The A to Z of Pryor is our clossary of terms . A handy guide of what everything means and the only glossery or marking and traceability terms you’ll need.
Unlike a 1D barcode that stores data in a line of black and white bars, a 2D barcode stores a lot more data in a grid of black and white squares that can be arranged in either a square or a rectangular pattern. They look a bit like very small crossword puzzles and are often found on packaging, posters and on manufacturing parts. Data is stored both horizontally and vertically, resulting in significantly greater storage capacity than a 1D barcode. 2D barcodes are machine readable and can pass on text or numeric data in the blink of an electronic eye.
A Data Matrix code is the name given to a particular type of 2D barcode as defined by the ISO/IEC 16022 international standard. Each Data Matrix has 2 solid adjacent borders that form an ‘L’ shape. This ‘L’ is called a “finder pattern” and ensures that the code can be read regardless of its orientation.
Data Matrix codes are formed by a series of equally sized squares and so are ideal for marking with dot-peen machines.
Each Data Matrix can store up to 3116 numbers or 2335 alphanumeric characters from the full ASCII range, and this data can even be encrypted for security purposes.
Another key advantage of a Data Matrix is error proofing. Codes can be designed to ensure that even when partially damaged or obscured a majority of data can be recovered from them.
A QR code (Quick Response Code) is another type of 2D barcode, first developed in the Japanese automotive industry, but has since become widely used in advertising applications. The amount of data that can be stored in a QR code depends on the data type and the error correction level. There are four correction levels, the higher the level, the less storage capacity. A QR code is recognisable by three distinctive squares at the corners.
Pryor supplies a range of products for marking, reading and managing 2D barcodes. Data Matrix codes are believed to be the more secure (less hackable) codes and are favoured where high security is deemed important. Pryor’s dot-peen, laser, chemical etching and inkjet machines are all suitable for Data Matrix marking applications. Laser, Inkjet and chemical etching are suitable for marking QR codes.
Alphanumeric refers to alphabetic and numeric characters; the 26 alphabetic characters, A to Z, and the 10 Arabic numerals, 0 to 9
AS9132 is a specification for the Direct Part Marking of aerospace components.
It is issued by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) to define the process requirements for 2D Data Matrix part marking, relative to metallic parts. The standard provides process help for the manufacturer to produce and maintain the optimum 2D Data Matrix code. Find out more about AS9132 Specification
The standard is international and issued in 3 regional formats but is the same across the languages:
AS 9132 = Americas (English) – now on revision AS9132b
SJAC 9132 = Asia Pacific (Japanese)
EN 9132 = European (English)
Having a perpendicular corner cut off at an angle to give a less sharp edge.
Chemical etching, also known as electrochemical etching, is a vital process in industries such as Aerospace, prioritizing surface integrity. Unlike conventional methods like hand tools or laser marking, electrochemical etching minimizes surface impact, particularly on softer metals and special steels.
Object for securing a work piece on a machine tool.
A collimator is a device used to align or straighten the path of light beams, particles, or waves. In the context of lasers, a collimator is particularly important. It helps in making the laser beam parallel, ensuring that the light rays travel in a straight line without spreading out.
Collimators consist of optical elements such as lenses or mirrors. These elements are arranged in a way that they effectively capture the divergent light from the laser source and convert it into a parallel beam. This is essential in applications where precision and accuracy are crucial, such as in laser engraving.
For lasers, using a collimator means that the emitted light can be effectively directed towards the target area with minimal divergence or spreading. This ensures that the laser beam retains its intensity and focus over long distances, making it suitable for various applications ranging from industrial processes to medical procedures and scientific research. In essence, a collimator enhances the performance and usability of laser systems by optimizing the directionality and coherence of the emitted light.
A collimator will normally be attached to the end of the delivery fibre of a marking laser, as it enters the scan-head.
The distance between the surface upon which you load your part (the base) and the marking head on a marking machine, or the collet on a press.
The use of male and female dies to create a sunken, readable mark on thin sheet material.
A diode is an electronic semiconductor device with two transmitting terminals; a cathode and an anode. This restricts the flow of current to one direction only.
DPM stands for Direct Part Marking. It is an industry term used to describe permanent marks which are made directly onto the surface of a component or product. All of Pryor’s marking products can be used to perform DPM, depending on the material being marked.
The alternative to DPM is to apply a mark to a label or sticker which is then attached to the component.
Dot Stress products create an impression of a character formed from dots, rather than a continuous line. This reduces stress levels in the component. Pryor offer both Dot Stress, low stress type stamps and Dot stress low stress metal hand stamps
The Dot Stress impression gives an even lower stress level than a Mini Stress impression. In both cases the impressions are made with a rounded edge rather than a sharp edge. This helps to avoid premature cracking, by eliminating the stress concentration at the bottom of the indentation.
The use of male and female dies to create a raised, readable mark on thin sheet material.
A complete set of Pryor Interchangeable Steel Type characters, with a hand holder.
Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language is a printer control language. Pryor’s Production Software can import designs in this format for marking with any of Pryor’s marking machines.
The IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) is an International Not-for-Profit Association (INPA) that implements initiatives and standards to improve quality and reduce costs throughout the aerospace value chain.
The IAQG have implemented standards regarding the direct part marking of aerospace components, such as the type of styli to be used in dot-peen marking machines.
ISO/IEC TR 29158 is an ISO specification regarding the quality of Direct Part Marks. It can be used in any application, but is common in automotive manufacturing and some military applications. The standard is based on ISO1415 which is a quality grading system for printed, black and white Data Matrix codes. Read more about ISO/IEC TR 29158
JES 131 is a Rolls-Royce specification that defines and controls methods and requirements for the marking and identifications of components. In simple words it defines what should be marked on Rolls-Royce components. Find out more aboput JES131
Laser marking and engraving technologies offer precise and permanent solutions for marking various materials including stainless steel, titanium, anodized aluminium, brass, and copper. A laser marking machine utilizes advanced laser technology to imprint enduring marks, designs, or patterns onto diverse surfaces with exceptional speed and accuracy. LASER means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Widely employed across industrial and manufacturing sectors, laser marking ensures permanent, non-contact markings without compromising material integrity.
MarkMate is the name given to our entry level range of bench, or desk top marking machines. MarkMate Dot Peen machines are currently available as benchtop dot peen marking machine with an integrated touch screen, or as a dot peen marking machine with a separate 4000 series controller or controlled via USB and a PC.
Manufacturing Execution System. Computerised system to track and document the flow of raw materials through manufacturing processes to finished products.
Mini Stress impressions have less sharp edges to the character in order to achieve lower stress marking. The characters have a rounded edge at their tip. A low stress impression helps avoid premature cracking, by eliminating the stress concentration at the bottom of the indentation.
Pryor offer both Mini Stress, low stress type stamps and Mini stress low stress metal hand stamps
Reverse impression characters appear as you would read a normal character i.e. ‘the right way round’ on the marking product. Therefore, when they mark, they produce an impression that is a mirror image. Pryor offer Reverse Steel Hand Stamp sets and also single reverse punches
This is used when creating a mould, template that will re-invert the mark or marking on the back of a material and viewing the mark on the opposite side.
RRES 90003 is a global engineering specification for Identification Marking Methods and Controls.
It is a Rolls-Royce global document that was compiled for new component designs and will be called out in place of the previous system of JES and EDI specifications. Find out more about the RRES 90003 Specification
Scribe marking is a method of marking whereby a stylus is dragged through the surface of the material to create a continuous line engraved mark.
Sharp faced impressions create a V shaped indent in the material being marked and are suitable for all non-stress critical materials. Due to the shape of the indent, sharp faced impressions are capable of creating a deeper mark with less force. The resulting impression is a sharp, crisp character.
In 1936 the ATA (Air Transport Association) was formed to represent the aerospace industry. The ATA Spec 2000 is an international standard that was subsequently developed to improve communication and information flow between members of the interconnected global supply chain network. Now renamed as Airlines for America, the ATA continues to promote a healthy airline industry in the USA.
This standard is a comprehensive specification that introduced the requirement to identify each part with a unique serial number that enables any part anywhere in the world to be identified as individual and distinct from any other part, however similar that other part may be. The identification method specified is a permanently marked barcode or 2D data matrix code that should remain on the part throughout its entire life. Read more about SPEC 2000
A Tell-Tale is a device that provides a visual indication of the position of something. The Tell-tale characters on Pryor’s Number Marking Heads indicate the characters in the marking position on the wheel.
Tempering is a process that improves the hardness and elasticity of a metal by reheating and then cooling it. Tempering is performed after hardening to reduce excess hardness or brittleness.
Cylindrical components that have a hole cut centrally along their axis have a bore. Marking through-bore refers to making a mark on the surface inside the central hole, on the inside diameter.
A turnkey or turn-key project is one in which the complete solution is undertaken by the provider.
The entire responsibility, from design through to manufacture, completion, installation and commissioning is undertaken by the supplier and supplied to the customer as a completed project that is ready for immediate use.
The customer simply needs to “turn the key” to get up and running. Pryor can provide all its production integration marking equipment as turnkey solutions.
Dot peen marked dots are applied close together so as to overlap and create a continuous line. Varidot is set as a font within Pryor’s Production Software.
The Vehicle Identification Number is the unique chassis identification number placed on all vehicles globally. The VIN is a 17 digit alphanumeric code with an * placed before and after the code. When marking VIN’s on vehicles most automotive manufacturers specify a minimum depth for the main chassis VIN mark.