Electrical Component Coding & Marking

For years, the electrical component market has been in a state of continual growth. Driven by widespread demand for electronic devices, today’s electrical component market is thriving. However, keeping up with consumer demand can be challenging for electrical component manufacturers, especially in times of far-reaching supply chain issues.

In a demanding field like electrical component manufacturing, consistent quality is essential—especially when it comes to product coding. High-quality product markings play a number of important roles, including:

• Aiding product identification
• Increasing brand awareness
• Fostering complete traceability

At InkJet, Inc., we carry a variety of marking solutions specifically built for electrical component coding and marking. Here’s how our coding systems can improve your product marking processes.

The Importance of Electrical Component Coding and Marking

Coding is an important part of the electrical component manufacturing process. Serial numbers, lot codes, data matrices, and miscellaneous product information play key roles throughout the product life cycle, including:

• Fostering Supply Chain Traceability: Modern supply chains are complex and far-reaching. Traceable markings like serial numbers and lot codes allow companies to track products as they move throughout the distribution network and enter the process chain.

Different Electronic Marking Options To Meet Different Electronic Marking Needs

When selecting a component marking system, there are a few features that must be included to ensure coding success. Some key elements include:

• Small marking windows for micro-sized coding applications
• High-resolution and high-contrast marking abilities
• Ability to create chemical- and alcohol-resistant codes
• Consistent coding accuracy
• Necessary environmental fortifications

Today, electrical component manufacturers frequently turn to two coding technologies to meet these requirements: continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers and fiber laser marking systems. Offering high marking speeds, metal and plastic compatibility, and reliable operation, CIJ printers and fiber laser marking systems are ideal for electrical component marking applications.

InkJet, Inc.’s most popular electrical component marking options include:

The DuraCode Continuous Inkjet Printer: Capable of uninterrupted high-speed coding and micro-text marking, the DuraCode CIJ is a great choice for marking electrical components. Built with an IP55 outer structure and able to operate in temperatures ranging from 41-113° F, DuraCode printers are built to resist environmental hazards for extended periods of uptime.

Lightjet F8100F Fiber Laser Marking Machine: Fast, accurate, and compatible with a wide range of metals and plastics, the F8100F fiber laser is ideal for component coding applications. When equipped with a high-speed scanner, the F8100F offers a max marking speed of 2,000 characters per second, high-contrast marking capabilities, and 24/7 uninterrupted operation.

Diverse Ink Options for Every Scenario

If you are using a printing system to mark electrical components, ink choice is just as important as hardware choice. All materials have unique surface properties that influence ink adherence and appearance, so it’s essential to only use substrate-compatible formulas when performing product coding.

Beyond basic substrate compatibility, electrical component companies must also account for potentially disruptive operational factors. For example, electrical component manufacturing facilities often require: