Pros And Cons Of Different Direct Part Marking Methods

By Author: ID Integration
Total Articles: 272
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The direct part marking process that has become popular for its numerous advantages can be applied to the items by several different methods. Each method of DPM has its own benefit and requirement depending on the type of item and its functionality. The contractors or the suppliers who are in charge of the items and who are responsible for marking the items with UID need to select the method depending on the type of material for marking, the implementation of marking cost and the reading technology.

The basic types of direct part marking are the intrusive and the non-intrusive marking methods. With the intrusive marking method, there is a direct contact between the surface of the item for marking and the marking device. On the other hand, the non-intrusive direct part marking method doesn't require such contact. Different types of direct part marking include grooving, engraving, burning, etching and painting.

Grooving
It is one of the intrusive types of DPM and otherwise known as Dot Peening. In this method the codes of the UID are grooved on the surface of the item by using a hard head of a marking machine. ...
... The device prints the codes by striking the surface subsequently. The advantages of the making procedure are low implementation and operating cost, manual or computer regulation, grooving alphanumeric characters as well as 2D data matrix code, small and convenient grooving device. The down side is that it cannot be applied on any surfaces and is more time-consuming than the laser marking.

Engraving
This is also an intrusive method of direct part marking in which the characters of the codes are directly engraved on the surface of the item or parts. Generally, a metal object is preferred for this marking procedure. The advantages of the methods include low implementation and medium operating costs. The devices are computer controlled or manually handled, and hence, can be used at assembly line. The device used for the method is small and can engrave one dimensional barcodes, trademarks and alphanumeric characters. The shortcomings of the method are it can't be applied on any surface, its quite time -consuming and it can't mark 2 dimensional barcode symbols.

Laser Burning
This process of Direct part marking involves use of laser beam to mark the surface of the item to be marked. The benefits of laser burning is that it can produce high quality legibility of the codes, minimum size of the codes on a small surface, assure durability, cost effective operation prices, faster marking. It can be used on any surface and produce UID marking for the items. However, it has its own share of disadvantages. The marking machine used for this is bigger and the implementation cost of the method is comparatively high.

Etching
Etching involves chemical solutions and specific matrix to mark the items and parts with UID. The prime benefit of the method is its durability. The disadvantages are its high operating costs and long operation time. The barcodes produced in this method can't be machine made or automatic.

Painting
A specific kind of ink is used to put the marks on the surface by painting method. However, marking speed is the noteworthy benefit of the method. This method cant assure durability of the code.

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