mounting option, allowing the marker to bolt down flat onto custom machine subplates rather than using standard angle brackets.
Q: Which character stamp inserts fit the OB rod style?
A: The “OB” rod style is specifically machined to hold single CM8X round character inserts (3/8″ diameter shank).
Q: Can this unit be run on non-lubricated dry air?
A: Standard 288 models require lubricated air for internal piston seals. If your facility uses strictly non-lubricated (NL) air, verify if your process requires the dry-air option variant (288-OB-25-D-NL).
Q: What warranty is provided with this marker?
A: We back every surplus and reconditioned 288SP-OB-25-D unit with a full 12-month operational warranty. If the unit suffers seal failure or sensor malfunction within 365 days, we replace it or issue a full refund—no hassles.
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