UID Labels &Tags
MIL-STD-130 “Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property” is a specification commonly used for giving directions on how to mark items sold to the Department of Defense. Since 2005, MIL-STD-130 is most noted for the UID data matrix, which is a square, pixelated bar code that when scanned connects the Department of Defense user immediately into the UID Database. Only after the products have UID-marking containing unique identification numbers (UID’s) are they eligible for the IUID Registry.
This marking within MIL-STD-130 known as Item Unique Identification (IUID), commonly referred to as UID (unique identification) is part of the compliance process mandated by the United States Department of Defense. It is a permanent marking method used to give government-owned and government-purchased tangible equipment a unique ID, and as of September 30, 2007 all federal contractors must have UID-marking on their government furnished military and non-military equipment for its lifecycle.
Polyester labels feature digital printing with a human-readable equivalent which ensures crisp, clean bar code readability. Subsurface printing on these UID’s protects the logos, copy and bar code against extreme solvents, caustics, acids and moderate abrasion to help ensure they last the service lifetime of the item being identified. These are available in various sizes with the standard colors being black, red, yellow, green, dark blue, orange, purple and blue. Because contrast is needed for the bar code scanner, all bar codes are black. They are produced and shipped in roll form, with strip form being optional.
Available in black only, these UID photosensitive anodized aluminum nameplates and labels are an ideal solution for many UID applications. They are photo imaged with a human-readable equivalent. Because UID’s must last the service life of the item being identified, these metal UID tags are ideal as they resist chemicals, solvents, abrasion and dirt. They can be produced in various thicknesses so they may be applied to various surfaces, flat or curved, which ensures maximum adhesion or optional holes, to help maintain accurate and reliable reads for the life of the item. These are available in cartons for convenient application.
Also known as Durablack UID labels, these are black in color and made from a laser markable aluminum material meant for harsh operating environments. The laser markings create a high-contrast white color, which outperforms black anodized aluminum and laser markable acrylic tape in some applications. The UID labels are resistant to sunlight (UV-radiation), abrasion, high-temperatures, sea-salt spray and chemical exposure. These labels also have the ability to perform in a wide-range of challenging environments, and are best applied on flat and mildly curved surfaces.
Tesa UID labels are a black poly-acrylic material that is laser etched as the laser marking creates a high-contrast white color. These are used in applications that require high contrast for the improved readability of 2D UID codes. A durable material, these labels have a tamper evident feature that ensures the label cannot be removed from a part once applied. These labels come with a high-performance modified acrylic adhesive, and are one of the most frequently specified materials for MIL-STD-130 labeling. The labels are used on items that experience difficult environmental conditions such as indoor-outdoor and chemical solvents like sulfuric acid, fuels and oils, brake fluid and detergents. They also can resist car waxes and polishes, caustic soda, salt water, and window cleaner.
Kapton UID tags are surface printed black on a temperature resistant white Polyimide material with precision digital imaging graphics. They are temperature resistant to 392 degrees Fahrenheit and are traditionally used for circuit board labeling where the material can withstand the brief high temperature of wave soldering. These labels can be designed to your specifications, and are effective UID labeling when build specifications require this poly material.
Common Label Requirements:
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