Direct Part Marking- DPM

Direct Part Marking (DPM) technology is used for permanent marking of objects. It serves as a versatile tool for automatic data collection and error checking.

Principle of DPM direct part marking technology

DPM is essentially a barcode that is inextricably linked to the part or product being marked. The standard code used is the two-dimensional Datamatrix code, which is characterised by its ability to encode a large number of characters in a minimal area, thus addressing the lack of data capacity of one-dimensional barcodes. Datamatrix symbols can be read multi-directionally and with minimal error rate.

The carrier of the 2D code can be (as with the 1D code) a label. If the durability of the label is insufficient in the conditions of a given production, it is possible to use the technology of direct marking, when the 2D code is placed directly on the identified object - the most common method of DPM is the stamping of marks with a micropuncher, often the laser engraving, moulding and etching are also used. Each of the marking methods has its own unique advantages dependent on variable factors such as the type of material to be marked, the reading methodology, the average life of the product, and the economic or implementation costs.

The micro-strike marking method consists of stamping small (micro) dots into the material using a stylus that oscillates with high frequency and pressure to create a font, or graphic, on essentially any surface (from alphanumeric characters or graphic symbols, to 2D Data Matrix codes). Micro-striking is a very flexible method as it allows to mark a wide range of materials (steel, aluminium, stainless steel, plastic, wood, glass, ceramics, etc.). Due to its advantages, the micro-strike method is often used in the automotive industry.

Similar possibilities are offered by the the laser engraving, which produces high-quality markings on a wide range of materials (paper, cardboard, foil, plastic, wood, glass, metal and other materials used in industry). Thanks to this method, excellent legibility, durability and aesthetic appeal can be achieved. The laser engraving is carried out contactlessly and can be placed even in hard-to-reach places.

One of the main advantages of direct marking technology is the permanent linking of the identification data with the marked object, which can thus almost always be demonstrably identified during its life cycle. This feature has recently become increasingly important in connection with the introduction of traceability systems into the details of individual products. The ability to uniquely identify each product from its origin or inputs to production, to its packaging and dispatch, allows the flow of products in production not only to be monitored and managed, but also the data obtained from production and inspection operations to be unambiguously attributed to individual products or groups of products.

Main benefits of Direct Part Marking technology

• Increased worker productivity
• simplification of the data collection process by eliminating manual operations
• improved data accuracy
• increase in product quality
• achieving compliance with regulations for tracking goods

Main areas of application of direct labelling technology

Typical areas of application are product tracking, process control and quality control of marking in various industries, e.g. automotive, pharmaceutical and food processing, electronics, beverage and cosmetics, tobacco processing, healthcare, supply chain, etc.

DPM sensing capabilities

DPM tags can be sensed using handheld sensors with DPM module or terminals with DPM module.

Each device with a DPM module acts as a complete DPM sensor, while retaining traditional barcode or RFID scanning and mobile data collection technology - making it a mobile DPM sensor that provides flexibility and performance.