|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
To
Our Readers:
Welcome
to the first issue of The Mark-It Report. The
objective of this newsletter is to provide
you, our valued customers, with the latest
information on Dapra Marking Systems and marking
technology in general.
Each
issue will highlight new products and include
a case study on how one of our marking systems
has provided a solution for a customer's specific
need. Because we want this newsletter to be
relevant to our readers, we welcome your suggestions
for topics to be covered in future issues.
Thank you for your interest. |
Dapra
Marking offers the PryorMark
Maxim III as a low-cost, versatile answer
to today's marking and traceability challenges.
This Dot Peen system provides the capability
for linear, angular and circular marking on
a wide range of materials.
Manufactured
utilizing the latest technology, the Maxim
III includes lead screw drives for superior
accuracy and is virtually maintenance-free.
Since it is electromechanically-operated, no
air is required. Both LCD (self-contained)
and PC (WinMAX) versions of the Maxim III are
available.
Capabilities
of this flexible marking system include time/date/shift
coding and incremental serialization. A mark
preview and trial run feature ensure accurate
placement. The unit's RS-232 and digital I/O
interfaces enable communications with external
equipment.
Please
contact us for complete information on how
the PryorMark Maxim III can meet the requirements
of your marking application. |
|
| RETURN
TO NEWSLETTER INDEX |
| |
|
Marking
Requirement
A customer in the aerospace industry needed to mark a variety of large
parts measuring up to 48" in diameter and weighing up to 600 pounds.
They wanted a single fixture that could mark all of the parts for a single
production cell. The requirements of this application included serialization
of all parts and marking human-readable text and/or Data Matrix code(s).
Solution
Provided
Dapra Marking provided a modified HD2 Portadot marking
system, attached to a custom table with three axes of motion: vertical
(36"), radial (36"), and angular (180°). All three axes
are manually adjusted and locked in place. The radial arm is supported
by a counterbalance that holds the arm in place when the locking handle
is loosened. Each axis of motion has a scale in the appropriate units
to facilitate consistent placement of the marking head. The table also
includes two general-purpose locking drawers, one drawer for the marking
controller, a keyboard and mouse tray, an adjustable monitor arm, and
space for a PC.
To
use the system, the operator places the part against
the two 90° locating blocks. Next, the clamp
is placed in the appropriate holes to allow the v-block
to engage the part. The marking head is then moved
into position so that the marking window of the head
is over the area that needs to be marked. The trial
run feature of the marking system is used to fine-tune
the final placement of the text, logos, and/or Data
Matrix codes. |
| RETURN
TO NEWSLETTER INDEX |
| |
|
Data
Matrix Code Packs a Lot of Information
in a Small Space
The
Data Matrix Code, invented by RVSI Acuity CiMatrix,
is a digital 2-D, machine-readable symbology
that is capable of storing large amounts of
information within a small physical space.
This code has been adopted by many industries,
including aerospace, automotive, and electronic,
as the best symbology for reliable, direct
part marking. Compared to linear barcodes,
Data Matrix encodes much more data — 25
to 100 times more information — into a
smaller area, allowing code placement on a
wide range of product configurations. Data
Matrix requires less contrast (as low as 20%)
between the code and the marking surface than
linear barcodes. This allows the code to be
marked on difficult surfaces of metal, non-metallic,
and plastic components. Built-in error correction
allows the encoded information to be captured
even if the Data Matrix symbol is somewhat
degraded.
Dapra
Marking Systems has been very successful encoding
Data Matrix codes with our PryorMark
2068 Dot Peen Marking Systems. To meet
the requirements of ATA (Air Transport Association)
SPEC 2000 for permanent part marking, Dapra
Marking has been providing standard and special
Dot Peen Marking Systems for marking the Data
Matrix codes on jet engine LRU components,
jet engine internal components, air frame components,
and data tags. All PryorMark 2068 systems can
mark the optional Data Matrix code using our
Win2068 Windows-based software.
If
you have an application where Data Matrix may
be the best solution for direct, permanent
part traceability, we'd be happy to discuss
it with you.
Data
Matrix codes can be marked in a square or
rectangular configuration, as small as 1/8",
to best fit the marking application. |
|
| RETURN
TO NEWSLETTER INDEX |
| |
|
What is Dot Peen marking?
Actuating
a stylus, with low-stress geometries, to cold- form
dots directly into the workpiece, with an accurate,
compressive force. The results are discrete dots, creating
alphanumeric characters, symbols, logos, and 2-D symbologies
that are a permanent part of the workpiece.
What
materials can be Dot Peen-marked?
Almost any material, from wax and plastic to nickel alloy and hardened
tool steels, can be marked with our Dot Peen Marking Systems. Depth and
contrast are two main factors in determining whether Dot Peen marking
is the practical method for a specific application.
What
is the hardest material that can be marked with
the Dot Peen process?
Dapra Marking has been successful marking materials as hard as 65 Rc.
To mark parts successfully at this hardness, the maximum depth must not
exceed .001". In some cases, though, the marking application may
require a maximum depth of less than .001".
How
many character sizes can be marked with these
systems?
Dapra Dot Peen Marking Systems can mark characters in heights from .012" to
1.00", based on the application. All character sizes are programmed
through the marking software. One stylus will mark all character sizes.
Can
the marking stylus be reground?
If the stylus material is HHS or carbide, it can be reground using standard
grinding techniques, similar to drill regrinding. When regrinding, make
sure that the proper included angle is regenerated and that a point radius
is ground. The typical included angles used are 90° and
120°,
with the latter used when marking hardened materials or 2-D symbologies.
The minimum tip radius should be .005". Never use a sharp point.
Can
PryorMark Dot Peen Systems be integrated into
automated systems?
Dapra Marking offers the 2x2EG and 4x3EG Integrator Systems, designed
to be placed directly into automated production lines or other special
applications. The marking head has a standard adapter plate that allows
it to be oriented vertically, horizontally, or even upside down in relation
to the part being marked. Each marking head is protected with a deflecting
shield to keep ambient dirt and oil out of the marking system. The 2068
controller, which is the heart of the Integrator
Systems, is embedded, and, therefore, the system does not require
an external PC for operation. The 2068 also contains digital I/O to set
inputs and outputs with external equipment, such as a PLC or remote cell
controller. |
| RETURN
TO NEWSLETTER INDEX |
| |
|
Dapra's
new diode-pumped laser marking
systems have a Nd:YAG laser source with a red
LED diode laser for mark alignment. The electrical
control unit incorporates the main power supply and
the laser control. The typical life of the laser
diode module is over 10,000 hours (warranted for
5,000 hours). Available in two models, these systems
feature:
- User-friendly
interface
- Graphic
import facility
- Time/date
coding
- Digital
I/O control
- Fully
scalable text and fonts
- Advanced
fill routines
- Data
logging and network options
- Data
Matrix and barcode options
|
| RETURN
TO NEWSLETTER INDEX |
|
|
|
