Laser Marking is the Preferred Method of Marking for UID Compliance
U
nique Identification (UID) is a fairly recent requirement; instituted by the Department of Defense, to ensure the traceability of just about any product the United States government purchases (these products are subject to a range of criteria for mandatory UID to be applicable). The unique identifier consists of a 2D dot matrix of machine-readable code, and can be imprinted on the product with a variety of methods, ranging from chemical to laser engraving. While the available methods of ink jet engraving, chemical erosion, laser etch and adhesive labeling can be used to fashion the identifying dot-matrix, it turns out that laser marking, for a variety of practical reasons, is the preeminent method for unquestionable adherence to the product-lifetime requirements of the Unique Identification (UID) Compliance mandate of the United States Department of Defense.
The process of engraving and etching unique identifiers, intricate images and logos on metallic and sensitive surfaces was always a restrictive and tedious process in years past. Often; the chemical methods that worked best for one process couldn’t be used in another due to toxicity and other surface-specific problems. In comes the process of utilizing Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) to accomplish engraving feats never before seen, conquering a range of problems that had shackled earlier methods. The potential for enhanced quality with the non-contact, high-energy and discrete nature of laser marking is fostering entirely new expectations for the physical appearance of traditionally-engraved surfaces; including auto parts, firearms, aerospace parts, medical devices and even jewelry.
However, laser marking’s attributes hardly stop at appearance. To the engineer's eye, some of the more practical and robust attributes of unique identification (UID) with laser marking are the real-world durability, thermal resistance, and micro-coded displays that resist abrasion and the natural elements, thereby providing a veritable lifetime of protection against degradation of the etched laser markings. This holds a clear distinction from the more traditional methods of engraving, which were much more vulnerable to time and chance - fading, running and chipping. The resistance of UID with laser marking to all these formerly costly and time-consuming afflictions has caused its popularity amongst device manufacturers (indeed; in a wide swath of industries) dependent on bar codes for traceability, to replace their previous methods of engraving logos and identification with this FDA sanctioned process.
An apt example of the indispensability of UID via laser marking can be seen in highly-specialized fields in industry, where the tolerance for mistakes is lower than nearly any other endeavor; this further illustrates why the FDA, in particular, requires UID marking, because the high-precision flatly discourages tampering. It is clearly very important to have unique, lifetime identifiers on firearms, as well as sensitive devices in the medical and aerospace fields. The top-notch resolution of the laser engraved images is a further bonus to their general incorruptibility. The etched codes will be machine-readable throughout the lifetime of the device on which they're imprinted.
To learn more about UID laser marking machines or laser marking in general, contact LaserStar Technologies today!
