Datamatrix marking
Datamatrix marking is a widely used technology in industrial environments for encoding and tracking data on products and components.
In today’s industrial landscape, precise traceability is essential for ensuring product quality and compliance with global standards. Datamatrix marking offers an efficient solution for encoding vast amounts of information on even the smallest parts, making it indispensable in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.
The Datamatrix code stands out due to its compact size, high data capacity, and durability, making it ideal for use in automated production lines. Gravotech’s range of Datamatrix marking machines, including laser, dot-peen, scribing and rotary marking machines ensures reliable identification throughout a part's lifecycle. This technology enables manufacturers to track components, manage inventory, streamline logistics, and enhance quality control.
Our datamatrix marking machines
Gravotech’s integrable laser machines and laser stations are engineered for precise Datamatrix laser marking on industrial parts, ensuring high traceability across demanding sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
Compared to dot-peen technology, Datamatrix laser marking offers superior precision, higher contrast, and the ability to mark on a wider variety of materials without causing surface damage. These systems deliver consistent, maintenance-free results, making them ideal for traceability and quality control.
Our Fiber, Hybrid, and Green Lasers, along with the Mini-inline, provide seamless integration into automated production lines for fast, non-contact marking. For standalone solutions, our WeLase™, LW2, and LW3 laser stations ensure exceptional versatility, marking both small and large parts with durable codes.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBER laser
Discover this product
Medium fully automated laser marking station.
LW2
Discover this product
Laser protection nose for integrable laser markers.
Mini-inline
Discover this product
Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
Discover this product
Large fully automated laser workstation with Fiber, Hybrid or Green sources
LW3
Discover this product
Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID laser
Discover this product
Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN laser
Discover this product
Gravotech’s integrable dot-peen machines and dot-peen stations offer a robust, cost-effective solution for Datamatrix marking on industrial parts. Dot-peen technology excels in heavy-duty and harsh environments where deep, permanent marks are required.
Our XF510p, XF510m, and XF530p/m systems integrate seamlessly into production lines, delivering reliable, durable marks on metals and hard plastics. For standalone operations, the Impact station provides high-precision marking in both dot-by-dot and continuous-line modes.
These Datamatrix marking machines are built to handle various production volumes and mark both small and large parts, ensuring long-lasting traceability in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
The fastest pneumatic dot peen marking machine.
XF510p
Discover this product
The most precise and consistent electromagnetic dot peen marking machine.
XF510m
Discover this product
Standalone dot peen marking station.
IMPACT
Discover this product
Deep and permanent dot peen marking system.
XF530 p/m
Discover this product
| Datamatrix codes are sometimes mistaken for QR codes, which are more familiar to the general public due to their use in advertising and mobile apps. Today, some companies use QR codes for traceability purposes, as they have similar advantages and caracteristics to Datamatrix codes. However, Datamatrix codes excel in industrial contexts because they can be marked smaller while retaining high readability. Learn more about their differences in our article: 1D vs. 2D codes. |
Why Datamatrix codes?
A Datamatrix code is a two-dimensional barcode composed of black and white cells called "modules"; arranged in a square or rectangular grid.
It includes an L-shaped finder pattern that helps scanners orient the code in any direction. Opposite of the L-shape is the clock pattern, consisting of alternating black and white modules, ensuring uniform module spacing.
Within this framework, the code contains data cells for encoding information and error correction capabilities - ECC200 being the best in terms of error correction - allowing it to remain readable even if partially damaged.
Contact us to test your part
The compact design of Datamatrix codes enables extensive data storage on small surfaces, making them ideal for parts with limited space.
Their durability ensures readability under harsh conditions, including exposure to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Error correction capabilities enhance data integrity and ensure that critical information remains accessible even if the code is damaged. While their compatibility with automated scanning methods streamlines production and logistics processes, increasing efficiency.
Contact us to test your part
In industrial settings, Datamatrix codes typically encode serial numbers, batch numbers, expiration dates, and internal factory codes. They may also include brand identifiers and product specifications for traceability.
These codes are read using dedicated cameras or code readers, with the data relayed to traceability software or databases.
The content of datamatrix codes vary according to how the internal traceability and information management are set. Some Datamatrix codes only contain a unique serial number; while others would have the company name, and other human readable values.
|
| Code validation and verification reading For the datamatrix code to be read correctly, some constraints are to be considered. When the code is marked with dot-peen or scribing technologies, proper lighting is required for the camera to read it correctly. Lighting is also useful for datamatrix laser marking, but the contrast brought by this technology makes it easier to read and validate. |
Datamatrix codes in the market
Norms and regulations
for Datamatrix marking
Datamatrix marking on industrial parts must comply with international standards to ensure consistency. The ISO/IEC 16022 standard defines the structure of a Datamatrix code for direct part marking and is thus not applicable to, for example, stickers.
Some sectors rely on specific regulations, for example GS1 Datamatrix standards are used to in healthcare and retail. While in aerospace, ATA Spec 2000 ensures proper part identification and traceability.
These norms guarantee uniformity, enabling Datamatrix marking machines to create globally scannable and reliable codes that meet industry requirements.
Main applications
for datamatrix codes
Datamatrix codes are widely adopted across various industries for both internal and external traceability of parts. These include:
- Automotive: Optimizing component traceability throughout manufacturing and assembly.
- Aerospace: Tracking parts from production to maintenance for safety and compliance.
- Medical Devices: Facilitating identification and regulatory compliance in healthcare with GS1 datamatrix.
- Pharmaceuticals: Labels and surfaces to mark are usually small. Datamatrix prevents counterfeiting and use of expired products.
- Electronics: Managing the lifecycle of complex components.
- Food and Beverage: Enhancing traceability for quality control and safety.
- Logistics: Streamlining supply chain tracking and management.
IDENTIFICATION
Trust our expertise, discover our dedication
You are a global industrial company looking for a trusted partner for your identification needs ?
With a rich legacy of innovation and a deep understanding of industry requirements, Gravotech offers a wide range of solutions for identification requirements.
Through a collaborative approach, Gravotech works closely with its clients to understand their unique needs and challenges, allowing them to develop solutions that deliver consistent and precise results.
With a global network of dedicated support professionals, Gravotech ensures that Key Accounts receive prompt assistance and ongoing technical support, thereby maximizing uptime and minimizing downtime.
