DPM Competence Guide

Cover DPM Competence Guide

The triumphant advance of the barcode began over thirty years ago. Since then, it has revolutionized every form of merchandise and logistics management. The original idea - in keeping with the theme of black on white - was to print the barcode on a label. The major advantage is the simple, high contrast design of the code. When something is printed well, it can be read well too.

Things have changed dramatically, since there is an increasing demand for technology that allows individual components and modules, such as circuit boards or mechanical parts of a car or aircraft, to be provided with a permanent, identifiable marking.

The development of 2D matrix codes and the rapid performance improvements in image processing enabled new, label-free direct marking methods to be used, such as dot peening, laser marking, or ink jet marking. In other words, direct part marking (DPM). Compared with the traditional label, DPM survives the most unfavorable of production and operational processes, as well as environmental factors, whilst inadvertently preventing product piracy.

This opens up new possibilities for the user in terms of tracing individual components or modules, since they possess a mark that is permanent, identifiable and practically indestructible. To ensure the required levels of process reliability and productivity in factory automation, it must be possible to read codes quickly and dependably. Only when all factors - coding, marking, and reading - are combined properly the user can benefit from successful direct part marking.

This "Competence Guide" provides an introduction to the world of direct part marking (DPM), and presents the principles of coding, the techniques used in direct marking, and the key requirements for reliably reading DPM codes in factory automation.

As one of the world's leading manufacturers of intelligent sensors and sensor solutions, SICK is a strong and competent partner when it comes to direct part marking. By collaborating with other leading marking technology producers, SICK offers a worldwide network of partners for the systematic design and efficient application of direct part marking.

The system to success

Contact your local SICK Organisation to order your "Competence guide - Direct part marking" and find out more about Coding, Marking, Reading.