Where metal components are subjected to high temperatures and forming, it is difficult to permanently apply markings for later component identification and traceability. The Dresden technology start-up Senodis has now added the CeraCode® Flex marking solution for components in solid forming to its product portfolio.
The heart of the previous CeraCode® (now CeraCode® Base) marking process is the specially developed heat-stable ink portfolio that can withstand temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Celsius. These inks are also used in the new process. Since standard 2D codes, such as the data matrix code used in CeraCode® Base, can no longer be read later due to the deformation, a free, randomly arranged marking is applied here, from whose unique features an individual ID is generated.
Traceability in massive forming
This free-form process is particularly helpful in massive forming, for example with steel bars. Traceability is still present when the steel comes from continuous casting at around 900 degrees Celsius. The steels are then cooled down to around 300 degrees Celsius and cut to size. At this point in the separation process, the information about the material flow breaks down very quickly, so marking is desirable here, but cannot be achieved with standard printers due to the temperature. With the help of the heat-stable inks, clearly identifiable patterns can be applied to the face of the rods even at a surface temperature of 300 degrees Celsius, either through a shot marking from a certain distance or using a transfer printing process.
Descriptor ID method
The free character of the marking also allows it to be applied to a component before a forming step, to be evaluated before and after forming, and to be clearly assigned to the component again using a before-and-after link. CeraCode® Flex is therefore more than a printing process; The integrated descriptor ID process itself can also be relevant for other applications, for example for protecting products from plagiarism. Every deviation in the printed image, no matter how small, provides a clear association with a specific component.
