New CMT Process Creates High-quality, Cost-effective 2D Codes

Plastics Decorating

Square Dot®, a patented high-resolution marking process from Columbia Marking Tools, Chesterfield, MI, permanently marks high-quality 2D Unique Identification codes on a wide range of materials and costs less than laser marking.

The process produces crisp, easily-readable codes on metals ranging from soft brass to carbide steel and on hard-to-read cast surfaces. Square Dot even can be read after the metal is powder-coated. The Square Dot process dot-scribes a matrix of small, square cells with a diamond tip, creating the 2D/UID codes that manufacturers use for inventory management, quality control, security and other purposes.

The dot-scribe process creates square, recessed cells with four raised ridges, producing reflections that help the machine reader define the matrix and read the data accurately. It is more permanent than inkjetted codes, more repeatable than dot peening and has deeper cells than those made by laser.

For more information, call 586.949.8400 or visit www.columbiamt.com.