 When people think of direct part marking the first thing the often comes to mind is steel marking dies In essence, Direct Part Marking (DPM) is applying identification that lasts from cradle to grave and will sustain very rugged environments. Many US government agencies are making unique device identification (UDI) and direct part marking (DPM), mandatory. The private sector, from automotive manufacturers to medical offices have been using DPM more and more as they have embraced the Deming Principles of TQM. Direct Part Marking is used most frequently when marks are needed on a variety metals, plastics and wood. Common equipment solutions range from traditional hand stamping processes to cutting edge technology of fiber laser marking. Direct part marking is often a less costly alternative to purchasing RFID tags. When to Choose Direct Part Marking
Direct Part Marking Options
2D Codes: Most Popular for Direct Part Marking In most cases, direct part marking applications use two-dimensional (2D) barcodes such as Datamatrix or QR Code, which carry much more data than linear (1D) barcodes. By using 2D barcodes, manufacturers can also identify very small items and parts.  Dot Peen vs Vibra Peen vs Scribe and a 2D QR code 2D codes can pack a large amount of data as opposed to linear codes because they can carry data in two directions on the code vs. just one. To give you an idea of the relative size, a 1D barcode can store around 25 characters up to about 80 characters depending on whether it’s Code 128 or Code 39, but a 2D code can store up to 2,000 characters.
In the automotive sector, there is an established standard (AIAG B11) for direct part marking, and a number of large auto OEMs like Ford require suppliers of certain components to use DPM for part traceability. Manufacturers like to use the 2D code not only for the storage capacity, but for their relative size as well (square vs. rectangular). The flexibility of a 2D code allows for the variation in the amount of information stored in the barcode as well as the size of the item being marked. The most popular uses of the mark are for applications that require:
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by Laurie Barcaskey  Labeling allows identification to be applied and maintains component integrity with no deformation to the surface. Optional adhesives allow the labels to be used in various environments and offer tamper-evident options for security. While there are cost savings in some instances to have labels pre-printed and ready for on-demand application, at other times there is a distinct benefit to printing labels on-demand where label design is done in-house for quick edit corrections or job-specific requirements. Printing In-House In house printing provides flexibility for label details and printing/applying in individual work cells. Volume printing can be maximized through stocking materials for just-in-time printing. If you want to see some of these tools in action, check out the video below. Pre-Printed Labels  Pre-printed labels allow you to brand the product with corporate logos and color schemes while heightening the specific product details or cautions associated with their use. About the Author Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889. by Laurie Barcaskey There are some rather unique challenges associated with marking different materials. Here's a short overview of things to think about. Metals  Custom Foundary Die. photo courtesy Durable Mecco. There are various types of metal marking methods, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Three popular types of metal marking include indent, chemical etch, and ink marking. Various methods of marking can be used to mark alpha-numeric, logos or bar codes on metals whether they are bare or painted surfaces – flat or curved surfaces. You can also have an engineered solutions for any kind of mark on any type of metal – from steel pipe to sheet metal to 2D codes, barcodes, large or small character marks, and everything in between. Plastics  Plastics require consideration of the chemistry. Hot stamping is most favorable for branding and decorative identification or an application where color contrast is important. Direct indented marks may have challenges for permanence especially if the plastic does not have a memory or if it is too brittle. Labels may not adhere or require very rugged adhesives. Corrosion may be a challenge with inks. Wood Variations in woods offer challenges for marking applications. Hard woods result in better direct-part marks, where soft woods may be too porous for good ink marks. Smooth surfaces yield better results when hot stamping or branding. Rugged adhesives for labeling offer longer sustainability especially when used on shipping containers. Other Materials & Components  Precious metals can be marked with impact, dot peen or other non-invasive methods, while concrete is best served with inks, and glass with labels. Circuit boards are commonly marked with labels or chemical-etch processes that are being replaced by laser marking. Specialty equipment may require decal kits for branding, as well as serial plates for warranty identification. Whatever the material substrate to be marked, options are available to suit your requirements and budget. Leading Marks wants to help you identify solutions and improve your processes. About the Author Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889. by Laurie Barcaskey  photo courtesy of EBS Inkjet-Systems Stamps & Stencils, Portable Devices, and In-Line Systems apply marks directly onto product without disturbing the product integrity and eliminates the need to apply labels where adhesive may be a deterrent. Electronic devices provide versatility of changing marking detail quickly and automatically.
Varying ink options provide contrast to the substrate or when needed to define a process designation. Whether your need is in the manufacturing or packaging process, or at the final stage of shipping, current marking devices improve the process where industrial markers and stencils were common tools of the trade.
by Laurie Barcaskey  Applied to products or assets for quick reference and note industry compliance. These items are available in plastic, metals, leather, paper and cloth with various retaining options such as adhesive, holes for riveting or screwing, wire strings, or other tamper-resistant mechanisms. Nameplate options include: Imprinted, Blank plates, Asset & Security, and RFID. 
About the AuthorLaurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889. by Laurie Barcaskey
Applying identification on to substrates such as plastic, leather and wood for decorative purposes or where other marking methods are not most feasible. Marking methods represented include: Branding Irons, Presses and Marking Dies & Foils.
About the Author Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889. |
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