Many automotive part and assembly manufacturers require permanent identification. They often need the identification code to withstand oil, gasoline, solvents, corrosion, abrasion, as well as painting and finishing operations. Indenting is considered to be the most permanent method for identification, since the mark can only be removed by destroying the surface of the product.

The following is a list of several reasons for permanent identification in the automotive parts industry and some typical applications:

Instructional Identification
Manufacturer & Product Identification
Date Coding
Traceability
Operational Marking

Instructional Identification
Many products are marked to show instruction information. This information may refer to how the product is installed, product and capacity ratings, specifications, or safety regulations.

Manufacturer & Product Identification
To ensure correct replacement parts, a mechanic or service person would rely upon the marking showing the manufacturer and part number. In most instances, this information is dictated and specified by the automotive manufacturer. A specification is provided to the part manufacturer showing the where, how and what the part number identification will be.

For most critical parts, this will be indented if the product is metal or molded if the product is plastic. In either case, this marking is considered permanent. Part number identification will appear on virtually every part assembly in the automobile, such as brackets, door frames, starters, transmission parts, water pumps, drive shafts and spark plugs.

For aftermarket parts, they will also have to include their own part numbers for these replacement parts.

Some manufacturers make an original equipment part, their own aftermarket brand. It is important for this manufacturer to have either interchangeable marking die tooling or a versatile marking machine. Matthews provides both solutions.

Date Coding
Date codes are a good way to track any changes in materials or manufacturing processes, should the need arise to study this information at a later time.

Many manufacturers offer a warranty on their replacement auto parts. Most manufactured assemblies for the automobile require permanent date code marking. There are two commonly used formats for date codes: "month, day, year" and "a year plus Julian". To apply date codes to higher production items, a manufacturer may use a stamping machine or programmable stylus marker.

Machine identification provides a consistent marking depth and registration when compared to hand marking. In the case of a stamping or a roll-marking machine, steel type is placed into holder and changed on a daily basis. The number of characters, as well as size of characters, may be limited based on the marking force of the machine.When stamping equipment is desired, Matthews recommends the MB35. The MB35 assures a good, clear mark, especially if the product is bead-blasted or painted.

An alternative option might be the use of a roll-marking machine. A roll-marking machine can mark each character independently, marking either round or flat parts as determined by the tooling. The Model 2045 is well suited for this application, providing 4-12 tons or 9000 lbs. of marking force.

The ProPoint Model 2324 is particularly well suited for date coding in the automotive parts industry. The software included with the 2324 provides several standard date code formats. The ProPoint is computer-controlled, and forms characters one dot at a time, which allows for both adjustable and large characters, without concern for marking force. Stylus marking also eliminates the need for an inventory of steel type, interchangeable dies and numbering heads.

ProPoint can be interfaced with other control functions. Logos and trademarks can be stored as files and recalled to be marked in various formats.

Traceability
True traceability is the newest and most demanding product identification requirement being made by the automotive industry.

One system of traceability is the use of a serial number. It is used to treat every part as unique, so it can be traced.

Time traceability usually requires a computer-controlled marking system. Ink-jet, Laser and the ProPoint stylus should all be considered for this application, depending on the finishing operations of the part.

Due to the permanence of indenting into steel, the ProPoint has been very successful in traceability applications. The ProPoint is especially fitting when the part calls for additional finishing, painting or is exposed to solvents and other elements.

All of these computer-controlled technologies can be used with data collection devices and barcodes for a more completely automated solution.

Operational Marking
Operational marking is used as a form of internal quality control process. Typically, this involves a color-coded mark that distinguishes very similar parts or indicates that a certain operation has been performed.

Matthews offers two methods for this type of marking, the DryDot™ and the Contact Coder Series.

Due to its ease of use and ability to mount and interface, the Pulsar CC101 prevails in the automotive parts industry. It is often used in conjunction with test equipment.