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Machine-readable identification, used to automatically identify a variety of products, is fast becoming a trend throughout many industry sectors.
Manufacturers are marking parts with machine-readable, permanent two-dimensional (2-D) codes that are placed directly on the part itself. Then the part can be tracked throughout its entire life cycle, including manufacturing and supply chain operations. This is called Direct Part Mark Identification (DPMI), or Auto-ID. The Electronics Industry Association (EIA), Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Department of Defense (DOD), Air Transport Association (ATA) and International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) have adopted DPMI standards for applications in their industries.
DPMI enables many tangible benefits for manufacturers. This practice:
* Improves manufacturing process performance;
* Identifies quality defects, through in-service tracking;
* Eliminates manual part data entry errors;
* Supports data logging and automated data collection;
* Increase yields; and
* As a result, reduces the direct and indirect costs of manufacturing.
Many manufacturers rely on Auto-ID as well to track high-value parts to prevent theft or counterfeiting, identify parts for maintenance and returns, and to resolve warranty issues and liability claims.
Two-dimensional symbols such as Data Matrix are the most common symbologies used for DPMI because of their small size, data capacity, and error correction, plus their ability to be produced by a variety of marking methods. Common methods to apply 2-D codes are dot peening, laser, and electro-chemical etch. The two-dimensional 2-D Data Matrix code consists of an arrangement of small dots or squares, marked as either a square or rectangle.
To ensure consistent, high-quality 2D Data Matrix symbols marked directly on parts, many automotive and aerospace companies such as Delphi, General Motors, Pratt Whitney, GE Aircraft Engines, and Raytheon immediately verify the code following the...