Complementing the ongoing advances in 2D Data Matrix symbol marking technology is an increasing emphasis on symbol verification. A Data Matrix symbol is worthless if it can’t be easily read when needed. Gone are the days when 99 percent read rates might have been acceptable. Today’s manufacturers demand Six Sigma code quality.

The result has been a new generation of machine vision equipment specifically designed to check Data Matrix readability. Often this equipment is part and parcel of the actual marking station. That way a manufacturer can be sure its codes are all good ones before they leave the production line.

To understand what it is that make for a readable code, it helps to be familiar with the different standards by which 2D Data Matrix symbols are judged. These include the ISO/IEC 15415 standard; the AS9132 standard, created by SAE International; and the AIM DPM Quality Guideline, created by AIM Global. Each is a little different and focuses on a different aspect of 2D Data Matrix marking.

The ISO/IEC 15415 standard, for example, specifies the methodologies for measuring, evaluating, and grading 2D symbol characteristics, with an eye toward ensuring the quality of the mark. The AS9132 standard specifies uniform quality and technical requirements for Data Matrix direct part mark symbols on metal substrates such as metal, PCB or plastic. The AIM DPM Quality Guideline was developed to assess the symbol quality for direct part marks. It defines modifications to the measurement and grading of certain symbol quality parameters.

A list of specific parameters follows. For additional information on 2D symbols and verification, Click Here.