Barcode Printing

[Smoke]

Does any one print a bar-code directly to your metal parts? I would like to look at printing a bar-code on steel and aluminum (Not a tag) and bypass the label apply process altogether. I know Ive seen it but I cant find any info on it.

[Groo]

There was a company in the UK called Domino, which sprayed ink on tin cans at 1000cpm, I believe after I left they found another better piece of equipment, but I would presume printing bar codes would be possible with this type of equipment. Below is a web for them http://www.domino-printing.com/uk/solution.../smallchara.cfm Just putting industrial ink jet in the search engine brought up quite a few such companies. The main problem with these printers are the ink of course, messy and dangerous. I think they changed to some sort of laser printer, not really sure as it was after I left. Edited May 11, 2006 by Groo

[GerryM]

We use a laser marker on Stainless Steel. I don't know alot about it but they are expensive. I think it was about $150,000 for our application. http://www.rofin.com Edited May 11, 2006 by GerryM

[Smoke]

Thanks for the replies. We actually have several Rofin c02 lasers and Yag lasers that we use for welding. The Sato and Zebra bar-code labelers we currently use only have a 2 or 3 second cycle time. I would like to stay in this time frame. How long does it take for you to burn your markings.

[GerryM]

I don't know, the guy who works with it isn't here either. We have a large label with alot of wording and a long time to get it done, about 30 sec. I couldn't say how long one bar code would take it is very size, thickness, and contrast dependent. Sorry I can't help much I just knew it may be a possibility for your purposes.

[rgurin]

If you Google "Direct Part Marking," you will find a number of vendors. (Telesis, Intermec Technologies, etc.) I used to work for a magazine in the bar code/automated data collection industry, and one company that I remember from those days is Telesis. Hope this helps you gather some information. Rick

[Chris Elston]

Laser Marker is what you need. Check this sweet marker out here: http://www.keyence.com/products/barcode/la...cations_1_1.php I just bought one, I know it can mark on metal, although I am not marking on metal for my upcoming project. It's really easy to use. -

[rookie]

We print 2D data matrix code and verify code with vision system. We dot peen on aluminum, and steel automotive parts, as well as plastics.

[Smoke]

Thanks for the replies. We are going to 2D soon in the future but for easy transition something that can do both is better. I am going to look into chakorules idea and have Keyence bring in a laser to checkout. It looks like it can do anything I could want. Thanks All