BUMPY
BAR CODES Zero Contrast Readers
Harsh Bar Code Tags
There are several different
methods of generating Bumpy Bar Code tags for labeling Line
Replaceable Units (LRU), panels and other appropriate parts.
These methods include embossing, indent marking, and chemical
etching.
- Embossing
- Embossing machines generate
Bumpy Bar Code tags in steel, aluminum, and plastic. The
mark is obtained by a male and female die simultaneously
(one from below and the other from above) punching the
tag to form the character. This is the same process used
to make credit cards. Tag sizes range in height from .5
inches to 3.6 inches and in length from 1.2 inches to 4.6
inches allowing ample room for multiple bar codes and
other desired human readable characters. These tags can
be attached to an LRU via rivets, machine screws, welding
or hand wire.
The table-top embossing machine is
controlled interactively using a Windows™ based software
program which allows serial bar code generation or direct control
from an MRP or ERP system. The embosser currently supports Bumpy
Bar Codes in Code I 2 of 5 and PosiCode. An automatic feed option
allows generating many tags in an unattended mode.
- Indent
Markers
- Indent markers (also known as
dot peen markers) can also generate Bumpy Bar Code tags
on a low volume basis (less than 500 tags per shift per
machine) in aluminum and stainless steel tag stock. The
indent marker can generate both Bumpy Bar Codes and human
readable characters.
For serial number tags, the Bumpy
Bar Code mark can be created by a pneumatically driven
"chisel" stylus impacting the metal to create bars, and
a "dot" stylus impacts the metal to generate the
human-readable characters. The stylus is accurately moved
incrementally in each successive impact to create the series of
bars in the Bumpy Bar Code. For a part number, both the Bumpy Bar
Code and the human readable characters are often created via die
stamping.
Indent markers can mark flat metal
as well as pipes and other curved surfaces. Table-top models are
used for small parts, while models that mount directly over an
assembly line are used for larger parts. The machines are
controlled interactively using a computer controlled software
program which allows serial bar code generation or direct control
from an MRP/ERP system.
- Chemical
Etching
- Chemical etching is an
offsite method of generating Bumpy Bar Code tags. First,
a photo image of the bar codes is placed on a sheet of
metal. Then the metal is treated with light and run
through an "acid shower". The acid
disintegrates the metal where the bars and human readable
are located. This process can generate multiple bar codes
and any required human readable characters. The size of
the bar code tags can vary from very large (20" by
20") to very small (.375" by .75").
Chemical etching can generate Bumpy Bar Code tags in
aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, inkanel, hastoloy
and other aerospace metals.
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- Last
modified: March 21, 2006
