Marking: the new frontier with the DataMatrix Code

luglio 04, 2023

Gears marking is a fundamental process to uniquely identify and provide essential information about parts' characteristics. This practice is done by engraving or stamping letters, numbers or symbols directly on the teeth or parts of the gears. So, let's have a look to what it is this for and how it is done.

The crucial role of marking

It offers a method to uniquely identify a specific gear within a manufacturing system or process. This is especially useful when there are many similar gears or when you need to replace a damaged or worn part with a new one.

Marking also allows you to track the life cycle of the gears, including important data such as date of manufacture, production lot, design specifications and other relevant information. This traceability is invaluable for maintenance, quality assurance and production control.

Marking may include symbols or codes indicating the dimensional characteristics, tolerances or other significant specifications of the gear. This facilitates quality control during production and subsequent inspection, ensuring that the gear meets the required standards.

Creation and application of marking

In some cases, marking can be used to match specific gears to each other, ensuring an accurate match and precise timing within a complex system. For example, in gear drive systems, this is applied to ensure that the correct gear is matched to a particular pinion or shaft.

Gear marking can be done using different methods, depending on specific needs and available resources. Some of which include cold engraving, laser marking and electroplating marking.

Cold engraving, laser and electrolytic marking

Cold engraving involves using engraving tools or punches to etch the letters, numbers or symbols directly onto the gear teeth. Which certainly requires precision and attention to ensure that the engravings are clear and well defined.

Laser marking, on the other hand, uses a focused laser beam to etch or remove the surface layer of the gear. This method offers high accuracy and flexibility in choosing the type of marking, including text, QR codes or symbols. Certainly, it is particularly suitable for engraving small gears or hard materials such as steel.

Electrolytic marking is another method used, in which an electrical circuit is created in which the object to be marked acts as the anode (positive pole) and a metal needle or swab acts as the cathode (negative pole). The object to be marked is immersed in an electrolyte, a conductive chemical solution, which allows current to flow between the electrodes. Through the application of a controlled electrical voltage, the electrolyte reacts with the object to be marked and causes the surface material to dissolve in specific areas, thus creating the desired engraving.

DataMatrix Code: the new frontier of marking

New perspectives in gear marking include the use of DataMatrix Code, a type of two-dimensional barcode optimized for component identification and traceability. This code consists of a matrix of square or rectangular cells, with black modules forming the pattern of the code. This can be scanned and decoded by specialized barcode readers, and is capable of storing large amounts of data in a relatively small space.

In the field of marking, this method is often used to encode information such as serial numbers, production batches, manufacturing dates, product information and other component or product specific information. It is applied directly to the workpiece in various ways, most commonly with laser marking.

The DataMatrix Code offers many advantages, such as a greater data storage capacity than linear barcodes and the possibility of reading in any direction. Furthermore, thanks to the data redundancy built into the code, it is possible to correct errors and ensure an accurate reading even if there is partial damage or dirt on the code.

Some examples of common data that can be entered include serial numbers, product information, tracking data, logistics information, URLs and links, as well as free text such as notes, instructions or comments.

Gear marking, thanks to the different methods available, including DataMatrix Code technology, offers an important solution for identification, traceability, information, logistics, URLs and links, as well as free text such as notes, instructions or comments.

Gear marking, thanks to the different methods available, including DataMatrix Code technology, offers an important solution for the identification, traceability and quality control of gears in the industrial sector.

Marking: the new frontier with the DataMatrix Code

The crucial role of marking

Creation and application of marking

Cold engraving, laser and electrolytic marking

DataMatrix Code: the new frontier of marking

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