CTMA Project #: 140327

Problem:

  • Parts marking in austere environments.
  • Mandatory Item Unique Identification (IUID) mandates marking a variety of parts of and an endless variety of materials.
  • Parts exposure and use affect marking wearability.

Benefit:

  • Total asset visibility – ability to mark, verify, and read current inventories with one system.
  • Removal of data entry errors, real-time capture of data, and the ability of the DoD to track items for operational, logistical, and financial accountability purposes.
  • Elimination of extended training & costs for various systems.
  • Identification of all critical components within an engine.
  • Improved safety.

Solution/Approach:

  • Tested and applied a variety of IUID marking and reading applications to overcome environmental and material challenges facing DoD weapons system.
  • Fully integrated mobile 2D marking cart deployed in field:
    • Ogden Air Logistics Center
    • Fleet Readiness Center East
    • Letterkenny Army Depot
  • Handheld laser to mark products deployed in field.
  • Color additives in conjunction with deep electrochemical etch and laser coating removal processes to improve marking contrast.

DOD Participation:

  • U.S. Air Force (Elmendorf AFB and Ogden Air Logistics Center)
  • U.S. Army (Letterkenny Army Depot)
  • U.S. Navy (Fleet Readiness Centers East and Southwest)

Industry Participation:

  • Solar Turbines
  • Robotic Visions Systems, Inc.
  • Monode Marking Products
  • Optomec
  • University of Tennessee Space Institute
  • Waterjet Tech Inc.
  • Ford Motor Company
  • NCMS

Final Report