The specially developed ink can also withstand temperatures of 1,300 degrees, such as those encountered in hot forming and in press or case hardening. CeraCode from Senodis is printed onto the component as a data matrix code with the high-temperature-stable ink before the temperature processes. The ink is based on ceramic pigments that form a material bond with the component surface - whether steel, ceramic or even glass - when exposed to temperature. All process data relevant to the component can be assigned to the code and read out at further process stations.
Marking with CeraCode takes into account the tight cycle times of the processes. It is carried out in less than two seconds or completely inline and can therefore be integrated very easily. The overall solution comprising ink, printer, image capture and IT integration has already been tested in a pilot project at a major German automotive manufacturer. CeraCode enables end-to-end digitization and transparent traceability. Rejects can be significantly reduced and processes optimized thanks to the database.