UID-marking
Encyclopedia
Unique Identification Marking, or UID marking, is a part of the UID Compliance
UID Compliance
UID Compliance, also called as Unique Identification is a standard process authorized by the Department of Defense where all the contracts, deliverables and government property in possession of contractors are mandated to be marked with a unique identification number...

 process mandated by the United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...

. It is a permanent marking method used to give equipment a unique ID. Marking is essential for all equipments with an acquisition cost of over $5,000, equipment which is mission essential, controlled inventory, serially-controlled, or consumable. UID-marking is a set of data for assets that is globally unique and unambiguous. The technology used to mark an item is 2D Data Matrix
Data Matrix
A Data Matrix code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white "cells" or modules arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern. The information to be encoded can be text or raw data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data...

 ECC 200 Symbol. UID marking ensures data integrity and data quality throughout life; it also supports multi-faceted business applications. DoD is enabled by UID marking standard to reach established goals and objectives by enhanced total asset visibility, improved lifecycle item management and accountability and clean financial audits.

As per the memorandum issued by the Department of Defense (DoD), UID-marking is a must for all solicitations issued on or after Jan. 1, 2005. Also the US Department of Defence has made it mandatory for all federal contractors to have UID-marking on their government furnished military and non-military equipments by September 30, 2007. Only after the products have UID-marking containing uniquely identified numbers, they are eligible for IUID Registry.

Application

Per the UID
IUID
Item Unique IDentification is an asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense to uniquely identify a discrete tangible item or asset and distinguish it from other like and/or unlike tangible items...

 standard, a 2D Data Matrix
Data Matrix
A Data Matrix code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white "cells" or modules arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern. The information to be encoded can be text or raw data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data...

 bar code that is applied with either direct part UID-marking techniques or labels must also prove to be generated to a level of quality that meets the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization
International Organization for Standardization
The International Organization for Standardization , widely known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial...

 (ISO) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). UID Markings and 2D Matrix Barcode
Barcode
A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it attaches. Originally barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or 1 dimensional . Later they evolved into rectangles,...

 Symbols can be created on a variety of surfaces. Generally UCC.EAN, ANSI MH 10.8.2 or ATA style descriptors are used for UID-marking symbol. Vendors supplying parts to the Department of Defense are required to supply parts with UID Data Matrix Symbols conforming to MIL-STD 130M standard. By using a Data Matrix Symbol laser etching system to engrave a UID onto each part, items can be uniquely identified by manufacturer, part number and serial number.

Marking Methodology

UID bar code must be maintained as a readable bar code throughout the entire life of the item; hence strong consideration must be given to the UID-marking methodology. Metal tag with a permanent adhesive or durable polyester
Polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Although there are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate...

label are suitable for many environments but other marking items such as laser etch, dot peen, chemical etch or ink jet can also be used for direct part Unique Identification.
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