Manufacturers can use DPM to track parts throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. It is ideal for locating parts for service or recall and can assist in liability and warranty resolution.
What is Direct Part Marking?
Direct Part Marking (DPM) is the process of marking manufactured parts with unique, permanent machine-readable codes containing key product information. These codes are applied by part marking machines. Component marking allows parts to be traced through the supply chain and each parts lifecycle. Part identification also decreases the need for manual code entry, improves code accuracy and reliability, and speeds up data exchange.
Part numbers, serial numbers, batch codes and date codes are the most common types of DPM codes marked onto parts. But it can include other traceability information as well. These codes can be marked onto the part in the form of alphanumeric text, 2D Data Matrix codes, barcodes or symbols.
What are common methods of Direct Component Marking?
The most common direct part marking methods are Laser Marking, Continuous Inkjet Printing Dot Peening and Electrochemical Etching.
Which factors should a buyer consider when evaluating marking technologies?
- Substrate/Application (the surface being marked).
- Production Line (ease of integration and mobility).
- Budget (balancing upfront costs with lifetime upkeep).
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