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Partnering December, 2011


Tracking Product Manufacturing with Special Labeling


M


anufacturing processes can be complex and have countless phases. In order


to accurately and efficiently track a product, identification systems are necessary through many stages of production and assem- bly. Employing barcode labels is a key solution for tracking work in process on a manufacturing line. In the manufacturing industry,


labels need to withstand harsh envi- ronments and continue to be read- able for the life of a product or part. Exposure to chemicals and extreme temperatures can cause ink smears or do damage to the surface of labels, leading to mistakes in part tracking. Fur thermore,


labels must also


adhere to unusual surfaces and be applied within precise location spec- ifications.


Harsh Environment Labels Harsh-environment manufac-


turing labels offer little value with- out an effective application system. In creasingly, label and appli-


cator suppliers are partnering to produce custom tracking systems, increasing productivity for cus- tomers.


By Joal McAlister, Industrial Market Manager, Computype, St. Paul, MN Computype Inc., a product


labeling and identification compa- ny, continually partners with cus- tomizable applicator companies to bring product identification sys- tems to manufacturing customers. When selecting a supplier partner, Computype considers three impor- tant factors — similar business models, complementary products, and customer benefits.


Similar business models.When partnering, it is important for sup- pliers to have similar business models in order to effectively col- laborate on a project and create value for customers. The suppliers both have to have a vested interest in the success of the other. The companies also have to have simi- lar goals for the customer and com- patible organizational operations.


Complementary products. It is ideal if the supplier product lines complement one another. Being able to sell products as a package is efficient and beneficial to the suppliers and customers. Each product should increase the value of the other product and increase


the benefits for the customer, enhancing each company’s com- petitive advantage.


Customer Benefits. The part- nership has to be beneficial to the end-user. The suppliers should understand the others’ products and share accountability for cus- tomer satisfaction. Manufacturing


customers


often come to Computype with a need for a work-in-process tracking system that includes custom bar- code labels, along with an accurate print and apply system. The value of the information in the labels would be lost without an accurate label application system. These relationships benefit Computype’s business, the partner’s business, and most importantly the end- user’s business.


Supplier Partnerships There are a number of


instances where Computype has utilized supplier partnerships to create solutions for manufacturing clients. Some of the most successful


examples are cited here for elec- tronic manufacturing, automotive subassembly manufacturing and medical device manufacturing.


REFLOW SOLDERING SYSTEMS


CONDUCTION + CONVECTION HEAT


Reflow Soldering & Curing Applications include:


• BGA Reballing • BGA Packaging • Die/Heat Sink Bonding Falcon 5/C


• High Density Packaging/Substrates • Laminated Power Components


• Laser Diode Reflow • Lead Frames • Microwave Hybrids, Fluxless Au/Sn Reflow • Extremely Low O2 ppm Capability w/low N2 Consumption SIKAMA INTERNATIONAL, Inc. 118 E. Gutierrez Street • Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2314 U.S.A. Tel: 1-805-962-1000 • Fax: 1-805-962-6100 • sales@sikama.com • www.sikama.com


Electronic Manufacturing. In an unusual manufacturing chal- lenge, an electronics manufactur- er needed identification and tracking of the circuit board com- ponents for cell phones. The labels had to be strong enough to endure the extremely high temperatures during the manufacturing pro - cess. The circuit boards were small and delicate, leaving little open space for labels and a small area of tolerance for application. The solution: Computype part-


nered with print and apply supplier Nautilus to create a customized, identification solution. Computype provided pre-printed data matrix 2- D barcode identification labels com- patible with the maximum operat- ing temperature and the automatic application required for


the


Nautilus applicator. Nautilus pro- vided a customized application sys- tem that was able to successfully pick and place the small die-cut labels on a tiny area within toler- ance of the circuit boards. The cus- tomer benefited from Nautilus’ walkaway automation system and the reliability of the harsh environ- ment labels.


Automotive Subassembly. A very special manufacturing chal- lenge: a customer in the automo- tive industry was in need of com- ponent labeling to help streamline its subassembly manufacturing process and increase productivity. The labels were required to adhere to multiple components


and be able to withstand many different environments through- out the several stages of sub- assembly. The applicator had to effectively place labels to the vari- ous surfaces of the components. Computype and Nautilus


partnered to deliver a value-added, customized tracking and identifica- tion system to the customer. Computype delivered precision die cut labels with a strong adhesive compatible with the Nautilus pick- and-place system. The customer benefited from the time savings and versatility of the two products. The parts were tracked from the injection molding stage to a plant for precision assembly and back to the original equipment manufac- turer for full assembly.


SpecialMedical Device Needs


An unusual manufacturing chal- lenge: A medical device manufac- turer came to Computype in need of a labeling system to track devices from point of manufacture to the use at hospitals including medical records, billing, etc. The device manufacturer must comply with many industry specifica- tions, including product materials and sterilization requirements. The compliant label material was something Computype had never worked with before. The company also needed a print and apply sys- tem versatile enough for a tight placement tolerance. The print and apply system also had to be compatible with the company’s current design and printing soft- ware platform. Computype partnered with


CAB to create a customized solution that reduced errors and increased efficiency, creating custom engi- neered labels with the company’s specified material and converted it into a deadened double adhesive with pull off tags for removal after application to the package. The label was custom die-cut with a cus- tom finish that allowed consistent dispensing from the CAB applica- tor. CAB supplied a printer/applica- tor compatible with the customer’s printing software and Computype’s custom labels. The print and apply system uses a digital communica- tion device for automation of electromechanical manufacturing processes. In each case, a customer pre-


sented a unique challenge and walked away with increased pro- ductivity, time savings, reliability and efficiency — all of which could not have been possible without


supplier partnerships. Contact: Computype, 2285


West County Road C, St. Paul, MN 55113 % 800-328-0852 E-mail: CustomerService@computype.com Web: www.computype.com/manu- facturing r


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