Industrial Laser Marking Shell Cases

A leading UK manufacturer of munitions contacted ATD to discuss the feasibility of individually marking shell cases with a data matrix bar code and human readable information. ATD suggested that Industrial Laser Marking or coding with a Continuous Inkjet printer would be the best options to evaluate. Durable Industrial Laser Marking of Data Matrix Codes A number of shells were marked and presented to the customer for testing. Each Data-Matrix code was scanned and verified as OK. Each shell was then made live, fired from a pistol and the shells collected for re-scanning. The results showed the Industrial Laser mark was durable enough to withstand the firing process and 100% of the Data Matrix codes scanned OK. By comparison the coding on the inkjet printed shells degraded during the firing process. Initially completely readable a combination of heat and mechanical abrasion removed some of the ink or discoloured the metal surface. This reduced the post-firing read rate to only 50%. This was unacceptable and Industrial Laser Marking proved itself to be the best solution. Ink Jet Bullet_UnfiredInkjet Bullet Fired_CB A Fibre-laser was used to produce the mark. The intense localised and focused energy from the laser removes a small amount of metal from the surface, leaving an indelible and robust mark. Fibre Lasers can mark metals and a wide range of plastic substrates. They are an attractive alternative to other technologies (dot pinning, scribing, etching and micro-percussion) because they are programmable, fast, clean, reliable and have a low running cost. ATD – Experts in Industrial Coding and Marking Technologies When asked why they contacted ATD the customer mentioned they were impressed with ATD’s web site, which clearly showed the companies expertise in a wide range of industrial coding and marking technologies. Click for more information on ATD’s range of Industrial Laser Marking and Coding solutions, including Fibre, CO2 and YAG Lasers.

For more information on Industrial Laser Marking Shell Cases talk to ATD Marking Systems Ltd