An Overview of UID Labels and UID Nameplates

Brief info about UID Label

If you want your items to be UID compliant, you will need a The Unique Item Identifier (UID) you are able to apply for UID registry only after proper UID labels exist on your items. Presently, the UID label is used for all DoD identification requirements and serialization tracking programs (SNTs). Selecting the right UID label is extremely important for achieving UID compliance. The UID Labels, UID tags and UID nameplates you use should last long under difficult conditions and should not wear away.

 To prepare UID labels, there are a wide variety of materials to choose from. Examples are stainless steel, polyester, aluminum or laser marked adhesive backed tape. However, the UID labels or plates must meet the MIL STD 130 code standards.

All companies requiring UID labels, UID nameplates, and Mil-Std 130M UID compliance can be described in three broad categories which are stated as follows:

Full Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies – These companies usually have all the available resource to fully implement Mil-Std 130M compliant label and tag, UID verification and Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) and UID registering processes. However, they still look out for a UID partner that can help them in suitably choosing the appropriate UID equipment or process for their operation.

Selective Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies – Although these companies have adequate resources to implement the necessary equipment and processes for complete Mil-Std 130 UID compliance, they choose to partner with a vendor that can offer UID labels and UID nameplates including on-demand and verification reports in a timely fashion.

Limited Resource Small-to-Medium Size Companies – These companies have a Mil-Std 130 requirement but cannot afford to purchase thermal transfer printers, CO2 laser etching equipment or UID label verification equipment and qualified staff to cater the UID orders. Therefore, they generally seek a reliable UID partner which can offer UID compliance labels, UID nameplates, verification reports and also a process to submit UID information to the WAWF and UID Registry.

The UID nameplates can be of various types depending upon the materials used. Following are a brief description about some prominent type of UID labels used for standardization. 

• Metal bar code UID nameplate:

In this type of UID nameplate, rigid anodized aluminum for plus photo imaging bar code clarity. It also adds durability to the product.

• Polyester bar code UID labels:

This printed polyester based UID labels on the subsurface are usually done through digital printing. It provides protection along with the bar code clarity.  

• Foil bar code UID labels:

Flexible anodized aluminum is used in this type of UID nameplates to add versatility in addition with the photo imaging for bar code clarity.

• Ceramic-Steel UID nameplates:

Ceramic and Steel based nameplates are ideal for extreme caustics and high temperature applications. They provide durability as well as robustness in rough natural conditions.

• Online UID labels:

There are many online stores which provide UID nameplates. Here you can purchase and customize your own UID Tags and Labels available on the online sites.