UID is a term used by the United States Department of Defense (DOD). UID labels refer to the identification markings on all assets of the DOD with a series of alpha numeric codes, as well as a linear or 2D data matrix barcode. These labels and marks are made to meet the rules and standards of MIL STD 130 guidelines.

Durability is key

One of the primary requirements of UID labels, as stated in MIL STD 130, is that they must be permanent, legible, scratch resistant, and chemical resistant. Since the military faces different climates with extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals it is necessary that UID labels remain permanent and legible for the full lifetime of a product or part. Special measures are taken to create a permanent label since this label contains vital information about the manufacturer of the product, the nature of the item, the conditions in which it operates best, and even the repairs and maintenance of the product. These labels also ensure that the DOD can easily monitor all its products.

What to choose

To ensure that these labels are permanent, a variety of materials such as aluminium, polyester, and polymide are used to create them. However, metalized polyester labels seem to meet all the durability requirements. These types of materials for labels are beneficial for several reasons, some of which are explained below.

• Metalized polyester labels are unaffected by chemicals or extreme temperature changes.

• They have a strong adhesive so that labels remain permanently attached to the product.

• MIL STD 130 states that the UID must contain both machine readable and human readable information. Metalized polyester labels can easily contain both formats.

It is also stated in MIL STD 130 that the writing on the labels must be legible. Additionally, there is often a transparent laminate coating on the surface of polyester labels that safeguards the identification marks from becoming eroded, which helps maintain legibility.

There are many additional benefits to these types of labels and different methods that can be used to achieve UID marking. To learn more about these labels and more information regarding UID specifications and requirements, please visit Jet City Laser at www.uid2go.com.

Jet City Laser has led the way in UID applications with reliable and durable data matrix laser engraving and nameplates for MIL STD 130 and SPEC 2000 standards. Over the past decade, they have become a leader in UID solutions and currently offer a wide range of laser marking equipment for just about any government or aerospace application.

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