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Data Matrix sets the standard for challenging item identi � cation

ï¬� cation, safeguard product integrity, provide critical maintenance information and even keep production processes fl owing ef ï¬� ciently.Data Matrix sets the standard for reliable, accurate and space-ef A rocket engine, an M-16 ri fl e, a stick of deodorant and a circuit board generally do not share much in common, but the manufacturers of those items and hundreds more in the electronics, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries share a common solution to product traceability challenges. It is a Data Matrix symbol. Today, if you look carefully inside many such objects you’ll see a tiny square made up of a collection of even smaller dots. Data Matrix symbols are used on thousands of diverse items to provide accurate identi ï¬� cation requirements. Many manufacturers in the aforementioned industries encourage – and often require – their suppliers to apply Data Matrix symbols to parts and components. Many suppliers are familiar with the technology and marking options. Companies shouldn’t overlook the tremendous value Data Matrix can bring to their own internal operations. Data Matrix can help provide added visibility into production processes, help take errors and inconsistencies out of asset management, assist quality control processes and much more. To help you take advantage of Data Matrix, this article provides an overview of the technology and its capabilities, marking and reading options, standards and some helpful tips for integrating Data Matrix into your operations. ï¬� cient identi ï¬� cation. In fact, it is the standard speci ï¬� ed by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), Semiconductor Equipment Manufactur-er’s Institute (SEMI), Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), NASA, the Air Transport Association (ATA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), for meeting a variety of item traceability and lifetime identi

What is Data Matrix?

As noted above, Data Matrix is a two-dimensional (2D) bar code symbology laid out in a square or rect- angular grid. Data is encoded on both the x and y axes in a series of dark and light blocks that make the symbol resemble a crossword puzzle (See Fig. 1). Therefore, Data Matrix symbols are not read with laser scanners, but rather with imagers, CCDs or other camera-based products that can “read” data contained in an area rather than a line. Symbols can be created with a variety of direct part marking (DPM) tech- niques and printed on labels and nameplates. Information capacity, compactness and generous reading tolerance sets Data Matrix apart from other bar code symbologies.
Figure 1: A Data Matrix symbol. The solid black lines on two axes help readers locate and properly decode the symbol. Because information is encoded in two dimensions, Data Matrix has much more data capacity than com- mon linear symbologies such as U.P.C. or Code 39. For example, 50 characters can be encoded in a Data Matrix symbol measuring just 6mm by 6mm (See Fig. 2). Contrast this with a common U.P.C. symbol,