Process Date: March 2000


This 0.08" sq. (~2mm. sq.), 26-character code was marked with a 10-watt Synrad laser and FH "Index" Marking Head at 19" per second. 

The laser energy is controlled such that only the surface layer of the PCB is effected. The mark does not penetrate this layer, leaving the continuity of the underlying copper intact. In this instance, the individual cells of the code have been created with a single laser pulse, resulting in a round cell size of approximately 100 microns in diameter. The code is robust enough to be readable even with non-square cells. In addition, the reading software contains an error correction code algorithm that will allow for a certain degree of corruption of cell positioning, cell size, or damaged cells.

An 0.08"-square (2mm) datamatrix code was marked on PCB using an FH "Index" Marking Head and 7 watts of laser power. As industry pushes for smaller and smaller products, and traceability becomes increasingly important, the use of 2-D datamatrix codes is on the rise. Compared to 1-D codes, these codes feature high data density and improved readability. One product area where the use of these codes has become particularly popular is the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards.

The photograph above shows an 0.08"-square code (containing 26 characters, A-Z), that was produced using a spot size of 100 microns. The marking cycle time for the complete code was 0.5 seconds. In this instance, a code has been marked directly onto a PCB, eliminating the need for pre-placed ink. Not only does this eliminate a step in this process, but a possible safety concern is avoided, as vaporization of the ink as a result of  the marking process can introduce some safety issues.