Are your UID labels tough enough?

Let’s say you have just received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to produce a large batch of equipment. You might be thinking ahead, picturing the completed order lined up in your warehouse, ready to ship.

It also might be wise to think about the UID labels on each piece of equipment — and where those labels will go over the life of those items.

The UID labels contain a Unique Identifier that is required for each piece of equipment as specified in DoD’s MIL-STD-130. The identifier, which is in the form of a 2-D Data Matrix barcode, allows the military to track the asset throughout its lifetime. This helps streamline inventory management and improve combat readiness.

Automated readers are used to scan the Data Matrix and translate the pattern into usable information. The Data Matrix can only do its job if it is readable. That means the MIL-STD-130 marking must be extremely durable to last the potentially decades-long life of the equipment. The labels might encounter harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold. And of course they’re subject to wear and tear as the equipment is put into use. Placement of the label in a relatively protected area can help in this regard. Applying a protective coating over the MIL-STD-130 marking not only protects against scuffs and dirt, but also may prevent damage from light or chemicals.

The method used to attach the label to the equipment is also an issue. Adhesives can degrade over time, creating a risk that the label will fall off. If a rigid adhesive is used, the attachment may fail due to different amounts of expansion and contraction of the adhesive and the surface as temperatures fluctuate. A flexible adhesive may be a better choice.

With so many factors to consider, contractors might want to turn to an expert in the area of MIL-STD-130 marking for help. Jet City Laser Inc. offers a wide variety of UID labels to suit nearly any application. Stainless steel, aluminum and polyester are just some of the label materials available. 

They’ll also ensure that the labels pass the important IUID verification step — a measure that grades the quality of the data matrix symbol after it’s produced. Jet City labels are 100% verified. When circumstances call for bypassing a label and applying the UID mark directly onto the equipment, Jet City can help there as well.

Learn more about Jet City Laser at their website, www.uid2go.com.

New products help meet UID requirements

For manufacturers of military equipment, complying with Unique Identification requirements is a multi-step process. And each step takes more time — and potentially costs more money — for the defense contractor. At the same time, businesses that specialize in UID systems are coming up with more products and services that can streamline the process for defense contractors and help ensure they’re compliant with DoD rules.

The first step in complying with the UID requirements is to familiarize oneself with the rules, which are spelled out in the DoD’s MIL-STD-130. The concept is that each item of equipment is marked with a unique identifier, which is encoded in a 2-D Data Matrix symbol. This makes it easier for the military to track the equipment throughout its lifetime, improving inventory management.

Next the contractor must decide how to place the Data Matrix symbol on the equipment. There are direct and indirect marking methods; each has advantages and disadvantages. With indirect marking, a label containing the identifier is attached to the equipment. The labels can be produced in large quantities, saving time and money. Direct marking is required when a label might throw a piece of equipment off-balance (when high-speed rotation is involved, for example) or if the label could cause the equipment to fail if it fell off. Direct marking methods include chemical etching, laser engraving and dot peening. For indirect marking, the label material must be selected — aluminum, stainless steel, and various fabrics are among the choices — as well as the method of attachment. Jet City Laser Inc. (www.UID2Go.com) is a company that works with direct and indirect labeling and can offer advice on the best method to use.

Another step in the Unique Identification process is checking the quality of the Data Matrix symbol through UID verification. Simply scanning the symbol to see if it’s machine-readable isn’t enough; MIL-STD-130 includes a set of criteria for grading the symbol. UID verification helps ensure that the marking will be readable in the long-term and under various conditions. Jet City’s partner, ID Integration Inc., now sells a hand-held device for UID verification. This makes it easier to verify the identifier symbol on large machinery that’s in the warehouse or out in the field.

Finally, the identifier information needs to be entered into the DoD’s central registry. Jet City Laser offers a product called UID2Register that submits the data directly to the registry via a workstation. This avoids the headaches of submitting the information manually online.

Choose a Job Shop that Guarantees UID Verification for Maximum Success

Just about anyone involved in UID labeling or asset tracking will recommend working with seasoned experts when determining methods for meeting compliance requirements.  There are many manufacturers that make use of high quality job shops that provide UID labeling and UID verification services for suppliers in the military industry.  If you’re considering outsourcing your company’s nameplates, tags, or labels then you’ll want to ensure you choose the best manufacturer possible.  Don’t settle for a shop with less than 100% quality control for your needs.

Did you know that today, many companies also provide the option of direct part marking?  Sometimes it makes more sense to simply mark the part, itself, with the required identification.  This method may even provide considerable savings to government contractors in some circumstances.  Many professionals recommend choosing a job shop with the capability to provide a wide range of solutions that comprise multiple marking technologies, label and nameplate substrates, and stringent quality control.

UID verification is an important facet of label and nameplate production.  Verification enables a solid checkpoint for ensuring all UID identification appears correctly on compliant labeling.  Furthermore, verification devices go a step further, to also verify the underlying syntax of presented data as required in MIL-STD-130 specifications.  Leading job shops will guarantee that their products are fully compliant and regularly make use of UID verification equipment to quickly authenticate information making certain that labels or nameplates are correct, properly encoded, and in accordance with MIL-STD-130 guidelines.  The best manufacturers also provide options for custom, verified nameplates or labels made from certified materials; such as special nameplates for use in an acid bath.  Despite this severe environment, these nameplates are able to withstand long-term exposure while remaining legible and 100% readable satisfying requirements for DoD compliance standards.

If you’re in the market for UID labels or nameplates, consider learning more about Jet City Laser, Inc.  This leading company delivers ultra-high quality UID compliant identification with 100% quality control.  Nameplates are verified readable from up to ten angles; making them perfect for hard to reach areas and curved or oddly-shaped surfaces.  Label and nameplate materials are guaranteed to conform to all applicable standards and built to last – without premature degradation or corrosion.  Visit them online to learn more today at www.uid2go.com.  Browse through their project gallery and view UID marking examples online with ease. 

Benefits of Metalized Polyester Labels for UID Applications

There are large numbers of companies striving to meet compliance standards for various Defense industry applications.  Often, the required specifications demand that a majority of parts or product identification be provided with technologies and substrates strong enough to remain durable, despite harsh environmental conditions.

Nearly all products and parts sold to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) require UID labeling for contract acceptance.  Failure to comply with existing standards may result in the loss of a contract long-term.  Understanding the logistics of asset tracking and product identification are a necessary foundation for successful MIL-STD-130 ventures.

Overall, there are many suitable substrates for MIL-STD-130 labeling applications.  Metalized polyester labels are a preferred substrate for meeting stringent DoD compliance.  These labels are often very durable and versatile – enabling printing of required information with a full range of printing technologies. Often these labels are available in an array of shapes and sizes to best fit applicable products and parts.  They are silver in color with a strong and permanent, acrylic adhesive.

Metalized polyester labels accommodate a variety of barcode symbologies and printing methods for inventory control, asset tracking, and MIL-STD-130 applications.  Often, these labels are well protected with a clear overlaminate coating to ensure identification remains legible and easy to read and scan – no matter the environment.  Additionally, these labels are made to withstand harsh conditions providing product labeling that stands up to high temperatures, solvents, chemicals, abrasions, and more.  These labels are also durable enough to weather extreme outdoor environments.  

Today’s MIL-STD-130 labeling requirements are well satisfied by leading job shops, such as Jet City Laser, Inc.  This company is a preferred supplier of UID labels and nameplates throughout the aerospace, military, and asset management fields.  They provide MIL-STD-130 compliant nameplates, labels, and tags made of a wide range of substrate materials.  

If you’re searching for solutions to your UID labeling needs, consider Jet City Laser for your UID applications and so much more.  Their wide range of marking technologies – including multiple lasers provides full capability for an endless array of products.  Whether you’re a small shop or a Fortune 100 company, this manufacturer’s experience and versatility will help you to achieve compliance with ATA Spec 2000, MIL-STD-130, and other challenging standards.  Visit them online at www.uid2go.com for complete information on their comprehensive line of products and services for direct part marking as well as nameplates, labels, and tags.

Simplify production by outsourcing UID labels

Contractors doing business with the Department of Defence have likely been awarded contracts based on their expertise in a particular area. For these experts, keeping up to date with the latest developments in their field and determining how to stay competitive are understandably a major focus.

Staying focused on the core mission and avoiding distractions can be a challenge for businesses. And following the intricate requirements for labelling each piece of equipment produced for the U.S. military with a unique identifier may seem like one of those distractions. Contractors might want to strongly consider outsourcing this piece of their projects.

Jet City Laser Inc. (www.uid2go.com) is one such company that contractors can turn to for help in complying with requirements of the DoD’s Item Unique Identification program, or IUID, which is spelled out in MIL-STD-130. Companies such as Jet City Laser not only produce IUID nameplates, but also can help determine what type of labelling will work best for a particular application.

The Unique Identifier, or UID, that is applied to each piece of equipment supplied to the military is in the form of a 2-D Data Matrix symbol. One of the first decisions is whether to apply the symbol directly to the equipment, or to attach it via a label. MIL-STD-130 includes specifications for both techniques. Direct marking is accomplished through methods such as chemical etching or dot peening.

Indirect marking with a label is easier in some regards. Contractors might already be affixing labels to equipment with certain information; it’s possible that the Data Matrix symbol can be included on those labels. A key consideration is whether the IUID nameplates are durable enough to last the life of the equipment and not wear out in normal operating conditions. Jet City Laser uses long-lasting, certified materials. The Data Matrix symbols also undergo IUID verification to ensure they are readable — another requirement of MIL-STD-130. Aluminium, anodized aluminium, stainless steel, Tesa tape, and polyester are just some of the options available for label material. A protective coating can be added to help prevent scuffs and avoid damage to the Data Matrix symbol.

Of course, with an indirect marking method, another concern is that the IUID nameplates are securely attached to the equipment and won’t fall off. Again, UID labelling experts can help determine if adhesive or riveting is the best attachment method. Conditions the label will encounter over time, such as temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure, should be evaluated. Every situation has unique factors to consider.