Features and advantages
Traceability
imZERT barcodes ensure parts can trace all the way back to the individual mold or cavity where it was created. This removes doubts origin during later processes such as filling and assembly, and simplifies investigations during re-calls, troubleshooting and in case of counterfeits.
Simplicity
Reliability
Quality
Cost
Technical advantages / Technical features
imZERT is an innovative method for embedding machine-readable information directly in the surface structure of a plastic product. High quality, high accuracy and high visibility 2D barcodes are applied to any size parts directly during molding – without affecting production efficiency. imZERT is completely safe and sustainable in production and use.
Implementation
Contamination free
Nanostructured imZERT barcodes are safe and clean. There is absolutely no contamination of the polymer and no need for special pigments.
Production speed unchanged
The imZERT direct part marking method has no impact on production speed, as the parts are marked within the moulding work cycle. Validated injection moulding parameters are not affected.
Durability
Durability pre-trials show more than 160.000 shots without any detectable degradation, indicating high likelihood of longer life-time.
Accuracy
Size and position
imZERT barcode sizes down to 1×1 mm<sup>2</sup> enables marking of most parts. Barcodes are positioned accurately in the desired position, every time – no marking fails.
Scannability by all optical means
imZERT barcodes can be scanned in all sizes and all colours of polymer, using Vision cameras, inline DPM barcode scanners, handscanners, smartphones, 3D scanners and PCB scanners.
High contrast and quality
Our microstructure textures have industry-leading fidelity, for the highest quality of any mold marking, This ensures machine-readable barcodes, even on very small plastic parts!
System
Traceability back to moulding step
Most marking methods apply after moulding or even after assembly. imZERT marks during moulding, for traceability that reaches through operations, suppliers and tiers.
Versatility
imZERT supports all barcode standards (QR Code, Datamatrix, etc.), and allows any type of information and system integration. Include specific information in the barcode, or use consecutive or random keys.
Intelligence and sorting
imZERT enables information sorting by Cavity / Mould ID, supplier ID, product and revision ID, prototype ID, and more. Batch and lot ID adds granularity. Traceability can transfer to filled contents and to sub-assemblies.
How does imZERT reduce your costs and Cost of Poor Quality?
imZERT barcodes open new opportunities to improve performance and quality – and reduces Cost of Poor Quality. The simplifications in Direct Part Marking reduce marking-related costs and provides critical information during downstream processes with potential for further savings.
Reducing CoPQ is about getting right things done right, first time
Although universally true, it is easier said than done. imZERT™ barcodes will help you and your organisation realise your goals. You can start by tracking one problem, then later include more Quality controls.
imZERT™ barcodes improve traceability for processes and products. You decide where to target your imZERT traceability, whether internally, at suppliers or to solve down-stream or after-sales challenges. You decide which particular moulds and cavities, batches or lots, should be included, and if all components or only critical ones should carry and transfer traceability.
imZERT™ helps sort defects directly in inbound inspection, on the assembly line or in final outbound inspection. Even just one marked part can add the traceability for critical data and tracking opportunities, both in over-all quality control as well as root cause analysis.
imZERT™ barcodes placed “covertly” in your product can help to narrow re-calls, simplify investigations and to detect product piracy.
Using imZERT™ gives a lower CAPEX and OPEX in most situations
The marking is done directly in the moulding process,without any auxiliary equipment, automation or materials. The part emerges from the mould already marked.
There is no need to re-calibrate and/or verify processes again, as imZERT™ applies barcodes on polymers at their typical process specifications.
imZERT™ is generally cheaper than laser-engraving or application of labels.
There is very little risk of failure during marking, minimizing waste due to marking failures. This is especially important when marking smaller parts.