By John Robertson

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Process Line Computer Marking and Tagging
May 1, 2001

• By John Robertson
• InfoSight Corporation

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Overview

• Why is Marking and Tagging Important?
• Why Use Computers?
• Direct Marking Technologies
• Tagging Techniques
• Bar Code Basics
• System Design (Codes and Networks)
• Summary

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Why is Marking and Tagging Important?

• Overall Process / Operational Efficiency
• Cost Reductions
• Quality Control
• Inventory Management
• Liability Issues
• Customer Satisfaction ( Keep em!)

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• The Ideal Setup

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• Often --The Real World

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Why Use Computers?

• Accuracy
• Databases Provide Traceability
• Real Time Networks now Enable Low Cost Data Flow
  To/From the Finishing Floor , Inventory , and
  Shipping

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Marking Directly on Coils

• Paint / Chalk(Hot and Cold)
• Ink Jet
• Stamps / Dot Peen
• Laser (with/without paint patch)

maintenance
small marks
OK for Hot Coils
expensive
Other than Laser Direct Marking does NOT support
Standard Automatic Identification
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Tags

• High Contrast Black/White facilitates Bar Codes
• Low Cost Systems
• Variety of Attachment Techniques

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Hot Band with Resistance Welded Stainless Tag
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Thermal Transfer Printed Metal Tags
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AIAG Label in Adhesive Pouch
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Recommended Label in Adhesive Pouch
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Example Process Line Tag With Data
Identifiers
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Typical Tag
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DATA IDENTIFIER
ORDER
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DATA IDENTIFIER
LPN
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Bar Code Basics

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SYMBOLOGIES
There are several ways that the Bars , Dots and
Spaces can encode information. Each way is
called a SYMBOLOGY
2 D Codes
1 D (Linear)Codes
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Typical Code 39 Tag
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GOOD BARCODES INCLUDE
BLACK BARS
WHITE SPACES
Print Contrast Signal
GOOD CONTRAST ( PCS)
PROPER RATIOS
CLEAR ZONES
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START SEQUENCE
STOP SEQUENCE
Q U I E T
Q U I E T
1 000 1 0 111 0 111 0 1
1 000 1 0 111 0 111 0 1
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BAR CODE POINTERS X DIMENSION
USE LARGEST POSSIBLE x DIMENSION FOR THE
AVAILABLE SPACE
BETTER THAN
BAR CODE CALCULATORS AVAILABLE AT
www.traceability.com
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BAR CODE POINTERS X DIMENSION
LARGER X MEANS LONGER READ DISTANCE
.048 x Reads at 12 to 15 ft. ( Long Range
Reader)
.012 x Reads at 2 to 3 ft.
LARGER x WORKS BETTER DIRTY/ SCUFFED
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All of these symbologies encode the same decimal
digits but look at the much finer (delicate) bars
in Code 39
Code 39
Code 128C
POINTER !! For all decimal digits , use 128 or I
2 of 5 (even digits)
I 2 of 5
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System Design Considerations

• Use Piece Identification
• Use License Plate Identifier (LPN)
  See White Paper www.traceability.com
• Use Check Digits (for manual backup)
• Mark / Read Auto Identification ---then Use Real
  Time Network

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1. Start by Marking Bar Coded LPN with Check
Digit(s) on each coil
Verify!
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2. Create an LPN Indexed Database--- REAL TIME
NETWORK
LPN CK HT RCVD THK WT1 ANNEAL LAST
12345681 59 A12345 126_at_1230
.0625
IPS7
12345682 63 A12345 126_at_1233
.0825 20,200 P1_at_128_at_0458 P28
12345683 67 123467 126_at_1238
.0375 14,357 P3_at_128_at_0510 P27
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3. Create and Use a Network
Scale S2
Mill Computer
etc.
LPN CK HT RCVD THK WT1 ANNEAL LAST
12345681 59 A12345 126_at_1230
.0625 17,425
S2
12345682 63 A12345 126_at_1233
.0825 20,200 P1_at_128_at_0458 P28
12345683 67 123467 126_at_1238
.0375 14,357 P3_at_128_at_0510 P27
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Summary
Identify Coils Uniquely (LPN Check) Use
Automatic Identification (Barcodes
Big as Possible) Create and Use a Networked
Database with the coil LPNs used as a index
pointer Update and USE the Database wherever
possible (up to shipping)

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QUESTIONS?
www.infosight.com
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