An eyeball inspection of UID compliant nameplates

Unique Item Identifier (UID) labeling is mandatory as per the Department of Defense’s (DoD) identification requirements, serialization numbering and tracking programs.  All military items that are valued at more than $5,000 require serialization and are mandated to use UID compliant nameplates.

The UID compliant nameplates, tags or labels are required to be durable enough to withstand hazardous conditions such as harsh chemicals, saltwater and extreme temperatures. When selecting the material of UID compliant nameplates, there is a wide variety of materials to choose from. Stainless steel, aluminum, polyester, laser marked adhesive backed tape and even Ceramic-on-Stainless Steel Bar Code Nameplates for extreme conditions are permissible. Regardless of the material used, the UID compliant nameplates must be in accordance with the MIL STD 130 code standards.

The recommended MIL STD 130 standard compliance solution is dissimilar for different type of companies. For Small-to-Medium Size Companies who have a limited resource, it is suggested to seek a reliable UID partner who can offer UID compliance nameplates in addition to the verification reports for the UID Registry. But Medium-to-Large Size Companies should have the requisite resources to fully implement Mil-Std 130M UID compliant nameplates. These mid to large companies still have the liberty to choose a vendor that can offer UID nameplate including the verification and submission reports or to complete the entire process in-house.

There are several firms who specialize in UID compliant nameplates productions. These firms have sophisticated technology software systems to design the marking and printing of UID compliant nameplates. Besides this, the software also reads all UID compliant constructs and formats, stores the information and even produces the UID compliance report electronically to the UID Registry. They also ensure the nameplates and tags meet the MIL STD 130 requirement standards. These firms provide a very sophisticated solution and a very reasonable cost.

The text below provides a brief overview of several types of UID compliant nameplates.

·        Metal barcode nameplates:

With these types of UID compliant nameplates, rigid anodized aluminum metals are used to ensure bar code clarity and durability of the marking.

·        Polyester barcode nameplates:

Digital printing on the subsurface of polyester material acts like an added protection and better bar coding clarity in this type of nameplate.

·        Foil barcode nameplates:

Flexible anodized aluminum foils are used in these UID compliant nameplates for better photo imaging.  These nameplates are suitable for government contractors looking to comply with Department of Defense UID mandate.

·        Ceramic-on-Steel nameplates:

Ceramic etching is done over the steel surface of these types of nameplates. These Nameplates were developed in response to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) demand for a UID product that can withstands saltwater and harsh chemicals applications.

Besides the above nameplate types, vendors can also opt for the UID compliant nameplates available online. With this option, they can design their own UID Tags and Labels directly online. However, the nameplates still have to be in accordance to the MIL STD 130 standards to be UID compliant.  There is an additional schema (UII express), for those who need only a few basic nameplates.