Use Laser Systems For Direct Part Marking 

With the high number of manufactured parts used in most industrial applications, the need for parts identification has increased ten-fold over the past 30 to 50 years. This has given rise to the practice of direct part marking, which is the process of permanently marking parts to enable users to track them throughout their life cycle. The most common marks used to identify industrial parts are barcodes and data matrix codes, which are cut, engraved or stamped onto the parts. Laser marking technology is a popular method used for marking parts today.

2D Matrix Codes

A two-dimensional matrix code, also called a 2D Code, consists of black and white cells set up in a square or oblong shape. These symbols represent bits of data, with the black lines indicating a “1” and the white spaces indicating a “0” – the two digits used in data storage. The matrix can store up to 2,335 characters, including both letters and numbers, which are encoded onto the bits.

The codes are scalable, meaning that they can be etched onto metal in very small sizes such as 2 or 3 square millimetres with laser marking equipment. This makes them the perfect option for direct part marking, such as their use in labeling small electronic components.

Readable Barcodes

Barcodes come in one- and two-dimensional options. The linear or one dimensional barcode represents data through the varied width and spacing of parallel lines. Two-dimensional barcodes use rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns and symbols that are machine readable using computers, smart phones and barcode scanners. They are used in direct part marking mainly for the purpose of tracking data on manufactured components. The marks are laser engraved on the components for purposes such as:

Lowering manufacturing costs through loss control

Quality assurance

Compliance with government regulations and industry standards

A Range of Uses

These methods of direct part marking are used in various applications. In industrial engineering, d