2D Datamatrix Codes

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking, Uncategorized, metal plate embossing, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 4:09 pm

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

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking, metal plate embossing, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:37 pm

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

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking, Uncategorized, metal plate embossing, nd:YAG Lasers — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 1:52 pm

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.

Innovative Traceability Printing Methods

Filed under: Laser Engraving, Parts Marking — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:51 pm

Printing has been a large component of production over the last couple of decades. With computers people and businesses have needed to assemble and create reports and other documents for specific purposes. Technology has enabled everyone to make documents in a very neat and orderly manner. For people and businesses to provide information they need the ability to print and copy it. Therefore printing has been an integral part of allowing documents and othe forms of literature to be produced and submitted.

Now in the 21st century there have been numerous and considerable advances in technology that have enabled everyone to maximize and increase productivity. Technological breakthroughs have enabled a dramatic increase in the quality of printing.

There are now very innovative printing procedures including new and innovative ways for printing traceability.
One of the first innovative ways for printing traceability are products/methods known as laser marking systems. Laser marking systems are a group of gadgets that provide and perform numerous functions.
FL Series Fiber Lasers provide integration with its compact marking head and light maintenance requirements.

Magic/Genesis/Nexus Markers are compact all in one Diode Pumped Laser markers that provide output powers. These suit many marking applications for inorganic materials.

The CO2 marker is specifically used for marking organinc materials such as wood and leather. It also works on non organic materials such as ceramic. This is a low cost product that is great for marking applications.

The next traceability printing method and mechanism is Plastic Card Embossing. This is a very beneficial method. The products for this method are excellent due to its easy installation, setup and use. The plastic card embossers are ideal for industries needing an embossed finish. These include cards for many purposes such as banking, loyalty. government, membership and insurance. This is mainly for plastic card embossing and printing.

Another form of traceability printing is the use of Metal Plate Embossers. These prodcuts and methods are easy to install, setup and use just like the plastic card embossers. The metal plate embossers allow printing production for steel wire identification tags, VIN plates, and pump and electric motor identification tags. These can be used on materials including galvanised steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, and almuminum etc.

The final method and printing mechanism is known as Thermal Card Printing. This method is quite similar to plastic card embossing which is ideal for tasks involving the production of banking cards, insurance cards, government issued cards, etc. This is the lowest cost method of all of the card personalisation. It is most cost effective for banks issuing cards and other bureaus that provide plastic cards. Thermal Card Printing can be upgraded to encode magnetic stripes, contactless small cards and to print barcodes.

The methods discussed are the newest and most innovative methods for printing traceability and are now a vital asset to numerous people and organizations.

Innovative Methods for Traceability in Printing

Filed under: Parts Marking — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 3:44 pm

As the world changes, so does the printing industry. No longer confined to simply reproducing text and pictures, the printing industry is now involved in the field of “traceability.” In lay man’s terms, this means that certain companies, such as Unisys in the United Kingdom, have made a specialty of this little known manufacturing sector. Using a variety of applications, companies like Unisys manufacture components that can provide laser marking and engraving, plastic embossing, metal plate embossing, and thermal plastic embossing.

Traceability is required for a variety of industries. It allows for the necessary tracking of items along a distribution chain so items can be tied to original batches. For example, in the food industry, it’s often critical to know where and when a food product was made. In the event of a food recall, all items can be located. In the automobile industry, each vehicle must be marked or embossed with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) so that the product can be tracked for such things as recalls, insurance claims, and ownership verification.

Innovative methods for product traceability are created by different manufacturing techniques. Some products may need to have laser engravings done, while others may need plastic cards embossed. Metal products, such as medical instruments or automobiles, may require metal plate embossers. Bank cards, membership cards, and government issued cards may all require plastic embossing. Thermal card printing techniques are used for plastic cards and other products that can encode magnetic stripe barcodes.

Although most of us use these tracking products every day, we give little thought to the innovative means by which they are created.

Traceability in Aerospace - Important or A Must!

Filed under: Parts Marking — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 9:01 am

Permanent traceability of all parts used in vehicles used to transport humans  is a must!

Any component that has a life limited use, such as Gas Turbine Engine Components, should be marked with both a Serial Number and a Part Number. The use of these markings is extremely important within the Aviation industry to ensure that every component that has been assembled onto the Engine has an attached history. This history will prevent anyone from using a component, that has been through a tremendous amount of stress or damage.With the lives of two hundred or more at risk, minimal part failure must be ensured. In this Industry permanent traceability is a must.

Furthermore, when part marking the components used within the Aircrafts, the structural integrity must not be affected, regardless of the size of the mark. Laser marking using chemical bonding is the preferred choice within the industry, as it marks the part without affecting its mechanical properties.

In other areas of life permanent traceability would be considered very important, if not a must. Take for example weaponry, by having serial numbers permanently marked onto guns they can be sourced throughout their lifetime, from point of manufacture to point of sale. This can aid with crime, whereby a murderer can be tracked down by identifying where he / she purchased the weapon, which could help put a grieving family at ease. Television sets, Radios, DVD Players and other electronics with these markings would make the black market a little less feasible place for crooks to do business, as the authorities could quickly track down the rightful owners.

Many consider traceability important but by looking a little deeper into the facts of just a couple of facets of everyday life. One can easily see that such a simple gesture is saving and will continue to save thousands of lives each year.