The invention relates to a marking machine, including a frame, a carriage assembly (10) including a stationary carriage (20) and a movable carriage (30), a linking member (24) for linking the stationary carriage to the movable carriage, a means (M) for moving the linking member relative to the stationary carriage, and two antagonistic springs (50, 60) enabling a range of movement between the movable carriage and the linking member. The movable carriage (30) is provided with two sensors (70, 80) that are placed on either side of the linking member (24) in a neutral position, and the machine also includes a control means (90) that is capable of moving the linking member (24) relative to the stationary carriage when one of the sensors detects the presence of the linking member.