 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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Thomas Erie, Inc. is a Girard, PA based company that produces quality metal stamped parts. They serve markets such as electronics, automotive and aerospace Their capabilities include stampings from 0.25 to 0.55 mm, Gasketing, embossing & anodizing. Thomas Erie, Inc. is part of the Thomas Group, the world’s largest independent supplier of tinplate and aluminum components for the aerosol, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The Thomas Group employ 500 people worldwide. They produce stamped and deep drawn parts on progressive tools and transfer presses in Germany, the USA, Spain, China and Argentina.  Thomas Erie’s engraved anode (left) and the tooling with raised lettering used to make the anode (right). "We have been working with Laurie Barcaskey since 2014." said Foster Nickel the Toolroom Manger.
Foster explained, " We originally purchased an Automator Laser Engraver for marking our parts only for identification purposes. One day shortly after purchasing the engraver we found ourselves with a rush order for some debossed parts and the vendor we typically purchase our graphite anodes from could not meet our customer’s timeline. " "We don't have a high speed mill able to make the fine detail on the anodes required to meet our customer specifications and typically outsource this item. We were able to utilize the laser engraver to cut the graphite anode and then using our EDM sinker make our own debossing tool with laser point accuracy." said Foster, "This cut our lead time down from weeks to minutes and eliminated the cost of outsourcing completely." Foster found Leading Marks' Laurie Barcaskey very helpful. "Laurie offers good pricing, provides good service and is able to answer our questions. We would recommend her for your next project!" Get in touch with Laurie with any questions!  Join Leading Marks Founder, Laurie Barcaskey and the Pittsburgh Business Times to mix, mingle and network with Pittsburgh business professionals at BizMix at an evening networking reception. This event will be held in the second floor private event space at Roland's Seafood Grill in the Strip District.
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