Metal is one of the harder materials to mark. Today's high expectations mean that companies pay more attention to modern methods of direct labeling and automatic identification systems. Manufacturers of surgical instruments, automotive, steel and aerospace, and other industries implement innovative solutions that enable permanent, direct marking of metal items of any shape. New technologies are becoming increasingly popular, because only they can provide the perfect:

• permanent marking of metal items
• marking methods, which allow to record maximum amount of the information at the minimum area
• advanced automation of the production, marking and identification
• the speed and reliability of the production process
• identification and monitoring of the product- checking its authenticity, place and date of manufacture, and its composition at any time of use
• the full product serialization
• the use of automatic identification systems
• information on the history of the marked element

Modern methods of metal marking allow us to inscribe on metals any characters:

• letters
• numbers
• barcodes

For the modern industry the most important is the ability to apply two-dimensional barcodes. 2D barcodes are more functional and have greater possibility of use compare to traditional barcodes and alpha-numeric string.

Two-dimensional codes allow the encoding of a large number of characters (up to 3600 in the DataMatrix code) on a very small area. For the direct labeling of the metal, the most popular in use is DataMatrix code. It owes its popularity mainly to:

• the possibility of encoding large amounts of characters, on a very small area, allows the full serialization of the element and its identification at any time of use
• the possibility of reading the code, even if 20% of its surface is damaged
• the ability to read code by special DPM (Direct Part Marking) scanners and terminals and immediate transmission of encoded data to information systems
• the possibility to read the code at any angle, even in poor lighting conditions.

New technologies (such as DPM - Direct Part Marking) allow for a permanent marking of all metal parts, regardless of their shape as well as a type and durability of metal from which they were made. For direct marking following methods are used:

• laser marking
• engraving
• painting
• electro-chemical etching
• stencil

Each of these methods allows permanent marking of all types of metals. Engraved alphanumeric characters or barcodes can not be removed, destroyed or fake, and they are resistant to external conditions (e.g. high and low temperatures, water,..). This is crucial, when it is necessary to identify the item and to verify its authenticity at any time of use, regardless of the duration of time that has passed since production.

All methods of permanent marking can be used to all types of metals, thanks to the possibility of regulating the strength and depth of marking strokes. The choice of method should take into account the purpose of the labeled item. For example, the best method to mark surgical instruments is laser, because it leaves a smooth (intact) metal surface, which prevents the growth of bacteria and germs in the grooves, which may arise as a result of the use of other methods (e.g. method of engraving).

HDF for marking of metal items highly recommends device manufactured by Pryor. We recommend you this manufacturer because:

• this company has wide experience in this field, it has been specialized in the manufacture of equipment for the direct labeling of various materials, including metals for many years
• is recognized as a global manufacturer with a long tradition
• has a very broad and comprehensive offer of equipment for all methods of direct marking
• equipment from this company has a good reputation and customers highly spoke about its durability, performance and quality of marking
• this company cares for its customers, it offers a wide range of spare parts, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the process of repair and overhaul

Taking into consideration the above arguments, HDF Sp. z o.o. decided on the distribution of Pryor equipment in Poland. The result of these efforts is that the HDF Sp. o.o. currently:

• is the only distributor of Pryor company in Poland
• have a service of equipment authorized by Pryor