The Decisive Features of Direct Part Marking Methods

There are various direct part marking methods, but the appropriate method for marking a part is selected by considering certain factors.

Direct part marking is an important method of marking parts. The UID data of the item is directly etched on the surface of the item for permanent UID marking of the item. Generally, the industries like automotive, aerospace and electronic manufacturers opt for direct part marking system of their items for reliable marking solution. Assuring warranty, safety and satisfying regulatory solution for their requirements, the direct part marking enhances the item tracking and management of various Government and personal assets.

Different types of direct part marking methods are Electro-chemical etching, Dot peen, forge or mold, Cast, adhesive dispensing, Abrasive blasting, Stencil, Lique metal jet, Laser Shot peeing, Laser marking, Engraving/milling, Embroidery. However, these methods are selected carefully for each of the marking requirement.

Selection of Direct Part Marking Methods

There are various methods of direct part markings. But, all the methods are not applicable to all kinds of parts or items. In fact, the contractors need to select the appropriate method for marking the parts depending on various factors.

Functional Aspects of the Part

If the parts are used for safety critical applications such as in air-craft engines or high-stress systems, the contractors should prefer to use non-intrusive marking methods.

Shape of the Item or the Parts

The geometry of the part is responsible to decide the method of direct part marking of the item. For instance, if the surface of the part is curved it is difficult to enter the UID data making it inconvenient for direct part marking. A flat surface is always suitable for the method.

Texture of the Item Surface

It is easy to etch the 2D data matrix code on a rough surface through direct part marking where as difficult for a highly polished surface. In case it becomes essential to mark the part with DPM, the glare of the surface is reduced before the method is applied.

Size of the Part/Item

The application of the UID and 2D data matrix code are not dependent on the size of the items. In fact it is the size of the codes that are determined by the size of the items. In case the part is too small the size of the codes are adjusted accordingly and the methods also selected accordingly that can produce the required result.

Operating Environment of the Item and their Life Span

As it is important to have permanent marking solution with the direct part marking, the marking methods are determined according to the working environment. For instance, if the part is more exposed to heat, the efficiency and durability of the marking should be selected accordingly. Also, the functional life-span of the items differs for different items, which influences the selection of marking method for the items.

Width of Items

Thickness of the items are one of major matters of consideration while direct part marking. Otherwise, there are chances of deformation of the parts affecting their functionality. With most of the marking methods, the marking depth doesn’t exceed 1/10 of thickness of the item.

Advantages of UID Marking for The DoD

The Department of Defense introduced the UID marking of the items keeping in mind its advantages for the item tracking process.

The U.S. Department of Defense started the IUID program to mark the DoD items with unique identification (UID). The implantation and the marking of UID to the DoD recognized items principally aim at keeping track of the items and helping the strategic item management process. The item that come under the scope of UID marking program include item in operational use, in inventory or undergoing depot maintenance along with new solicitations, items procured under ongoing contracts, and the Government-furnished property in the possession of contractors.

UID is a globally unique permanent identification of an item under the Department of Defense that distinguishes individual item from all other item. The UID of an item is a machine-readable 2D data matrix code etched to the item or the label that is affixed to the item. It is a set of globally unique essential data that helps tracking and better management of items.

The UID marking procedure has been proved beneficial for the DoD in several ways.

• Asset visibility and asset traceability are the major parts of asset management and UID marking system provides the best management practice for the business organizations in this regard.
• UID of the items are an aid to DoD’s financial operation for the operations are done with the item identification number. It also helps in advanced audit option for the plant, property, equipment and operating material management.
• The data available for the strategic purchasing of the items, their repairing and maintenance is more accurate with UID of that particular item.It also provides an extensive approach strategic maintenance of item reports.
• The better visibility of the items and the better tracking ability through the UID has helped a long-term and improved inventory management system for the DoD.
• The organizations that aim at mission oriented activities will achieve enhanced planning and execution of item with the help of total asset visibility.
• As the UID of the items has enhanced the efficiency of management with asset visibility and improved data availability, it has also reduce the frustration of the DoD regarding keeping record of data starting from acquisition to repairing and management.
• The consistent use of lifecycle asset information with the help of UID has significantly reduced the item management cost for all the departments of DoD.
• During the peace as well as the war time, the DoD allows total item visibility.

The MIL-STD-130 is the standard that determines the UID marking methods of the items. There are a required set of UID data that is essential to be marked on the item to get accepted by the UID Registry. The DoD also requires that the alpha-numeric human-readable information should also be introduced to the UID marking of the item along with the machine readable 2D data matrix code. As the UID of the items provide extended marking solution for asset management system, they are growing popular among various business organizations across the world. The permanent marking of the UID has added to the advantage of the UID marking system.