The Key to DPM Barcode Verification
Direct Part Marked (DPM) barcodes are a special breed. DPM barcodes are imaged directly onto metal, plastic or other substrates. They are not printed with a pigment on a label, paper or other packaging material.
DPM barcodes are usually Datamatrix symbols. Linear barcodes are never used in DPM.
Barcode Verification: A Quick Review
Barcode verification is an accurate and reliable, standards-based method to predict whether a barcode will scan at its intended usage. In a supply chain, that usage can be at multiple points along its journey from the source to various transfer points and distribution centers to the ultimate outlet. A consumer item going to a big box store is a great example. The item is scanned out when it leaves the manufacturer. Then it could be scanned into and out of several transfer points on its way to a distribution center, where it is again scanned in and out, on its way to the retail outlet where it is scanned in and finally scanned out at point of sale. Imagine how many different types of scanners it encountered: laser scanners, CCD scanners and digital imagers.
Regardless of the technological differences, these scanners share important attributes. All of them use 45-degree lighting and require the barcode to achieve a specified minimum reflective difference between the barcode and its background.
DPM Verification
The barcode on square metal pipe from etching machine. The laser etching machine.
Forty-five-degree illumination is not a fixed standard for scanning DPM barcodes. The goal of verification is the same as with printed barcodes: predict whether or not the barcode will scan. Consequently, DPM verifiers must be able to capture the barcode image by using various lighting angles.
This is where verification must be done with care and consideration. DPM scanners cannot provide all DPM lighting angles. A special verifier may be required. The verifier must be matched to the lighting angle of the scanner that will be used on a particular DPM barcode. This is an important difference between verifiers of printed barcodes and those for DPM barcodes. It is of no use to verify a DPM barcode using a lighting angle not used by the scanner.
Even when the verifier is matched to the lighting angle of the scanner, the barcode can fail the verification report. That is the point of verifying. The report will expose problems and opportunities for improvement in the imaging process.
Barcode Test LLC Can Help
Make sure your barcodes work right. We can help you solve an immediate problem, and prevent a future one. Our barcode test lab has verifiers for every type of imaging including DPM. Protecting your supply chain protects you, your reputation and your future business.
John helps companies resolve current barcode problems and avoid future barcode problems to stabilize and secure their supply chain and strengthen their trading partner relationships.
