A Brief Account of Engraved Nameplates and Their Basic Features

 
There are two
different ways of marking the items with unique identification i.e. direct
part marking and UID labels or nameplates. The engraved nameplates are used
for item identification in case the environment of the item doesn’t allow
direct part marking. The UID data of the items are encoded to the labels to prepare
engraved nameplates which is attached or fastened to the item with the help
of adhesive or screws. The advantage of using nameplates over the direct part
marking (DPM) is its wide functionality. In case there is an incorrect entry
while DPM, the whole item is rejected. On the other hand, if nameplates are
used for the purpose they can be changed if necessary. Of course, if the
nameplates are not encoded with correct data, they are not accepted by the
UID Registry.
 
The DoD has set a
standard for the engraved nameplates according to which the nameplates are
manufactured and encoded with UID data.  The manufacturer and the contractors have to
keep in mind that the instructions provided by the Department of Defense in
MIL-STD-130 are essential to follow to construct UID compliance nameplates. The
nameplates can be metallic or non-metallic depending on the requirements of
the items or parts. Sometimes, hard plastics are used for the purpose.
However, metals such as stainless steel, polyester, aluminum are also chosen
by the manufacturer. The metal engraved nameplates may use the same kind of
metal as the item or different. But care should be taken that the metals of
the plates don’t cause any harm to the metal or functionality of the item.
 
The Essential Features of Engraved Nameplates
While
manufacturing the nameplates, it is essential to follow the instructions
mentioned in the MIL-STD-130 so that the nameplates can meet the UID
requirements.
 
Nameplates Formatting
The MIL-STD-130
has specified some formats for the engraved nameplates. The UID data of the
items are entered into the nameplates in that format so that the department
can maintain a balance with the coding of the items. The contractors are
required to mention construct #1 or construct #2 in their form while
submitting the data to the UID registry. Apart from that, it is essential to
mention data identifiers, enterprise identifiers, test element identifiers. There
is a restriction to the size of the nameplates and the letters of the data.
 
Engraving with 2D Barcode
The UID data of
the items are engraved to the nameplates in the form of 2D datamatrix
barcode. These are the machine-readable codes and are decoded with the help
of 2D barcode scanners. The MIL-STD-130 standard has also mention about the
use of human readable data on the engraved nameplates. The standard has also
provided instruction about font type and size that should be used in the
nameplates.
 
Nameplates Material, Marking Process and
Attachment Method
There is no
condition about the user of material for the engraved nameplates. The
manufacturer can use metallic and non-metallic material for the purpose. The
nameplates are attaches to the items with metal threads or screws.
 
UID Compliance
It is mandatory
that the engraved nameplates should have UID compliance.
 
 
 
 

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Uid2go is a premier supplier of Engraved Nameplates that are 100% verified and meet UID MIL-STD-130 requirements. It has helped numerous customers in UID registration products to register data to the UID Central Registry.

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