Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Importance of UID to the UID Registry

Unique identification or UID is a universally applied method for parts marking. The DoD has mandated this method so as to keep track of Govt. furnished assets.

What’s UID?

UID is a part of DoD’s serialization tracking programs (SNTs). For all Government furnished tangible assets, Unique Identification or UID for each item is a must as per The Department of Defense (DoD) mandate. UID nameplates, UID labels, and UID tags are a must for items to be UID compliant. Also they need to withstand the rough climatic condition. The DoD devised this UID program to keep track of all info about defense related and embedded items. Starting from acquisition, repair, and to deployment, the DoD can easily trace any info about military items in much easier and faster way through this UID program.

To meet the UID registration standards, the Department of Defense has clearly mentioned which items are eligible to be UID compliant. Those items whose

  • Unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more
  • Is serially managed, is mission essential or is a controlled inventory
  • the item is a DoD mandated serially managed embedded item
  • Designated by the Program office for permanent identification, are required to be marked by UID.

Stainless steel, Polyester, aluminum and laser marked Tessa tapes are most commonly used for UID labels. Some of the popular types of UID labels are Metal bar code UID labels, Polyester bar code UID labels, Foil bar code UID labels and Ceramic-Steel UID nameplates. These types of labels offer robustness and last for a long duration. Now many online stores even offer customized UID Tags and Labels. It doesn’t matter, what materials are used for UID labels, but they must meet the MIL STD 130 code standards.

All the product info such as serialized item number, part number, CAGE Code, manufacturing details are to be written in a 2dimensional data matrix code. As per a recently added clause, an additional batch or log number of the product is also required to be added in the 2D-datamatrix code.

UID registry submission process

It is essential that all the government as well as commercial manufacturers should register with Central Contractor Registration system (CRR) before they apply for registering with the UID registry. For Government Contractors or government employees, the DoD Program Manager facilitates special login access rights to the UID registry. All other users are required to register themselves. They can access the Controlled Access portion of the UID Registry only after they get login credentials from the UID registry.

There are certain things which the contractors should take care of while submitting to the UID registry. Item description should also be included along with the serialized item number, part number, and log or batch number. Initial acquisition info and any major modification info should also be mentioned clearly. Detailed shipment and delivery info about the acquisition of item should also be included in the list of submitted data. Contractor custody info and acceptance data should also be present in the accountability section of the info.

The Department of Defense now facilitated UID data submission via wide area workflow (WAWF). This technologically advanced and paperless mode of data submission to the UID registry is easy to approach. The UID registry is updated

automatically each time the data is submitted through WAWF. Contractors can not only transmit data electronically, they can acquire contract receipt too this WAWF. WAWF has made UID data submission process comparatively faster.

Importance of UID to the UID Registry

Unique identification or UID is a universally applied method for parts marking. The DoD has mandated this method so as to keep track of Govt. furnished assets.

What’s UID?

UID is a part of DoD’s serialization tracking programs (SNTs). For all Government furnished tangible assets, Unique Identification or UID for each item is a must as per The Department of Defense (DoD) mandate. UID nameplates, UID labels, and UID tags are a must for items to be UID compliant. Also they need to withstand the rough climatic condition. The DoD devised this UID program to keep track of all info about defense related and embedded items. Starting from acquisition, repair, and to deployment, the DoD can easily trace any info about military items in much easier and faster way through this UID program.

To meet the UID registration standards, the Department of Defense has clearly mentioned which items are eligible to be UID compliant. Those items whose

  • Unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more
  • Is serially managed, is mission essential or is a controlled inventory
  • the item is a DoD mandated serially managed embedded item
  • Designated by the Program office for permanent identification, are required to be marked by UID.

Stainless steel, Polyester, aluminum and laser marked Tessa tapes are most commonly used for UID labels. Some of the popular types of UID labels are Metal bar code UID labels, Polyester bar code UID labels, Foil bar code UID labels and Ceramic-Steel UID nameplates. These types of labels offer robustness and last for a long duration. Now many online stores even offer customized UID Tags and Labels. It doesn’t matter, what materials are used for UID labels, but they must meet the MIL STD 130 code standards.

All the product info such as serialized item number, part number, CAGE Code, manufacturing details are to be written in a 2dimensional data matrix code. As per a recently added clause, an additional batch or log number of the product is also required to be added in the 2D-datamatrix code.

UID registry submission process

It is essential that all the government as well as commercial manufacturers should register with Central Contractor Registration system (CRR) before they apply for registering with the UID registry. For Government Contractors or government employees, the DoD Program Manager facilitates special login access rights to the UID registry. All other users are required to register themselves. They can access the Controlled Access portion of the UID Registry only after they get login credentials from the UID registry.

There are certain things which the contractors should take care of while submitting to the UID registry. Item description should also be included along with the serialized item number, part number, and log or batch number. Initial acquisition info and any major modification info should also be mentioned clearly. Detailed shipment and delivery info about the acquisition of item should also be included in the list of submitted data. Contractor custody info and acceptance data should also be present in the accountability section of the info.

The Department of Defense now facilitated UID data submission via wide area workflow (WAWF). This technologically advanced and paperless mode of data submission to the UID registry is easy to approach. The UID registry is updated

automatically each time the data is submitted through WAWF. Contractors can not only transmit data electronically, they can acquire contract receipt too this WAWF. WAWF has made UID data submission process comparatively faster.


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Benefits if Tesa secure Laser Labels

Introduction

Tesa secure offers a cutting-edge alternative to conventional coding, and marking methods. The surface of Tesa secure is suitable for unique identification (UID) marking. Tesa tapes are one of the most frequently used materials for packaging of extensively shipment items. Even on difficult surfaces, these tapes offer high shear, age resistance thus ensuring safety and durability during storage and transit of items. Tesa tapes are robust, sturdy and are easy to handle.

Before getting more into Tesa Secure 6973 PV 3 laser labels, let’s have a brief overview about different categories of Tesa tapes available.

Tesa Packaging Tapes

Carton Sealing Tapes, TPP Tapes, Filament Tapes and Tear Tapes are some varieties of Tessa Packaging tapes. They are used for sealing, palletizing and better surface protection.

Tesa Auxiliary Tapes

Tesa Auxiliary Tapes have a wide range of usability. Paper bandoliering tapes, polyethylene/cloth based Duct tapes and transparent cellophane tapes are included under this variety.

Tesa Masking Tapes

This type of Tesa tapes are used for general purpose as well as for high-temperature applications. Due to their high durability, these types of tapes are frequently used in used in metal finishing, transportation, and furniture manufacturing industries.

Tesa Fastening Tapes

Tesa Fastening Tapes are used for temporary fastening, splicing, platemounting and permanent bonding. They are very cost-effective and reliable.

Reason of Tesa Secure laser labels durability

As these Tesa Secure laser are processed on low power laser markers in both CO2 and Nd:Yag wavelengths, they can withstand harsh chemicals and extreme climatic conditions. They have exceptional adhesion qualities. In addition to these, an advanced standard tamper evident design has been incorporated which prevents the label from being removed in one piece once it is applied. To resist counterfeiting or forgery, features such as embossed logos and microscripting has been introduced which provide advanced security. Unlike some other nameplate materials, these laser labels are quite inexpensive. The Tesa Secure laser labels are free of heavy metals such as asbestos and formaldehyde and thus are safe to use. Also there is organic solvents remain in these laser labels. The temperature resistant adhesive used in these labels doesn’t contain any harmful acid and are safe to use. As compared to other nameplates, these laser labels are quite durable for long lasting use.

Benefits of Tesa secure

Temperature resistant

The Laser-engraveable Tesa secure is temperature resistant. They can withstand a temperature fluctuation from -50°C to +200°C or -58°F to +392°F.

Chemical resistant

Tesa Secure laser labels resistant to abrasion, oils, grease and many other chemicals. They are even tamper evident.

Easily applied

These laser labels can be applied easily. No rivets or screws are needed for applying onto the metal surfaces.

Available in customized size

Tesa Secure laser labels can be customized to any shape and size. They are also available in different colors such as black, white and silver. They can be engraved and die-cut in one easy step using Nd:YAG or CO2.

Economic price

Tesa Secure laser labels are durable and also very economical. They offer easy peel and stick application and hence are flexible to handle.

Advantages of Laser Marking

Laser marking is a type of Direct Part marking of products. This highly advanced marking method is used as a dynamic, highly adaptable process for high-speed character, graphic, logo, bar code and 2D Data Matrix marking. The laser marking method not only makes the marking permanent and highly readable but also discourages tampering. The Department of Defense (DoD) has mandated the use of laser marking for 2dimensional Data Matrix Symbols as per the MIL-STD 130M standard. As per a 1992 estimate, the DoD lost nearly $2 billion in inventory for improper marking method.

Laser marking is considered to be one of the most efficient marking methods that are used for marking identification number onto products. Apart from military equipment industries, several other industry groups including ISO9000 standard groups have made permanent part identification and Direct Part Marketing (DPM) compulsory to improve the traceability of their items. Laser marking improves the accuracy of inventory, decrease inventory management costs by reducing the workforce burden and enhance the efficiency and productivity by better product traceability.

Laser Marking Process

Laser marking provides an excellent method in counterfeit & forgery prevention, product tracking & identification. The materials used for Laser marking are usually lead and cadmium free and hence are environmentally friendly. The water based solutions are contact free & tamper proof and hence can withstand to abrading, scuffing & corrosion. The process involves a highly concentrated energy from a very parallel beam of light being focused to a microscopic spot to create a variety of images. This laser marking can be very fast with up to 1000 characters per second. Better legibility of the laser marking through a color contrast between the mark and the base material.

Different types of markers are used for laser marking. Some commonly used laser markers are Diode-pumped lasers, Lamp pumped lasers, Fiber laser, Deep engravers and CO2 lasers. One great advantage of laser marking over traditional marking is that laser marking can be done virtually on all types of metals, woods and even glass and plastic surfaces. Earlier there was a problem in marking for plastic surface items. But thanks to laser marking, now marking and engraving can be done even the surface of plastic items. Besides that, laser marking can also be done on aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, rubber, ceramics, wood and paper products.

Benefits of laser marking

  • Highest Speed, Highest Contrast Marking for making Class A readable codes on all materials including bare and coated metals, ceramics, composites, plastics, pc boards and more. Marking can be done even on rough metal castings to smooth highly polished surfaces.

  • Smallest to Largest 2D Matrix Codes can be marked with laser marking. It the most Flexible 2D Matrix making method used in the military industries.

  • Laser marking is used for all combinations of 2D Matrix Codes as per UID compliant, MIL compliant, ECC200, etc.

  • Laser marking has parameters such as “cell creation” and cell “fill” to adjust the properties and thereby assuring proper readability on all materials and surfaces.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Benefits if Tesa secure Laser Labels

Introduction

Tesa secure offers a cutting-edge alternative to conventional coding, and marking methods. The surface of Tesa secure is suitable for unique identification (UID) marking. Tesa tapes are one of the most frequently used materials for packaging of extensively shipment items. Even on difficult surfaces, these tapes offer high shear, age resistance thus ensuring safety and durability during storage and transit of items. Tesa tapes are robust, sturdy and are easy to handle.

Before getting more into Tesa Secure 6973 PV 3 laser labels, let’s have a brief overview about different categories of Tesa tapes available.

Tesa Packaging Tapes

Carton Sealing Tapes, TPP Tapes, Filament Tapes and Tear Tapes are some varieties of Tessa Packaging tapes. They are used for sealing, palletizing and better surface protection.

Tesa Auxiliary Tapes

Tesa Auxiliary Tapes have a wide range of usability. Paper bandoliering tapes, polyethylene/cloth based Duct tapes and transparent cellophane tapes are included under this variety.

Tesa Masking Tapes

This type of Tesa tapes are used for general purpose as well as for high-temperature applications. Due to their high durability, these types of tapes are frequently used in used in metal finishing, transportation, and furniture manufacturing industries.

Tesa Fastening Tapes

Tesa Fastening Tapes are used for temporary fastening, splicing, platemounting and permanent bonding. They are very cost-effective and reliable.

Reason of Tesa Secure laser labels durability

As these Tesa Secure laser are processed on low power laser markers in both CO2 and Nd:Yag wavelengths, they can withstand harsh chemicals and extreme climatic conditions. They have exceptional adhesion qualities. In addition to these, an advanced standard tamper evident design has been incorporated which prevents the label from being removed in one piece once it is applied. To resist counterfeiting or forgery, features such as embossed logos and microscripting has been introduced which provide advanced security. Unlike some other nameplate materials, these laser labels are quite inexpensive. The Tesa Secure laser labels are free of heavy metals such as asbestos and formaldehyde and thus are safe to use. Also there is organic solvents remain in these laser labels. The temperature resistant adhesive used in these labels doesn’t contain any harmful acid and are safe to use. As compared to other nameplates, these laser labels are quite durable for long lasting use.

Benefits of Tesa secure

Temperature resistant

The Laser-engraveable Tesa secure is temperature resistant. They can withstand a temperature fluctuation from -50°C to +200°C or -58°F to +392°F.

Chemical resistant

Tesa Secure laser labels resistant to abrasion, oils, grease and many other chemicals. They are even tamper evident.

Easily applied

These laser labels can be applied easily. No rivets or screws are needed for applying onto the metal surfaces.

Available in customized size

Tesa Secure laser labels can be customized to any shape and size. They are also available in different colors such as black, white and silver. They can be engraved and die-cut in one easy step using Nd:YAG or CO2.

Economic price

Tesa Secure laser labels are durable and also very economical. They offer easy peel and stick application and hence are flexible to handle.


Advantages of Laser Marking

Laser marking is a type of Direct Part marking of products. This highly advanced marking method is used as a dynamic, highly adaptable process for high-speed character, graphic, logo, bar code and 2D Data Matrix marking. The laser marking method not only makes the marking permanent and highly readable but also discourages tampering. The Department of Defense (DoD) has mandated the use of laser marking for 2dimensional Data Matrix Symbols as per the MIL-STD 130M standard. As per a 1992 estimate, the DoD lost nearly $2 billion in inventory for improper marking method.

Laser marking is considered to be one of the most efficient marking methods that are used for marking identification number onto products. Apart from military equipment industries, several other industry groups including ISO9000 standard groups have made permanent part identification and Direct Part Marketing (DPM) compulsory to improve the traceability of their items. Laser marking improves the accuracy of inventory, decrease inventory management costs by reducing the workforce burden and enhance the efficiency and productivity by better product traceability.

Laser Marking Process

Laser marking provides an excellent method in counterfeit & forgery prevention, product tracking & identification. The materials used for Laser marking are usually lead and cadmium free and hence are environmentally friendly. The water based solutions are contact free & tamper proof and hence can withstand to abrading, scuffing & corrosion. The process involves a highly concentrated energy from a very parallel beam of light being focused to a microscopic spot to create a variety of images. This laser marking can be very fast with up to 1000 characters per second. Better legibility of the laser marking through a color contrast between the mark and the base material.

Different types of markers are used for laser marking. Some commonly used laser markers are Diode-pumped lasers, Lamp pumped lasers, Fiber laser, Deep engravers and CO2 lasers. One great advantage of laser marking over traditional marking is that laser marking can be done virtually on all types of metals, woods and even glass and plastic surfaces. Earlier there was a problem in marking for plastic surface items. But thanks to laser marking, now marking and engraving can be done even the surface of plastic items. Besides that, laser marking can also be done on aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, rubber, ceramics, wood and paper products.

Benefits of laser marking

  • Highest Speed, Highest Contrast Marking for making Class A readable codes on all materials including bare and coated metals, ceramics, composites, plastics, pc boards and more. Marking can be done even on rough metal castings to smooth highly polished surfaces.
  • Smallest to Largest 2D Matrix Codes can be marked with laser marking. It the most Flexible 2D Matrix making method used in the military industries.
  • Laser marking is used for all combinations of 2D Matrix Codes as per UID compliant, MIL compliant, ECC200, etc.
  • Laser marking has parameters such as “cell creation” and cell “fill” to adjust the properties and thereby assuring proper readability on all materials and surfaces.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Item marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard

All military and defense related items needs to be standardized according to the MIL-STD-130L standard to be UID compliant. However, certain problems were observed regarding the item marking method and that’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) made certain amendment in the previous MIL-STD-130L standard and a new standard known as MIL-STD-130M was proposed on 2nd December 2005. As compared to the earlier standard, this new MIL-STD-130M has been proposed in a thoroughly detailed manner so as to offer better guidance.

Starting from label verification to direct part marking, the new MIL-STD-130M standard is involved in every aspect of item identification process. Permanent labels must be used in all tangible military items. However, those labels must be non-removable, chemical resistant, fade resistant, scratch resistant and legible for the life of the item being affixed. Various materials such as polyester, brushed aluminum foil, polyimide, high quality paper, laser etching and dot peened tags are used.

Scope of MIL-STD-130M

As per the MIL-STD-130 SPEC, there was an impending requirement for military product data content to be available for both human-readable information (HRI) i.e. free text and machine-readable information (MRI) applications of item identification marking and the new MIL-STD-130M addresses that very criterion. This item identification marking method is a must for all military property produced, stored, stocked, and issued by or for the Department of Defense (DoD). The figures in this MIL-STD-130M standard are intended only for better illustration of the textual context and hence the presence or absence of figures has no bearing on the applicability of the stated standard.

The two types of identification marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard are discussed briefly as follows.

Human-readable information (HRI) marking

As per the new MIL-STD-130M standard, HRI marking should be done in a clear text conveying required information, fully visible and readable without the use of interpretative devices. This is defined in section5.2.2 of the new standard. The HRI based text should have information about the item identifying number, part number and LOT number of the tangible military products. Guidance for the machine-readable information marking protocol utilized should also be included as supplement in the HRT text form.

Machine-readable information (MRI) marking

Along with human readable marking, machine readable marking (MRI) is also mandated for all items according to the new amendment in the MIL-STD-130 SPEC. for MRI marking, pattern of squares, bars, dots, or other specific shapes containing information interpretable through the use of equipment are designed specifically. The patterns can either be visible or can also be applied for ultraviolet, infrared, or other non-human visible reading capabilities including digital protocol applications. It should have serial number, part number, manufacturer’s identification number and National Stock Number (NSN).

However, certain military items such as Electron Tubes, Batteries, Rayon or Woven garment, Rocket Motors, Petroleum and related products and Integrated Circuits manufacturing are excluded from the provisions of this standard as per MIL-STD-130 SPEC. Mechanical Tubing, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels, Aircraft Tubing and Copper Base Alloy Mill are some of the industries which are also excluded from using the new MIL-STD-130M standard.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Item marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard

All military and defense related items needs to be standardized according to the MIL-STD-130L standard to be UID compliant. However, certain problems were observed regarding the item marking method and that’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) made certain amendment in the previous MIL-STD-130L standard and a new standard known as MIL-STD-130M was proposed on 2nd December 2005. As compared to the earlier standard, this new MIL-STD-130M has been proposed in a thoroughly detailed manner so as to offer better guidance.

Starting from label verification to direct part marking, the new MIL-STD-130M standard is involved in every aspect of item identification process. Permanent labels must be used in all tangible military items. However, those labels must be non-removable, chemical resistant, fade resistant, scratch resistant and legible for the life of the item being affixed. Various materials such as polyester, brushed aluminum foil, polyimide, high quality paper, laser etching and dot peened tags are used.

Scope of MIL-STD-130M

As per the MIL-STD-130 SPEC, there was an impending requirement for military product data content to be available for both human-readable information (HRI) i.e. free text and machine-readable information (MRI) applications of item identification marking and the new MIL-STD-130M addresses that very criterion. This item identification marking method is a must for all military property produced, stored, stocked, and issued by or for the Department of Defense (DoD). The figures in this MIL-STD-130M standard are intended only for better illustration of the textual context and hence the presence or absence of figures has no bearing on the applicability of the stated standard.

The two types of identification marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard are discussed briefly as follows.

Human-readable information (HRI) marking

As per the new MIL-STD-130M standard, HRI marking should be done in a clear text conveying required information, fully visible and readable without the use of interpretative devices. This is defined in section5.2.2 of the new standard. The HRI based text should have information about the item identifying number, part number and LOT number of the tangible military products. Guidance for the machine-readable information marking protocol utilized should also be included as supplement in the HRT text form.

Machine-readable information (MRI) marking

Along with human readable marking, machine readable marking (MRI) is also mandated for all items according to the new amendment in the MIL-STD-130 SPEC. for MRI marking, pattern of squares, bars, dots, or other specific shapes containing information interpretable through the use of equipment are designed specifically. The patterns can either be visible or can also be applied for ultraviolet, infrared, or other non-human visible reading capabilities including digital protocol applications. It should have serial number, part number, manufacturer’s identification number and National Stock Number (NSN).

However, certain military items such as Electron Tubes, Batteries, Rayon or Woven garment, Rocket Motors, Petroleum and related products and Integrated Circuits manufacturing are excluded from the provisions of this standard as per MIL-STD-130 SPEC. Mechanical Tubing, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels, Aircraft Tubing and Copper Base Alloy Mill are some of the industries which are also excluded from using the new MIL-STD-130M standard.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Advantages of Inkjet and Laser part marking

What is inkjet part marking?

Inkjet part marking is a type of direct product marking (DPM) technologies. Direct part marking is a 2-dimensional barcode which gives lifetime traceability for components. These codes might look very small but it contains all the vital information about a product. As the codes are machine readable, any possible human error is removed. Even though so many direct part marking methods available, the inkjet part marking technique is largely used in the aerospace, electronics, automotive, lumber, home building products, food, medical and packaging industries. As compared to some other means of park marking, inkjet part marking provides better resistant for long duration. This marking produces the best quality marks possible on most building products.

For better part traceability; permanent standard barcodes, serial numbers and 2D barcode of any specific product is imprinted by the high quality inkjet part marking technique. The ink used in this of part marking is of very high quality is durable to high temperatures, water and chemical solvents. The printing is suitable for any kind of surface be it plastics, metals or glass. This part marking technique is safe to use as the process does not penetrate on the surface of the material. Hence there is no chance of damage of the material.

However with the Industrial manufacturing requirements for indelible direct part marking containing machine vision codes are growing exponentially another advanced technology based technique, laser marking method is gaining popularity these days over the conventional inkjet part marking method.

Laser marking and its advantage

As per the UID compliance norms, the tracking of every defense related product starting from day of its manufacturing until its entire life is enabled by the direct part marking process. There are many factors which contribute to the use of direct part marking. They are highlighted as follows.

  • The increasing requirements for component traceability and product unique identification (UID)
  • The favorable economics of high-performance, lightweight engineering plastics parts replacing traditionally more expensive metal parts
  • The indelible, high-resolution alphanumeric and machine vision codes which the direct part marking produces

The latest laser marking process is the digital process technology used for part marking. Laser marking is ideal for products especially 3D plastic products as the process yields high-contrast indelible markings and does not require consumables or curing, thus making it less expensive. This method of marking is also very useful for micro-marking when there is limited surface area on a product. Alphanumeric, logos, or schematic diagrams; all can be printed even in the smallest size machine vision codes. The inkjet part marking (those done with Non-indelible inkjet) can’t achieve fine-line edge resolution, which is essential for machine vision, especially on small parts. As per the UID mandate, all items are required to be 100% human or machine readable irrespective of the size and complexity details of the actual marking. This is where laser marking has an advantage over the inkjet part marking.

Apart from the DoD military requirements, manufacturers of many commercial industrial products ranging from automotive, pharmaceutical, and packaging to electronic and consumer goods now aggressively into implementing this latest form of marking method.

Advantages of Inkjet and Laser part marking

What is inkjet part marking?

Inkjet part marking is a type of direct product marking (DPM) technologies. Direct part marking is a 2-dimensional barcode which gives lifetime traceability for components. These codes might look very small but it contains all the vital information about a product. As the codes are machine readable, any possible human error is removed. Even though so many direct part marking methods available, the inkjet part marking technique is largely used in the aerospace, electronics, automotive, lumber, home building products, food, medical and packaging industries. As compared to some other means of park marking, inkjet part marking provides better resistant for long duration. This marking produces the best quality marks possible on most building products.

For better part traceability; permanent standard barcodes, serial numbers and 2D barcode of any specific product is imprinted by the high quality inkjet part marking technique. The ink used in this of part marking is of very high quality is durable to high temperatures, water and chemical solvents. The printing is suitable for any kind of surface be it plastics, metals or glass. This part marking technique is safe to use as the process does not penetrate on the surface of the material. Hence there is no chance of damage of the material.

However with the Industrial manufacturing requirements for indelible direct part marking containing machine vision codes are growing exponentially another advanced technology based technique, laser marking method is gaining popularity these days over the conventional inkjet part marking method.

Laser marking and its advantage

As per the UID compliance norms, the tracking of every defense related product starting from day of its manufacturing until its entire life is enabled by the direct part marking process. There are many factors which contribute to the use of direct part marking. They are highlighted as follows.

  • The increasing requirements for component traceability and product unique identification (UID)
  • The favorable economics of high-performance, lightweight engineering plastics parts replacing traditionally more expensive metal parts
  • The indelible, high-resolution alphanumeric and machine vision codes which the direct part marking produces

The latest laser marking process is the digital process technology used for part marking. Laser marking is ideal for products especially 3D plastic products as the process yields high-contrast indelible markings and does not require consumables or curing, thus making it less expensive. This method of marking is also very useful for micro-marking when there is limited surface area on a product. Alphanumeric, logos, or schematic diagrams; all can be printed even in the smallest size machine vision codes. The inkjet part marking (those done with Non-indelible inkjet) can’t achieve fine-line edge resolution, which is essential for machine vision, especially on small parts. As per the UID mandate, all items are required to be 100% human or machine readable irrespective of the size and complexity details of the actual marking. This is where laser marking has an advantage over the inkjet part marking.

Apart from the DoD military requirements, manufacturers of many commercial industrial products ranging from automotive, pharmaceutical, and packaging to electronic and consumer goods now aggressively into implementing this latest form of marking method.