Man-Readable, UID/2D Vision-Readable Codes For Gears, Components

In response to UID/2D codes becoming the required identification mark for the defense and aerospace industry, Columbia Marking Tools designed and built a special marking machine that places both man-readable and UID/2D or Square Dot vision-readable codes on a variety of gears and gearbox components. The identification marks include two lines of copy plus a UID/2D or Square Dot code. A third line of text can be included if there is available space in the prescribed marking location.

The marking machine design includes a heavy-duty welded steel machine base construction with a master tooling plate mounted to the top plate for use with the various fixture designs. The machine is self contained with provisions for mounting all the machine controls, the marking unit, and the hand-held vision UID/2D and Square Dot reader.

The marking unit is a standard Columbia DPS (Dot-Peen-Scribe) CNC marker that uses a unique horizontal CNC stepper motor driven marking spindle, equipped with a heavy-duty bearing-supported extended pin housing to accommodate the varying reach requirements of the different parts. The DPS marker can provide ultra-fast dot-peen marks as well as Square Dot silent scribe marks. Marking depth control is adjustable for the preset marking area of 200mm x 150mm (4" x 6"). A carbide marking pin is provided for marking materials up to 55 Rc. A special diamond UID/2D marking pin is available for marking parts with hardness levels over 55 Rc.

The control for the machine is provided by Columbia's own PCS 2000 HMI marking controller that has been developed specifically for applying UID/2D matrix codes that require marking equipment to be integrated with electronic cameras for mark verification. CMT is a Cognex vision integrator and is able to provide turnkey services to supply the vision portion of the marking system.

Columbia Marking Tools
Chesterfield Township, MI
columbiamt.com