Mil-Std 130
UID Solutions
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FAQ
1. Can industrial ink jet printers from such manufacturers as Domino, Videojet, Imaje, etc. be used for Mil-Std 130 UID compliance applications? Yes, some printer models available from Videojet, Domino, Imaje, etc. are capable of printing UID verifiable 2D codes.
2. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of ink jet printing versus laser etching of UID marks? Inkjet
Printing Advantages – Ink jet printing is an additive
process. In most cases the printed ink thickness is less than
0.001” thick. Since it is an additive process, unless
the ink has been cured, it can be removed in the event of operator
error without damage to the part. Inkjet marking is a natural
progression to rubber stamping or pad transfer printing. Inkjet
marking systems range from $8.5K to over $100K, depending on
system configuration. Portable inkjet printing systems are available
whereby small or medium sized parts can be brought to the marking
system for UID identification. When printing large parts, the
ink jet print head can be brought to the part for marking. Print
contrast can be achieved by printing a white or light background
followed by a black or dark mark. Laser Etching Advantages – Laser etching or marking is a subtractive process; material is removed to generate the mark. Thus laser marks are permanent marks without requiring any curing process to achieve marking permanency. High resolution print quality is achievable. No potentially hazardous chemicals are required. Laser marking systems range from $25K to over $100K, depending on system configuration. Laser Etching Disadvantages- Improper set-up can generate scrap or require remarking in newly designated areas. Set-up times for individual parts can vary. Provisions for operator safety must be incorporated into the marking process. These provisions include: incorporating Class I enclosures, installation within controlled environments, extensive operator and maintenance personnel training, and posting of laser warning signs. Laser etching systems can be costly when properly integrated. For high power laser systems water chillers may be required. Fume extractors are recommended in order to remove laser debris. Improper set-up can cause potential mark penetration problems. Laser etching process requires a higher skilled operator.
3. What printers from Videojet are capable of printing UID compliant 2D codes? Assuming you have identified a Mil-Std 130 compliant ink for your application the following Videojet printers have been proven by JETEC to print verifiable UID 2D codes: Excel HR, Excel 170iUHS, Excel 2000, Excel 2000 Opaque, PrintPro and 46S.
4. I have Videojet Excel HR series ink jet printers and want to print Mil-Std 130 UID compliant 2D codes. Are they capable? Videojet Excel High Resolution (HR) Series industrial ink jet printers require Extended Serial Interface (ESI) firmware and a printer device control interface software, such as JETEC’s IMS2701 or IMS5000 in order to print verifiable Mil-Std 130 UID compliant 2D codes.
5. What other printers, other than Videojet printers, have JETEC tested or are in the process of testing for Mil-Std UID compliant printing capability? JETEC has been successful printing UID compliant 2D codes using the Domino A200 Series, Imaje 9000 Series, and Metronic Alphajet Series industrial ink jet printers. Some of these printers may require a printer device control interface software, such as JETEC’s IMS2701 or IMS5000, in order to achieve UID compliance printing capabilities.
6. My customer contracts require Arial, Helvetica or other fonts that are not standard with most industrial ink jet printers. Is there software available that will allow me to print standard true type or Windows fonts using industrial ink jet printers? Yes, JETEC’s IMS2701 or IMS5000 printer device control software provides uses the capability to exceed their normal industrial ink jet printing capabilities. Depending on the specific ink jet printer connected users can print Windows fonts, True Type fonts, bar codes, logos and 2D codes with minimal hardware upgrades, if any.
7. How can I determine if my existing industrial ink jet printer can be used for Mil-Std 130 UID compliance? Unfortunately, not all industrial ink jet printer manufacturers are knowledgeable of the full extent of the printing capabilities of their printers. Therefore, we recommend that you speak with both the original printer manufacturer and a recommended system integrator experienced in integrating that printer. System integrators tend to have a better firsthand knowledge of individual printer capabilities.
8. What are some of the Mil-Std 130 UID specific features available with printer device control software packages, such as JETEC’s IMS2701 or IMS5000? Some of JETEC’s embedded features include: selection of square or rectangular data matrix codes, user definable number of dots per cell, user selectable construct #1 versus construct #2, data identifier reference and automatic matrix determination.
9. What are some of the advantages in switching from pad transfer printing to industrial ink jet printing? Depending on your specific application there can be various cost drivers which make digital ink jet printing a preferred marking process over pad transfer printing. Some of these cost improvements include: elimination of plate making sub-process, less rework due to handling since ink jet inks generally dry-to-the-touch immediately after printing, no additional set-up or operator interaction in order to generate product serial numbers, most ink jet inks have a twelve-month shelf life as compared to a shift or hourly shelf life for mixed epoxy inks, the ink jet marking process is a non-contact marking process, individual part marking files can be stored on a PC for future retrieval and continuation of lot or batch part marking and industrial ink jet printing processes facilitate automation.
10. Why does JETEC offer two portable ink jet marking system configurations? First, potential ink jet process implementers should realize that in order for industrial ink jet printing to be a viable alternative for part marking provisions must be made for either the part or the ink jet head to move. With this understanding JETEC offers two Flex-A-JET™ Portable Ink Jet Marking system configurations. One configuration offers a single linear motion assembly. Linear systems are available in belt driven or linear motor controlled. These systems are ideal for customers with single line marking data or where the total area of the data to be printed does not exceed 0.500”. Our latest Flex-A-JET product offering features a portable X/Y based servo controlled system configuration. This system has been designed to allow Mil-Std 130 UID customers the capability to print within a 4.0” x 2.0” marking envelope. Standard UID marking formats can be marked using this system. For more information on our Flex-A-JET systems visit our website at www.flexajet.com.
11. What is the standard warranty offered by JETEC on it Mil-Std 130 UID parts marking systems? Our standard warranty is one-year parts & labor. Extended warranties are available upon request.
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