Direct Part Marking Methods

Assessing Your Application

Since each application is at least somewhat unique, you should know the answers to the following questions before selecting a marking method: what type and how much data will you need to encode, how much real estate is available for the symbol, is symbol permanency a concern and who will be using the information.

Direct Part Marking Methods White Paper

Many Marking Methods Are Available

There are many methods to directly mark objects. Selecting the best method for the application is critical to achieving success. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. Since each method has its own advantages and limitations, it is important to review and experiment with as many methods as possible before selecting the best one for your application.

Electrochemical Etch: This process uses a low voltage current to mark the object surface. This is commonly used for low volume product runs.

Ink Jet: This type of marking uses small , dots sprayed directly onto the surface. Ink jet produces high contrast marks. Ink jet is not considered a permanent marking method.

Laser Etch: Lasers etch the symbol directly onto a surface. Clean, high resolution marks are produced making laser-etch well-suited for automated environments.

Dot Peen: Dot peen is a percussive marking method, using changes in depth to create marks. Dot peen is recommended for applications where the symbol must last the entire life cycle.

Marking Method	Description	Advantages & Disadvantages

Ink Jet on ABS Plastic	Contrast levels vary widely, round element shape Applications: Post-packaging Warehousing Automotive	Advantages: Low-entry cost High speed East to read if contrast is good Disadvantages: Not considered permanent by some industry standards Dot registration can vary Higher cost consumables Mark quality dependent on surface cleanliness Difficult to read if contrast is poor

Pre-Printed Packaging	Typically high contrast, square element shape Applications: Product labeling Product packaging Document processing	Advantages: Economical High speed Good contrast Easy to read Disadvantage: Less flexibility

Thermal Transfer Label Stock	High contrast, typically black on white label stock, square element shape Applications: Product labeling Packaging WIP tracking, various industries	Advantages: High contrast Low-entry cost Easy to read Disadvantages: Not permanent Higher cost: consumables

Laser Etch on Silk Screen	High contrast, square & round element shape Application: Electronics	Advantages: Good contrast No consumables Permanent Disadvantages: Displaces surface Process creates debris

Ink Jet on Plastic	High or low contrast, round element shape Applications: Bio-science Pharmaceuticals Packaging	Advantage: Limited damage to surface Disadvantages: Higher cost consumables Not permanent Bleeding can affect mark quality

Thermal Print on Foil Packaging	Typically good contrast, square element shape Application: Pharmaceutical packaging	Advantage: Economical Disadvantages: Reflective nature of marking method may require additional lighting Deformation of surface may affect readability of code

Ink Jet on Glass	Good contrast, round element shape Applications: Pharmaceutical packaging Clinical R&D Electronics	Advantages: High contrast Low entry cost Limited damage to surface Disadvantages: Not permanent Bleeding can affect mark quality

Laser Etch on Metal	Low contrast, square element shape Applications: Electronics Automotive Aerospace DOD Medical devices	Advantages: Permanent No consumables High quality mark Disadvantages: Process creates debris Affects surface of substrate

Laser Etch on Glass Epoxy	Medium contrast, square element shape Application: Electronics	Advantages: Permanent No consumables High quality mark Disadvantages: Process creates debris Lack of contrast; difficult to read Affects surface of substrate

Laser Etch on Rubber	Very low contrast, square or round element shape Application: Automotive	Advantages: Permanent No consumables Disadvantages: Process creates debris Affects surface of substrate

Chem Etch on Metal	Typically medium contrast, square element shape Applications: Electronics Semiconductor DOD Aerospace Medical devices	Advantages: Permanent High quality mark No debris from process Disadvantages: Potentially toxic material bi-product Low-volume use only Potentially complex process

Chem Etch on Silicon	Typically medium contrast, square element shape Application: Semiconductor	Advantages: Permanent High quality mark No debris from process Disadvantages: Potentially toxic material bi-product Potentially complex process

Dot Peen on Smooth, Highly Reflective Metal	Low contrast, dependent on difference in depth to create light and dark elements, round or square element shape, dependent on shape of stylus Applications: Automotive Aerospace DOD	Advantages: Permanent No consumables Disadvantages: Alters surface Low contrast mark More difficult to read Inconsistent depth will create smaller elements Background noise

Dot Peen on Textured Metal	Low contrast, dependent on difference in depth to create light and dark elements, round or square element shape, dependent on shape of stylus Applications: Automotive Aerospace DOD	Advantages: Permanent No consumables Disadvantages: Alters surface Low contrast mark Very difficult to read, due to high degree of surface noise created by texture