No doubt you will be familiar with barcode technology. It has revolutionized manufacturing, intralogistics, warehousing, healthcare, and retail since the early 1970s. Datalogic is proud to have been at the forefront of this pioneering technology for over half a century. There are various ways of placing information on a surface that can subsequently be read by a barcode reader or imager. We bring your attention to a method for creating a more permanent mark – Direct Park Marking, or DPM. This is the long-established process of placing barcodes, data matrix codes, QR codes, serial numbers, and logos on the surfaces of products and parts. The primary objective is to ensure tracking of parts and finished goods throughout the product life cycle or supply chain. Methods of part marking DPM include embossing, engraving, dot-peen, laser etching, and laser marking.
Laser marking has rapidly emerged as the most popular of these processes. It provides precise and indelible marking on metal, plastics, glass, card, and resins. The durability of these permanently marked codes is popular in the automotive industry, aerospace technology and electronics manufacturing. Component parts in these industries are typically of higher value. In some less industrious applications, laser part marking allows for branding and texturing on consumer goods. If you are reading this page on a smartphone or tablet, the chances are that it has laser marking on its case back. Depending on material properties, laser marking can even be used to create unique multi-color effects with extremely high resolution. DPM codes are resilient enough to withstand industrial-grade thermal and chemical processes and years of abuse. The long-term nature of such a permanent mark helps identify products and components should a product recall be required. Coding and serialization in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries benefit from laser marked DPM codes to ensure that counterfeit goods find it almost impossible to enter the supply chain.
As mentioned already, DPM objects are permanently marked with product data that can include serial and part numbers, barcodes, and other information. In this way, items can be tracked throughout their entire lifecycle, and users don't have to worry about traditional labels fading or falling off. Why is this important? Well, a part that no longer has a label will be very hard to identify, especially when used in a critical application. Traceability is at the heart of DPM. It ensures no single component is unaccounted for. Stock items used in product manufacturing lines are tracked as part of work in progress, keeping stock management systems up to date in real-time. Some parts are designed and built to provide many years of use. They may have to endure tough environmental and atmospheric conditions, where labelled identifiers will not stand the test of time. Cradle to grave warranties on products such as cars or medical equipment places higher demand on manufacturers to use Direct Part Marking codes that withstand long periods of time and rugged use.
Although there are many automated solutions for reading barcodes on objects, the traditional method of identifying items is one where a handheld scanner is used. Suchreaders offerstill offer fully automated capability via wired or wireless communication technologies to help locate, scan, verify, and update inventory management systems. Not all barcode scanners are the same, however. Direct part marking barcode scanners are equipped with imaging technology, enabling effortless reading information from uneven, rough, high-contrast, shiny, curved and reflective surfaces
Rest assured, Datalogic has a reader to meet any application requirements. Our team and partner network have many years of experience across multiple industries. They are on hand to advise and install a fully integrated solution. Permanently marked barcodes are now widely accepted and economically feasible for use in virtually any use case scenario.
Datalogic offers an extensive range of products for marking, reading, and verification of DPM codes. The combination of the AREX 400 laser marker, Matrix 220 camera, and MARVIS software, and the PowerScan 9600 provide a powerful, fully integrated traceability solution.
Other laser markers such as the V-LASE and UNIQ are also available.
Regardless of the nature of your application, Datalogic has you covered with their range of direct part mark and code reading solutions.
