What is a UID?

A UID is a Unique Identifier found on every product used by the Department of Defense, (DoD). This is not an uncommon practice in good manufacturing plants. Tracking the development, distribution, and lifetime of a product allows for data collection that will help companies, both manufacturers and end customers, to improve their production processes long-term. In some cases, this UID may provide information that is vital for safety in regards to defective product recalls, poor durability trends, or more – especially when concerning a DoD project.

The basic components of a UID meeting Mil Spec 130 guidelines includes a manufacturer to mark a unique identifier on every product that is truly unique and only traceable to that original item. This mark must be permanent and able to sustain handling and weathering throughout the lifetime of the product. Additional information is also desired including production components like lot and batch numbers, manufacturing location, modifications, and more.

There are a great number of ways to implement a system for marking a UID on all manufactured items. These range from programmable indenting, inkjet, and laser to manual methods such as stamping, stenciling, and acid etching. Each UID marking method brings unique advantages to the manufacturing process enabling more automated technologies to fit right into the production line with the potential to increase overall production line efficiency.

If you’re looking to lower costs, you may wish to consider using a solution that relies on fewer consumables. Laser marking technologies are a greener choice for many companies looking to mark a UID without the concerns of the common VOC pollution associated with heavy duty inkjet inks. Because the laser beam literally etches a tiny portion of the product’s surface, it is not necessary to use expensive inks. Marking directly onto a product and avoiding costly labels or tags may also be achieve with inkjet solutions.

Perhaps you’re cramped for space when considering a UID mark. Options here include attached tags, or simply marking directly on the product’s surface. Data matrix bar coding can fit a large amount of data into a very compact space as well. So it’s important to consider both the technology behind the mark and the UID mark content itself when planning your UID solution.

For more information on the details of UID, perform a simple search on the web. There are a large number of resources available to assist you. Mil Spec 130 is a tough standard to follow and in many cases, it may be in your best interest to partner with a company of experts in this field. If you’re looking for some help in sifting through the details on UID marking, contact ID Integration for a full service, custom approach to your production process.

An Analysis of CAGE Code and Tesa Tapes

Unique Identification of Items, or UID, introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD) acts as a common key for data-sharing and communication between suppliers and customers by improving the tracking efficiency method of items in a serialized way. UID is a 2-D data matrix symbol with data scanned and translated into CAGE Code, Serial Number, and Part Number. Of these, CAGE codes play a significant role in the government contracts especially when registering in the UID registry.

What is CAGE Code?

CAGE Code or Commercial and Government Entity Code is a five-character ID number to identify the government contractors. Apart from the Department of Defense, these CAGE codes are used in DoT (Department of Transportation), NASA, and several other federal government agencies.

Those who want to apply for a CAGE code for their items needs to obtain a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number before applying for DoD's Central Contractor Registration. The Federal government adds all contractors who achieve CAGE Codes in its distinguished panel.

Benefits of CAGE Codes:

• Chance to be added on the distinguished panel contractors of the Federal government list

• Help contractors submit for government bids and proposals

• Sign up for buyer-vendor matching services and spot potential buyers for itemized Products

CAGE codes are mandatory for all items that are to be submitted to the Government. After ensuring the proper coding, the next phase is to ensure proper packaging of the items so that they can endure extreme conditions. For packaging extensively shipment items, Tesa tapes have been highly recommended. Items packaged properly with Tesa tapes ensure their safety and durability during storage and transit. These Tesa Tapes offer high shear, age resistance even on difficult surfaces. Moreover they are easy to handle, robust and sturdy. Packaging with Tesa tapes are considered the suitable options for consistent opening envelopes and cardboard boxes. There are different types of Tesa tapes available.

Categories of Tesa tapes:

Tesa Fastening Tapes

This type of Tesa tapes is reliable as well as cost-effective for temporary fastening, splicing, platemounting and permanent bonding.

Tesa Auxiliary Tapes

This type of Tesa tapes are used for a full spectrum of applications. Polyethylene/cloth based Duct tapes and Specialty Tapes which include transparent cellophane tapes, paper bandoliering tapes.

Tesa Masking Tapes

This type of Tesa tapes are extensively used in transportation, metal finishing and furniture manufacturing industries. There are General Purpose tapes, Fine Line and Temperature-Resistant Tapes available for superior cornering and high-temperature applications.

Tesa Packaging Tapes

For better surface protection, palletizing and sealing, a variety of Tesa Packaging tapes are used. They are TPP Tapes, Carton Sealing Tapes, Tear Tapes and Filament Tapes.

Important facts about Tesa tapes

• The Tesa tapes are safe to use. The adhesive material doesn’t contain any harmful acid which can be injurious for the health.

• There is no organic solvents remain in the Tesa tapes

• The tapes are free of heavy metals, asbestos and formaldehyde.

• The tapes are endurable even in extreme temperature and hence are safer to use.