Mechanical applicator for use in stamping die process to apply thermo-chromatic ink to aluminum heat treated panels

A method of applying a marking to a part in a stamping die, the method comprising:

• moving a component of the stamping die toward the part, the component having a mechanical application device secured thereto, the mechanical application device including a housing defining an internal fluid reservoir and a movable component provided at an aperture of the internal fluid reservoir to selectively block or open the aperture, wherein when the component of the stamping die is moved toward the part during a stamping operation, a portion of the mechanical application contacts the part;
• pushing the movable component upward by the part to open the aperture of the mechanical application device when the mechanical application device contacts the part;
• and
• releasing a controlled volume of a marking medium through the aperture to the part,
• wherein the controlled volume of the marking medium flows through the mechanical application device during the moving such that a volume of the marking medium is controlled by the moving during the stamping die operation,
• wherein a flange extends from a lower end portion of the housing, and wherein the portion of the mechanical application device protrudes from a bottom surface of the flange to define a void between the part and the bottom surface of the flange when the portion of the mechanical application device contacts the part.