Today we dive into the world of PCB marking and discover its importance in the context of Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory. At a time when technology and production are merging seamlessly, markings are not just simple information, but the input that paves the way for efficient, intelligent and ultra-modern manufacturing. Let's explore together how proper labeling can have a significant impact on the performance and integration of PCBs into the manufacturing process. frictionless production process.
Understanding the basics: What is PCB marking?
Let's take a quick look at what PCB marking actually means. Essentially, it is the process by which printed circuit boards are provided with unique identification codes, data and information. The information is applied to the PCB using various methods.
PCB marking at KSG
KSG uses laser marking, inkjet and screen printing for this. In addition, markings can also be drilled into circuit boards, etched into copper or exposed into the solder resist
We distinguish between two categories of labeling:
First: Markings requested by the customer. These include, for example, UL numbers, date codes, the promising digital labeling of printed circuit boards or the marking of devalued items in use.
Secondly: markings, which play an important role in the digitalization of production at KSG. The latter provides KSG customers with a major advantage in terms of process reliability and therefore product quality. At the same time, KSG is taking steps towards complete traceability of individual materials and consequently printed circuit boards.
This means that markings not only serve as an identity for each printed circuit board, but also make a decisive contribution to traceability and quality assurance.
Let us take a closer look at two special markings requested by the customer:
Digital labeling
At the digital labeling of printed circuit boards, we generate all the information required for further processing in a code exactly according to customer requirements. It is the so-called product ID of the printed circuit board.
You can register a printed circuit board with a product ID as soon as the goods are received using the number or code on the label. Modern stock management systems based on product labels and using technical aids provide continuous insight into essential product data (article no., date code = manufacturing code, order number, revision number, etc.).
For products for which complete traceability (identification and tracing of products) is required, these markings and all product and process parameters are automatically recorded in databases. Specialized software programs make it possible to track the life cycles of assemblies and the origin of an end product along the entire supply chain down to the individual component (traceability).
Anyone who has a PCB labeled in this way outsources the labeling process of the PCB to the PCB manufacturer. This saves on systems, production steps and the associated costs and increases the company's own productivity.
What's more, this label is guaranteed to be smudge and scratch resistant compared to printed adhesive labels. It has no adhesion problems and the heat resistance of the label guarantees a long service life, even under extreme conditions.
Marking the position of the bad part in the benefit
With the Marking the position of the bad part in the benefit we provide you with information about invalidated individual parts in the panel via a code applied to/in the PCB. The automated readability of the code enables you to prevent the assembly of devalued individual parts. The potential of marking the position of bad parts on the delivery panel is currently still underutilized. This information can be applied as a code to the edge of the panel by laser at the end of the PCB manufacturing process. A combination with other information requested by the customer (IPC class, customer drawing number, etc.) can be processed and applied in a single code.
Industry 4.0: The networking of everything
With the advent of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing landscape is becoming smarter and more connected. Machines, systems and processes communicate with each other to enable seamless production. In this highly digitized environment, PCB marking is becoming a link between physical production and digital control.
With clear and unambiguous labeling, companies can not only trace the origin of each component, but also act quickly in the event of quality problems. This contributes significantly to improving overall quality and minimizing rejects.
Conclusion: Labeling as a trailblazer for the smart factory
In the era of Industry 4.0, PCB marking is not just a means of identification, but an important tool for efficient, networked and intelligent production. Through precise marking, we create the basis for the smart factory of the future, in which every component knows its role and is perfectly integrated into the overall picture. The path to the future starts here - with the right marking on our PCBs. Read in our Digital Design Compass Chapter 6.1 which types of markings are realized at KSG and what needs to be considered in the design of these markings.
If we have aroused your interest in the further development of digitalization at KSG, we recommend our
Smart Factory online seminar. Go to the on-demand version here.
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