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NEWS

Fundamentals of Direct Part Marking

11/17/2021

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Steel marking dies
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

Picture
  • The part is too small for a barcode label
  • The item will be exposed to environmental conditions that traditional labeling may not withstand
  • When it could be more cost effective to DPM over barcode labels
  • If identification or data must be tracked throughout the life of the item
  • If the item could be marked during the manufacturing process
  • The ability to track items in high-temperatures and other harsh environments
  • Providing more accurate and reliable part identification
  • Preventing errors in just-in-sequence production
  • Eliminating manual data collection approaches for inspections, inventories, and maintenance reports
  • Ensuring the lifetime traceability of each part
  • Enabling track-and-trace initiatives that provide chain-of-custody tracking and protect against product diversion
  • Reducing or eliminating counterfeit parts by providing end-to-end traceability using a method that is difficult to duplicate, and doesn’t rely on package marking
  • Enabling more comprehensive inventory management

Direct Part Marking Options

Gravotech laser marking
Laser marking
  • Traditional options range from steel hand stamps and holder/type arrangements to various numbering and impact presses, including roll marking machines
  •  Advanced technologies such as dot peen, scribe and laser marking machines enable marking processes to be done automatically communicating with other manufacturing technologies and allow the addition of machine readable codes for component traceability.

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 DPM Part markingDot 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:
  1. Traceability
  2. Verification & Error Proofing
  3. Part Identification

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Fundamentals of Labeling

11/28/2018

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by Laurie Barcaskey
Fundamentals of Labeling BePop 100P1
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

sample pre printed label
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.

If you are looking for Tags and Nameplates we handle these marking tools too.

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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Fundamentals: Challenges of Marking Different Materials

12/14/2016

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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
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

Picture
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

Picture
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.

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Fundamentals of Ink Marking

8/17/2016

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by Laurie Barcaskey
Fundamentals of Ink Marking Stamps stencils portable devices in line systems
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.

  • Stamps & Stencils most commonly used in hand stamping operations with rubber stamps, self-inking stamps or rubber rib-type & rollers. Oil-board or mylar stencils as pre-cut made-to-order or made in-house with manual or computerized machines are inexpensive options for larger text requirements or when applying shipping details.
  • Portable Devices improve the legibility of manual ink stamping operations, as well as enable the marking details to include bar codes for improved traceability.
  • In-Line Systems are most commonly used for automated lines where traceable identification such as batch, heat or product numbers need to span the length of a product, or application of the mark is done while the product travels through the production line.
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Fundamentals of Tags & Nameplates

5/11/2016

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by Laurie Barcaskey
Picture
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.
Picture
  • Barcoded security seal Imprinted can be standard industry legends or made-to-order per customer specific requirements. Imprint can be applied through a variety of methods such as silk-screen, etch, or indent with the option to add variable data to be added later.
  • Blank plates allow marking to be done in-house as needed through hand stamping, semi-automated or automated processes.
  • Asset & Security labeling can be done with pre-printed bar code labels or tags with standard retaining options or security seals to deter tampering.
  • RFID labeling allow human-readable text and graphics to be printed and include an embedded RFID chip that enables traceability for retail compliance or through the manufacturing process.
  • Safety & 5S Shadowboards. ANSI requirements for Cautions, Danger, Notice, Warning labels and signs in automated work cells or evacuation pathways within the facilities, or deeper facility identification of electrical & mechanical systems can be supplied pre-printed with standard messages or custom made-to-order.To compliment 5S Good-housekeeping processes Leading Marks can assist with solutions for your workcell shadow boards and tool identification to insure every tool is in the right place when it is needed. 
If you are looking for labels and labeling systems, we handle these marking tools too.

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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Fundamentals of Hot Stamping

2/17/2016

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by Laurie Barcaskey
hot stamping plastic seals
hot stamped watchbands
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.

  • Branding Irons are available in electric or fire heated. Marking results in indented or darkened impressions. The use of foils that match the substrate enhance the mark appearance.
  • Presses are available with electric temperature control and can be independent work stations or mounted in-line for automated marking with foil feed arrangements.
  • Marking Dies & Foils are customized based on customer requirements. The marking dies are available in magnesium, brass and steel. A wide variety of foil color options available.

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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    There are variety of authors who write the articles including marking manufacturers.  You'll find a lot of technical imformation, application stories and new product releases here.  Be sure and click a category below that interests you to search it.

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