2D Datamatrix Codes

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2 D Datamatrix Codes, what’s so special about them, and how are they better than the “standard” ones?

We are all familiar with 1 Dimensional barcodes, more commonly known as linear barcodes. It is simply a machine readable form of data, and is commonly used on products to allow automated registry when scanned at checkout systems. Linear barcodes have a maximum capacity of about 20 to 25 numeric characters, and the information contained within them helps retailers keep tracks of the number of items in store. It also hinders shoplifting (since it is harder to switch the price tags of higher to lower priced items).

The Linear 1D Barcode

As the name suggests, 2D barcodes can encode information in 2 dimensions. These can be a series of linear barcodes stacked on top of each other (as shown in the image below).

The stacked linear barcodes


Or the more popular form, a 2D matrix, which holds dots in an array that is much more compact than the stacked 1D barcodes. This array consists of black and white “cells” or modules arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern. As the information is held in more than 1 dimension, a different reader would be required to decode the information. However, they can hold a lot more information when compared to the traditional linear barcodes, and even if the code is partially damaged, it can still be read (unlike the 1D, linear barcodes).

The MaxiCode Label

UPS make good use of its large storage capabilities in their sorting offices. The MaxiCode Label holds all of the relevant destination information ready to be scanned by the couriers.

The 2D Datamatrix code

The 2D datamatrix code is the most common type of 2D matrix code. Its small size makes it the preferred choice by most manufacturing industries. 50 character codes can fit within a 2 to 3 mm² area, and read with a contrast as low as 20%! (Some silicon electronics applications have laser etched codes as small as 300 micrometers!)

A four segment Datamatrix.

Data Matrix symbols are made up of modules arranged within a perimeter finder and timing pattern, which can encode up to 3,116 characters from the entire ASCII character set, with extensions (all of the numbers, letters (uppercase and lowercase) and symbols on your keyboard).

I thought barcodes and 2D codes could only be used in retail applications?

Quite the contrary, the applications can be as varied as the applications. For example, if you were to use the 2D codes on identification plates around a production plant. The code could simply contain all of the readable text and numbers on the plate. In this instance, the 2D code could be used for quick logging or updating records using a 2D scanner. Sometimes it is not possible to include all of the information onto the plate, so the further information can be encoded into the 2D code. However, in some instances the information needs to be secure, and not visible unless scanned. The 2D code can be encrypted with a PIN number, that must be entered before the information can be read.

Many industries are moving towards Datamatrix codes to improve traceability, the pharmaceutical and aeroscpace industries are the quickest adopters due to the high quality control standards and the emergence of black markets with counterfeit parts. Datamatrix codes can hold the components details, manufacturer ID, part number, and a unique serial number.

The applications for datamatrix codes do not end there. The ability to decode any alphanumeric information means that website addresses can be stored within the codes, linking the reader / decoder to specific website addresses or intranets with internal, classified information. Most of the latest mobile phones have cameras within them, which (with the use of a free downloaded application) can be used to decode 2D datamatrix codes. This allows the user to scan the code, and access the relevant website via their mobile. This opens up the possibilities for “further reading” of artifacts in museums, artist details in galleries, or the genealogy of plants in botanical gardens.

Engraving Methods

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here comes a time where you need a metal plate or various other types of material engraved with some sort of information. It could be for anything from identifying and marking your tools to a trophy placard and everything in between. Engraving is used by several industries and homeowners alike.

Why engraving? There is a certain permanence that comes with this form of marking. It will not fade away or melt off and it’s a method that will make sure your information is there to stay. This process has been in use for centuries on end.

Older methods made use of engraving and chemical etchings on metal plates to produce images on paper. The chemical process of engraving is much more time consuming and has been replaced by photography. Even further back in history we have people using handheld engraving tools. We have come a very long way in this process.

Today, the most popular method of engraving is done with high powered lasers. These systems range from desktop sized applications to almost as big as a one car garage. Lasers can mark anything from metal to crystal and is by far the most versatile method ever used.

There is also a quick and economic means of engraving and that would be the use of a high speed rotary tool. If you need to mark your shop tools or other objects for identification, you could buy an electrical handheld engraving tool and save yourself time and money. These can be found in your local big box tool stores and in arts and crafts stores as well. There’s still something to be said for low cost solutions, if that will work for you and your task. Save the laser for something really special as there are plenty of creative uses for this technology.

It’s plain to see there is a wide variety for meeting your engraving requirements. You can be as low tech or high tech about the task as you and your bank account want to be. So determine your needs and how much you can budget for the project and head to your favorite search engine to explore what’s available.

metal engraving

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Metal engraving is a process in which a design is incised on a piece of metal using an engraving tool. This form of decorating metal has been around for five thousand years. The tools are pressed into the metal to cutting it and forming the desired design. The harder one pushes the engraving tool into the metal, the wider the mark. The correlation between dipping depth and engraving width is determined by the top angle of the tool.
Engraving tools are made out of hard steel that cuts the design onto metal surfaces such as steel plates or copper. Engraving tools are available in a variety of sizes and shapes for making different lines and marks. The three most commonly used tools are called the chisel, the graving tool (also called bulino), and the burin (also called ciapolla).
The chisel is not used for cutting, but is hammered. This does not remove any of the metal, but depresses it. A pliable support is placed underneath to prevent the metal from breaking or buckling.
Gravers are halved carbide round rods with a cutting edge. The graving tool has a wood handle making it easier to control the depth of the cut made with this sharp steel tool.
The burin is also a sharp steel tool, but comes in different shapes (lined, rounded and flat) to produce different effects.

The two most popular kinds of engraving decoration are damascening and niello.
Damascening is metal inlay in which a fine metal plate is inserted into a grove that has been made in a differently colored metal, and then is beaten in.
Niello is a mixture of silver, tin, lead, and copper that has been fused. This heated mixture is used to filled an engraving in a precious metal. After the mixture cools, the face plate is polished to bring out the semi-opaque design.
Engraving produces a unique quality of mark characterized by steady, clean edges. These lines and marks are produced by specific tools designed just for that purpose. This is a very specialized form of art with many types of materials and designs that takes years to master.

The Future of Laser Engraving

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The future of laser engraving is directly influenced by the variables of materials, the types of lasers and their capabilities.

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a technique that uses a laser to etch/mark or to engrave the surface of other objects. These marks can vary in depth and can be used to create designs in or on objects or to imprint a message. The types of lasers used depend on the material being etched. The next generation and lasers of the future will advance three-dimensional techniques, integrate with existing design programs and see the development of better multi-engraving etchers and micro-machines. In addition, laser engraving techniques of the future will begin to develop and implement green methods and practices.

How Does a Laser Engrave or Etch a Material?

Basically, a laser beam (Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is focused on a material which results in a modification of the surface and in the optical appearance of the material. The material being engraved determines the type of modification that will occur. For example, on paper, wood or cardboard the etching would occur as carbonization (burning) while the surface of a metal might be melted.

Different Types of Lasers, Their Uses and Future Applications

A few examples of how engraving lasers are currently being used include engraving/etching bar codes, 2D codes, photographs, identification tags, logos, glass doors, mirrors and to mark circuit boards and electronic equipment. Advancements in laser engraving technology to reduce material stress and vibrations are helping to expand and increase the potential for future marketable applications.

CO2 Lasers typically use low power sources to engrave plastics, paper, acrylic materials, wood, transparent objects and leather (Long wavelength applications) and use a Carbon Dioxide gas sealed chamber inside of the laser to create the laser photon stream. Generally, a CO2 laser is used for organic materials.

ND: YAG Lasers are small, affordable air cooled systems which are designed to engrave metallic materials and non organic materials. ND:YAG refers to the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet that is pumped with the use of a lamp or a diode to emit the photon stream.

Fibre Lasers, a derivative of the ND:YAG Laser (Pulse repetition rates-can emit longer pulses with lower pulse energy) commonly uses a ytterbium doped glass fiber to reflect the photons and can be used for ceramics, metals and non organic materials.

Green Practices and the Economy: Future Considerations for Laser Engraving Technology

Engraving lasers do not use ink, leave a permanent mark and are generally good for the environment.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to jump start the economy with a focus on restoring and building American-made innovative science technologies may benefit and encourage laser engraving technological advancements. As a result, future laser engraving technologies that focus on energy conservation, utilization of green technologies and renewable resources may be eligible for tax incentives. Also, under this act, qualifying equipment purchases may be deducted during this tax year enabling businesses to purchase or lease qualifying laser etchers.

Considerations for the development of future engraving lasers might also focus on ease of use issues and on how to minimize vibrations and material stress along with processing speed, pulse repetition rates and the quality of results.

Future laser engravers will become more compact and portable, have multiple material engraving capabilities, use minimal resources and energy and have three dimensional engraving capabilities. In order to advance, the engraving lasers of the future will also need to be capable of engraving textured surfaces, irregular shapes and be able to do multiple stages of etching, engraving and carving.

Different materials that can be engraved with lasers

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Engraving inventory and supplies with lasers has grown very popular with inventory managers. From government agencies to schools and hospitals, any organisation with a sizable amount of supplies to track and sort benefits from laser engraving. Furthermore, lasers can engrave almost any surface with barcodes, codes, images, or text.

Laser Basics

Few people realise that the word laser is actually an acronym, which stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. The three most commonly used lasers are CO2 lasers, which use carbon dioxide gas inside the laser to produce a stream of photons; nd:YAG lasers, which use neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet to produce its photons; and fiber lasers, which use a glass fiber doped with ions such as ytterbium to create photons.

While the different lasers may not mean much to the average lay person, it makes a difference when engraving different materials with laser technology. For example, when engraving metal with a laser beam, the best type of laser to use is either an nd:YAG or fiber laser; CO2 lasers should not be used. On the other hand, less reflective materials, including wood, acrylics, and plastics, are better suited for CO2 lasers. When choosing a company to engrave inventory items with lasers, it’s important to check to see if they are using the right technology for the job.

    Industries in Which Laser Engraving is Especially Important

    Medical: In the medical industry, it’s crucial to mark equipment indelibly, and laser engraving is perfect for the job. Non-intrusive laser engraved codes on equipment and tools stay clean, do not rub off, and make it easy to track medical inventory as they move from ward to ward or hospital to hospital.

    Electronics: Ever opened up a computer and taken a close look at the various parts inside? Each is marked with serial numbers, sometimes text, and other identifying marks. This type of engraving on electronics parts is the work of laser engraving.

    Manufacturing:     In a factory environment, knowing how much of an item is produced, and where it’s shipped is absolutely crucial. Regardless of extreme conditions of heat or cold, laser engraving on cardboard, metal, plastic, and other surfaces easily stands the test of time.

    Other Application of Laser Engraving

    Laser engraving can go far beyond simple barcodes and supply management applications. These days, laser engraving is used on promotional gifts, such as pens and key chains; on signs and nameplates; on custom rubber stamps, such as an address stamp; and delicate decorative work on glassware and ceramics.

    Given the power and versatility of laser engraving in virtually every business, and the ability of lasers to engrave virtually any surface, it is likely that laser engraving will remain popular for decades to come. If there’s a better technology for inventory managers to track their supplies than laser engraving, that technology hasn’t yet been invented.

    Laser Engraving Machines

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    Laser engraving machines do not require typical mechanical cutting equipment to engrave objects. Instead they use the focused beam of a laser for clean, high speed engraving.

    A laser device uses optic lens to concentrate and direct energy to a particular point. This focused energy can be used to engrave, etch or mark both metallic and non-metallic objects. The heat generated by the beam removes material from the surface of the object. Because of the ability to control the intensity of the laser and the precise focusing capability, laser engraving machines are capable of working faster and with more precision than mechanical engraving machines.

    Many laser engraving machines use computer-controlled systems that handle the process at speeds and complexity beyond the capabilities of a human operator. One simply programs the design into the software program and the computer automatically engraves the object on its own.

    A laser engraving machine generally consists of a guiding mechanism; and optic system for generating the laser beam; a movement system; a cooling system, and an exhaust system. Fiber and CO2 lasers are typical types of lasers used for engraving.

    Laser engraving machines generate a lot of energy, which is in turn converted into heat. A lasing machine can accumulate heat rapidly, so an efficient cooling system is needed. Some lasers are fired in pulses to reduce the heat build-up.

    The width of the laser beam is controlled by setting the optical wavelength. The beam cuts through the surface of the object engraved at a similar width with the heat either vaporizing or breaking off material from the surface. Because of vaporization, it is necessary to have a good exhaust and ventilation system to prevent the accumulation of toxic gases.

    The materials used for laser engraving are metals, plastics, wood, stone and glass. When engraving softwood it is necessary to use low-powered lasers to prevent ignition or excessive vaporization. Metals, on the other hand, require very powerful lasers to engrave their hard surfaces. Sometimes metals can be coated with aluminium in which case the laser removes the coating creating a mark instead of an engraving. Plastic can be marked or engraved, and also changed by a process called foaming.

    One use of laser engraving machines is to mark objects for identification, branding, traceability, styling or similar purposes. Part numbers, logos, serial numbers, product specifications, and other identifying and informational matter can be engraved into products.

    The Future of Laser Engraving

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    Modern technology has advanced to the point where the tiniest change in the internal components can completely alter the way in which a product behaves. Careful and exact denotation of what product line and model can provide vital information that can be used by manufacturers, retail outlets, and other links in the chain of business that help businesses thrive.

    Today’s laser technology can provide impressive markings on all manners of material. Small metal or plastic parts can easily be marked with serial numbers without any contact whatsoever. This provides a safe, easy way to permanently mark products with no risk to the fidelity of the item being engraved. These serial numbers or other identification marks will aid in providing protection from fraudulent activities.

    In the future, consumers can expect to see laser engraving to see even more usage in manufacturing. Every year, the tools to make lasers get smaller and the robotics used to control the automated process of engraving become more refined. Today, complex patterns and pictures can be burned into a small amount of space. Within the next ten years, it is expected that this process will become even more affordable than it already is.

    Laser engraving isn’t just for creating images on pieces, however. For some products, it is necessary for the product to perform. By providing grooves, a certain texture, or other changes to the surface, lasers can enhance the functionality of your products. For instance, in some brands lasers are used to create a perfect fit between two items or provide more or less friction. As laser technology advances, manufacturers can expect to find more options available to them when mass producing parts for intricate products.

    The tools used to ensure that marking is done properly are all computer based. Modern laser engraving is able to remember millions of different pieces of information. Whether it is serial numbers or changes to designs, laser technology will only continue to improve the speed and accuracy the engraving process. With better software and improved hardware, laser engraving is entering its golden era. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become a part of this quickly advancing industry.

    Laser Engravings are Literally Everywhere

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    Laser engraving has been around for several years but never before has it been used to the extent that it is being used today. In today’s world, virtually everything has some sort of laser engraving or marking.

    You can find these laser markings on everything from plastic identification cards to automobile parts to human body replacement parts. Virtually any item needing an identifying mark can be laser etched and once the mark is given it’s virtually impossible to remove. This makes the security of laser markings second to none.

    The areas most people are familiar with when it comes to laser engravings are on plastic identification and credit cards and on automobile parts. If you look closely at your automobile, you are likely to find numerous laser etchings. These numbers make it possible to track the car, the parts used in the car and eventually the parts use to repair the car back to the owner. This makes laser engraving an outstanding anti-theft tool.

    Laser engravings are now considered the top way to track and secure everything from credit cards to artificial heart valves. It’s also cost effective on each side of the issue. Laser etchings are inexpensive for the manufacturer and then later on for the consumer both in the cost passed on to them from the manufacturer as well as in the anti-theft protection that such engravings offer.

    No matter what material is laser engraved, you can be certain that the engraving itself is safe, permanent and inexpensive.

    Electronics and laser marking

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    Laser marking is a process describing a wide range of electronic laser equipment and techniques used to permanently label nearly any type of material. Depending on the class and strength of the laser, materials such as paper, wood, plastic, glass, metal, integrated circuit chips, printed circuit boards and, semiconductor wafers can be safely and permanently marked. It’s a quick and easy method of inscribing information such as logos, art, dates, bar codes, serial numbers, on products and parts.

    All laser marking involves using the power of a laser to permanently modify the surface of solid in a controlled way without any risk of damage to the overall integrity of the product being marked. Depending on the strength of the laser and the material being inscribed, the process employs techniques that include: laser engraving, laser chemical bonding, etching, very slight burning or mild bleaching for plastics.

    The laser marking process has a host of advantages over other marking methods:

    • Relatively modest start-up investment.
    • No continuing expenses for consumables.
    • Suitable for under very high operating speeds and are easily customized to fit a variety of automated manufacturing  or distribution situations.
    • The process is immune to marking rub-off or deterioration when compared to a process such as inkjet printing.
    • The lasers marking process is extremely safe and easy to use and produces no toxic byproducts.
    • Most laser marking machines can adapt to a wide variety of materials and surfaces and shapes.

    Types of Indelible Laser Markings

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    Lasers can be used to create indelible marks on a variety of materials. The markings are often used for identification purposes such as marking products with logos, parts numbers or bar codes, where the permanent mark is required to act as a theft deterrent or prevent counterfeiting. Laser marking can also be used for decorative etching or for applying consumer identification notations.

    Indelible laser markings can be created on glass, metal and plastic materials. The type of marking used depends on the material type and the type of texture effect desired.

    Laser engraving is the process of creating a depth marking on a piece using a high-intensity light at a specific wavelength. Engraved markings leave a textured finish with a brush or sanded type finish. This type of marking can be used on glass, plastic and metal surfaces.

    Foaming is the process of creating a raised marking on certain types of plastics. The laser melts the plastic causing it to rise above the work piece’s surface where it hardens leaving a raised, textured marking.

    Annealing or tempering is used on metals to create a flat imprint marking that is level with the surface. The metal is heated with a low-density laser which creates a black marking similar to an ink marking.

    Ablation or removal is a laser marking process where surface layers of paint, plating or other type of material coating are removed. Often the paint is applied in multi-colored layers which are revealed through the laser marking process. This type of indelible marking creates high contrast markings with depth and can be used on plastic, metal or glass surfaces.

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