Marking and readout methods to be carried out by means of a processing machine, processing method, processing machine and production line

A marking method to be performed by a processing machine for machining for marking a workpiece, the method comprising:

• a) providing a tool for machining on a rotatable tool holder of the processing machine,
• b) relatively linearly moving the rotating tool holder and the workpiece along a line on a surface of the workpiece, and
• c) controlling a distance of tool holder and workpiece during the linear movement so that the tool selectively assumes a processing position for machining the workpiece and a release position, in which the tool does not grip the workpiece, during the linear movement such that no oscillating movement is performed for marking, but rather the tool and the workpiece are moved relatively in a straight line, and only for omitting certain markings, a distance between the workpiece and the tool is adjusted from the engagement position, where markings are produced, to the release position, where markings are omitted, so that a pattern of markings with different spacings, or lengths or both, is produced along the line by machining with the tool to form a linear identification mark on the surface of the workpiece.