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What is UID?
UID is a new,
globally unique "part identifier" containing
data elements used to track DoD parts through
their life cycle. UID Data is encoded into Data
Matrix symbols that are applied to parts using
Direct Part Marking processes (DPM). The DoD has
moved to this transformation technology to
facilitate electronic data capture and
transmission.
UID (DFAR
252.211-7003) is
a mandatory DoD requirement for all
solicitations issued on or after Jan. 1, 2004 .
The
DoD Download
--- The
DoD Guide to UID - Version 1.6 requires
the application of Data Matrix symbols to parts
in the following categories.
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Costs
over $5,000. |
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Serially
managed. |
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Mission
essential. |
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Controlled
inventory. |
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A
consumable item or material where
permanent identification is necessary. |
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and International Standards |
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Marking Standards |
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AIAG
B-4, Automotive marking |
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AIAG
B-17, Automotive marking
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CEA
706, Electronics Industry Marking
Standard |
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CEA
802, Electronics Industry Marking
Standard |
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MIL-STD-130N
– DoD Marking Standard |
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NASA
STD 6002 – NASA Marking Standard |
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NASA-HDBK-6003
– NASA Marking Handbook |
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SAE
AS9132A
– Aerospace Industry Marking Standard |
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Symbol Specifications |
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ISO/IEC
WD 16022.3 - Data Matrix Symbol
Specifications |
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Symbol Data Format Standards
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ISO/IEC
15418:1999
- Semantics |
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ATA
CSDD - Semantics
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ISO/IEC
15434:2006
- Syntax |
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Verification Standards
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AIM
DPM-1:2006:
Direct Part Mark Quality Guideline |
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ISO/IEC
15415 :2004
– 2-D Print Quality Standard |
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MIL-STD-130N
(17-December-2007) |
Data Matrix Basics
Digital Encoding Enables
Direct Part Mark Traceability
Conventional
one-dimensional (1-D) barcodes are widely used
in many retail and industrial applications
today. However, conventional barcodes have some
inherent limitations which prevent their use in
identifying and tracking products as they are
manufactured.
The most important such
limitation is that bar codes require precise,
high-contrast printing, typically on labels, in
order to be read reliably, because they encode
information in an analog fashion in the form of
alternating bars and spaces of varying widths.
Two-dimensional 2-D
symbologies like Data Matrix overcome this key
limitation by encoding information digitally in
the form of a checkerboard pattern of on/off
cells and thus allow marking and reliable
reading of low-contrast codes directly on parts
without a label with at least 10x the data
density.
Data Matrix is
"imaged," i.e. captured with a camera rather
than laser scanned. A Data Matrix can, therefore, be marked
directly on parts, without requiring high
contrast labels.
Data Matrix is the most
popular 2-D symbology and has found extensive
use in automotive, aerospace, electronics,
semiconductor, medical devices and other
manufacturing unit-level traceability
applications. Data Matrix codes are typically
not replacing conventional barcodes in these
applications but are used to extend barcode
applicability to areas where they have not been
applied in the past.
Data Matrix symbology was
invented by a company acquired by Siemens AG, but has been placed
in the public domain so that anyone can print or
read Data Matrix codes without paying a license.
MVRC
Four key elements are required
for DPM traceability applications: Marking,
Verification, Reading and Communication – MVRC.
Siemens covers all four key elements with a
variety of products, systems, and provides
support for the creation of applications.
MVRC means
Marking: Placing the code directly on
the part (DPM)
Verifying: Checking the quality of
the mark located on the part
Reading: Reading the mark in the
production domain or when servicing
Communication: Visualizing and
interpreting the reading result
Marking
Marking a product is normally done very early on
in the production process so that all following
steps can be controlled using the product
identity. Marks are often applied to parts with
a method called Direct Part Marking (DPM).
Verification
By using verification systems, the readability
of marks is guaranteed throughout the entire
production process regardless of any possible
contamination or when using different read
devices. Also, the marking can still be read
after the production process, throughout the
life span of the product. Common standard for
verification are AIM DPM-1-2006, ISO 15415 and
AS9132.
Reading
In order to ensure user friendliness and secure
functioning, the readers must exhibit great
flexibility regarding design, interfaces, etc.
Only then is it possible to satisfy the needs of
many different industrial sectors.
Communication
The communication between reading device and
process control is performed by a host of
possible standard interfaces, for example by
PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Ethernet, RS232 and by
expandable digital inputs and outputs. These
interfaces handle the secure transmission of the
trigger signal and also the fast and reliable
transmission of the reading results.
What exactly is Direct Part Marking (DPM)?
 Direct
Part Marking (DPM) indicates the application
of a mark directly on the surface of a product
without the use of a separate carrier
material, such as e.g. an adhesive label. This
makes it possible to identify products in
production and tracing them after delivery as
well. So-called 2D codes have been used for
years in a coding method that meets all user
requirements. 2D codes consist of easy to
implement, point-shaped basic elements. Laser
and needle marking technologies are
outstanding regarding durability, marking
speed and material independence. For example,
because of mechanical deformation, 2D codes
can still be read after multiple processing
steps on metallic work pieces. 2D codes also
provide the advantage of being able to encode
data in more limited spaces than comparable
barcodes or text.
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Create Your Own Data Matrix
Click here to apply the above changes
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