Monday 27 May 2013

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.

Overview of MIL-STD-130 Marking Technologies & Methods



Today, there are many MIL-STD-130 marking technologies that suit the production of IUID labels for DoD compliance.  In addition, there are several options to consider when determining the type and method of labeling – from nameplates and labels to direct part marking.  A primary requirement of most IUID label applications is that all identification remains legible, durable, and easy to scan for the full lifetime of parts or products it will be used to identify.  In many scenarios, it’s helpful to begin making such decisions by examining the substrate part, itself, prior to making a final conclusion.

Direct part marking applications, for example, are those that accommodate a wide array of sizes and substrates with MIL-STD-130 marking technologies that include multiple lasers and chemical etching.  Other popular marking technologies for direct part marking and even label production make use of dot peen indenting.

IUID labels are often manufactured from a variety of durable substrates including; anodized aluminium, TESA tape, etched polyester, metalized polyester, stainless steel and others.  Each substrate and marking method provides its own set of pros and cons depending on the specific application needs and product specifications.  Some examples include black-on-metallic background with CO2 laser engraving, photo sensitive aluminium, and more.

MIL-STD-130 identification is required to remain legible and durable throughout the entire life cycle of a product or part provided to the Department of Defence.  This requires such IUID labels to be constructed of the most durable and rugged materials for maximum legibility and resistance no matter what harsh environmental conditions exist.  Custom label and nameplate manufacturers often provide services for the development of custom labels on demand and make use of the wide range of MIL-STD-130 marking technologies that meet these rigorous UID guidelines for compliance.

Whether you’re considering direct part marking or the purchase of IUID labels and nameplates, you will want to get to know Jet City Laser, Inc.  This Auburn, Washington manufacturer is a preferred supplier for aerospace, military, and asset management identification applications.  Ensure good compliance with this provider’s 100% guaranteed quality control.  Learn more about their experience and unique services by visiting them at www.uid2go.com. 

Don’t trust your compliance to just any manufacturer!  Secure your product’s longevity and identification for challenging UID, MIL-STD, ATA Spec 2000 and other specifications by working with a trusted leader who’s been instrumental in recognizing the full potential of (2D) Data Matrix coding for traceability applications.

Sunday 12 May 2013

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.