FAQ

2D Code Readers & Verifiers

  • Q:

    What is the difference between 2D code reading and verification?

    A:

    2D code reading is achieved with either a handheld or fixed mount 2D code reader. 2D readers can read a printed 2D code and decipher its contents but are incapable of grading the quality of the printed 2D code. A verifier, on the other hand, is a calibrated vision device capable of reading and grading the 2D code quality. Most verifiers are calibrated against a NIST or equivalent standard.

    2D Code Verification

    A 2D code verifier does not care about processing speed. Instead, it measures how closely a printed code resembles a mathematically “perfect” code. It uses highly specific, calibrated lighting environments to score multiple physical parameters:

    • Symbol Contrast: The difference in brightness between the dark cells and the light background.

    • Modulation: Variations in contrast across different parts of the symbol.

    • Axial Non-Uniformity: Whether the code is stretched or skewed out of square alignment.

    • Fixed Pattern Damage: Smudges or voids affecting the L-shaped finder pattern.

    Why Verification Matters

    Verification acts as an early-warning radar on a production line. If an inkjet or laser marker starts to degrade, a standard code reader will continue showing a “Pass” up until the moment it suddenly fails completely. A verifier will alert operators beforehand—showing that grades have slipped from an A to a C or D—allowing maintenance to happen before thousands of unreadable products are shipped out.

    In fact, ensuring that your 2D codes consistently achieve Grade A, B, or C is the exact reason companies are able to use less expensive scanners down the line.

    A code with an ISO grade of C or better meets the standard minimum requirement for global retail, logistics, and supply chain hubs. Because the physical print quality is high, the scanner does not need advanced, proprietary algorithms to “reconstruct” a poorly printed image.

  • Q:

    What are the most common 2D codes used today and where are the more applicable?

    A:

    The most common 2D codes used today are QR Codes, Data Matrix, and PDF417. While they all store data horizontally and vertically, their structural differences make them suited for entirely different industries.

    2D Code TypePrimary IndustriesBest Used ForKey Advantage
    QR CodeMarketing, Retail, Consumer AppsWeb links, digital menus, mobile payments, ticketingHigh-speed scanning by consumer smartphones.
    Data MatrixAerospace, Automotive, HealthcareMarking tiny electronic parts, medical devices, logisticsExtreme compact size; readable even if 30% damaged.
    PDF417Government, Transport, LogisticsDriver’s licenses, boarding passes, shipping labelsStores large amounts of text/data without a database link.

  • Q:

    How can you tell the difference between a Data Matrix, a QR Code or a PDF417 2D code?

    A:

    QR Code

    • Shape: Always a square.

    • Visual Pattern: Features three large distinct square target patterns (finder patterns) in three of its four corners.

    • Common Uses: Consumer marketing, website links, and digital menus.

    Data Matrix Code

    • Shape: Usually a square.

    • Visual Pattern: Uses a solid “L”-shaped border on two adjacent sides (bottom and left), with a dotted or alternating grid pattern of black and white squares filling the inside. There are no large corner blocks.

    • Common Uses: Small industrial parts, medical devices, and electronic components.

    PDF417 Code

    • Shape: Typically, a wide rectangle rather than a square.

    • Visual Pattern: Looks like a stack of traditional linear 1D barcodes mashed together into a block, featuring start and stop patterns on the left and right ends.

    • Common Uses: Driver’s licenses, government IDs, and airline boarding passes.

Direct Part Marking (DPM)

  • Q:

    What is direct part marking?

    A:

    Direct part marking (DPM) is the process of permanently applying a serial number, barcode, or data matrix code (UID) directly onto a component’s surface rather than using an adhesive label or tag. DPM processes include industrial ink jet printing, laser etching, dot peening, and electro-chemical etching. Label affixing is not a direct product marking process.

    JETEC precision marking and direct part marking solutions

  • Q:

    We currently use rubber stamps to mark our product information but are now required to direct product mark our parts with Mil-Std 130 UID compliant 2D codes. What process alternatives are available for compliance?

    A:

    Inkjet, laser etching, dot peening, electro-chemical etching, and labeling are all process alternatives capable of meeting Mil-Std 130 requirements. The first step is to review your contractual requirements to see if a particular process has been identified by your customer.

    Assuming no specific process has been defined by your customer, the next step is to determine whether an additive or subtractive process is preferred. An additive process is one in which the UID mark is added to your part. Industrial ink jet printing and labeling are additive processes. A subtractive process is one where material is removed from the part to generate the UID mark. Examples of subtractive processes are laser etching, dot peening, and electro-chemical etching.

    The closest process to rubber stamping is industrial ink jet printing. Most industrial ink jet printing systems are digital ink jet printing systems capable of printing alphanumeric text, bar codes, 2D codes, serial numbers, and logos. Selecting the right ink jet printer, ink, and system configuration is crucial to implementing a robust, reliable ink jet marking system alternative to rubber stamping.

Mil-Std 130

  • Q:

    What are the primary Direct Part Marking (DPM) and labeling alternatives available for MIL-STD-130 IUID compliance?

    A:

    To comply with MIL-STD-130 IUID (Item Unique Identification) requirements using 2D Data Matrix codes, you must transition from traditional rubber stamps to a machine-readable marking method.

    The primary Direct Part Marking (DPM) and labeling alternatives available for compliance include:

    1. Continuous (CIJ), Drop-on-Demand (DOD) or Thermal Inkjet Printing

    • How it works: High-precision industrial printers spray specialized, durable inks directly onto the part surface.

    • Best for: Flat or slightly curved surfaces, rapid production lines, and situations where you need a low-cost transition from rubber stamping.

    • Pros: Fast, cost-effective, and capable of high contrast.

    • Cons: Inks can degrade over time when exposed to harsh chemicals, solvents, or extreme abrasion, which may jeopardize long-term MIL-STD-130 compliance.

    2. Laser Marking (Etching, Engraving, or Ablation)

    • How it works: A high-intensity laser beam alters the surface of the material to create high-contrast, permanent 2D Data Matrix codes.

    • Best for: Metals (aluminum, titanium, steel), plastics, and ceramics.

    • Pros: Highly precise, exceptionally permanent, fast, and capable of producing the crisp edges required to pass strict IUID quality verification.

    • Cons: Higher initial equipment cost. It can cause rework or scrap if laser is not set up correctly.

    3. Dot Peening

    • How it works: A pneumatically or electrically driven stylus physically strikes the surface of the part, creating a pattern of dots that form the 2D code.

    • Best for: Heavy-duty or hard metal parts, castings, and forgings that undergo harsh environmental conditions.

    • Pros: Extremely durable; the mark survives heavy wear, painting, and plating.

    • Cons: Low contrast (relies on shadowing, which can make optical reading difficult if not lit properly); cannot be used on delicate or brittle parts.

    4. Electro-Chemical Etching

    • How it works: A chemical solution combined with a low-voltage electrical current passes through a stencil to etch the design into the metal surface.

    • Best for: Conductive metals, rounded surfaces, or stress-sensitive parts (like aerospace components) where mechanical stress from dot peening or thermal stress from lasers is prohibited.

    • Pros: Low equipment cost; creates a smooth, stress-free mark.

    • Cons: Requires consumables (stencils and fluids); slower, manual process compared to automation.

    5. IUID Compliant Labeling (Alternative to DPM)

    • How it works: Instead of marking the part directly, you print the 2D code onto a highly durable material—such as Photo-Anodized Aluminum (Metalphoto) or specialized polyester—and permanently bond or rivet the tag to the part.

    • Best for: Parts where DPM is physically impossible, too costly, or structurally detrimental.

    • Pros: Easiest way to guarantee high-contrast, Grade-A scannable codes.

    • Cons: Labels can be dislodged or damaged in extreme environments compared to true direct marking.

  • Q:

    Can industrial inkjet printers from such manufacturers as Videojet, Leibinger, Markem-Imaje, Domino, etc. be used for Mil-Std 130 UID compliance applications?

    A:

    Yes, most printer models available from Videojet, Domino, Markem-Imaje, Leibinger, etc. are capable of printing UID verifiable 2D codes.

  • Q:

    What are some of the Mil-Std 130 UID specific features available with printer device control software packages, such as JETEC’s IMS2701 or IMS5000?

    A:

    Some of JETEC’s embedded features include selection of square or rectangular data matrix codes, user-definable number of dots per cell, user-selectable construct #1 versus construct #2, data identifier reference, and automatic matrix determination.

    JETEC’s printer device control software packages, IMS2701 and IMS5000, provide specific features for MIL-STD-130 Unique Identification (UID) compliance. Both software packages have the option to include READ – MARK – INSPECT functionality.

    Key MIL-STD-130 UID Features

    • Matrix Determination: Automatically calculates and structures the correct data matrix parameters for UID compliance.

    • 2D Code Controls: Manages the generation, sizing, and layout of square, pixelated 2D Data Matrix codes required for tracking.

    • Windows Fonts Integration: Supports standard Windows fonts alongside specialized marking formats to print readable alphanumeric text.

    • Versatile Formatting: Enables the combined printing of human-readable text, barcodes, and logos directly onto defense and aerospace parts.

  • Q:

    What is the standard warranty offered by JETEC on its Mil-Std 130 UID parts marking systems?

    A:

    Our standard warranty is one-year parts & labor. Extended warranties are available upon request.

  • Q:

    What are the requirements for a label or tag to meet MIL-STD-130 compliance?

    A:

    First, look at your customer’s purchase order or specification requirements. Secondly, go to www.mil-std-130.com and download the DoD Guideline & Specifications for Compliance. Need additional assistance, contact JETEC at in**@***ec.com or call us at 714-979-9611.

    JETEC precision marking for aerospace and industry

Ink Jet Systems

  • Q:

    What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of inkjet printing versus laser etching of UID marks?

    A:

    Inkjet Printing Advantages – Ink jet printing is an additive process. In most cases, the printed ink thickness is less than 0.001” thick. Since it is an additive process, unless the ink has been cured, it can be removed in the event of operator error without damage to the part. Inkjet marking is a natural progression to rubber stamping or pad transfer printing. Inkjet marking systems range from $8.5K to over $100K, depending on system configuration. Portable inkjet printing systems (i.e., JETEC Flex-A-JET systems) are available whereby small or medium-sized parts can be brought to the marking system for UID identification. When printing large parts, the ink jet print head can be brought to the part for marking. Print contrast can be achieved by printing a white or light background followed by a black or dark mark.

    Inkjet Printing Disadvantages – Ink jet printers require consumables, inks, and system fluids (also referred to as Makeup or solvent). In order to achieve marking permanency with the ink selected for use, a curing process (UV or thermal) may be required. Chemical waste is generated by an ink jet process during the head cleaning, printer maintenance, or general part cleaning process. MEK inks may be required for Mil-Std 130 UID compliance. Not all ink jet printers are the same. Some require more maintenance than others, making printer selection more difficult. Care and process considerations must be considered in order to avoid implementing a messy process. May require multiple ink jet printers, a white and a black ink printer, in order to obtain the necessary print contrast on select parts. Pigmented (white or yellow ink) inkjet printers require significantly more maintenance and are not capable of achieving high-resolution marks. Ink jet printers can clog if not properly maintained. Most CIJ ink jet printers today can sit idle for extended periods without clogging or requiring maintenance when starting up.

JETEC SOFTWARE

  • Q:

    Our company purchased an ink jet system from Automation Plus and wants to use JETEC’s IMS5000 software. Can our system be retrofitted to use your software?

    A:

    Yes, our IMS5000 software can be added to most XYZ based systems manufactured by our competitors. We have switched several Automation Plus systems over to our software. Contact us at in**@***ec.com should you wish to consider a retrofit or if you would like to speak with references of customers who have made the software switch.

  • Q:

    I need the capability to print Windows fonts and custom logos with my ink jet printer. Is this achievable?

    A:

    Response: Both JETEC’s IMS2701 and IMS5000 software packages allow users to extend the capabilities of their ink jet printers by featuring the capability to print Windows fonts and monochromatic bitmap images.

    • INK JET FLUIDS

  • Q:

    I understand Videojet no longer supports the obsolete Excel series printers and has discontinued the 16-5900 Mil-Spec black ink. We are still running Videojet’s 16-5900 black ink but can no longer purchase this ink from Videojet. We are being told that we need to switch to new ink and their new printers. Are there other alternatives?

    A:

    Yes, JETEC offers 10001075 black ink which is a direct replacement to VJ16-5900. This ink runs in all obsolete Videojet Excel Series printers and JETEC modified Leibinger JET3 printers. We recommend all customers perform internal testing to confirm ink meets their end customer’s requirements. Contact sa***@***ec.com for an ink data sheet and/or SDS information.

    JETEC 10001075 black ink

  • Q:

    As of December 2024, Videojet has discontinued the following inks: 16-5600, 16-5800, 16-5900, 16-8100, 16-8420, 16-8530, 16-8600, 16-8700, and 16-9000.

    A:

    In some cases, JETEC can offer a direct replacement for the discontinued Videojet fluid. For more information, contact sa***@***ec.com to request if we have a replacement fluid for your printer and/or application.

    For our electronic manufactures, JETEC does have several alternatives to 16-5600 and 16-5900 discontinuance.