4JET Technologies GmbH – a company based in Alsdorf, Germany that develops and deploys laser systems – has developed a novel QR (quick response) code marking process that offers 100% traceability of products throughout their life cycle.
4JET ?s laser marking process – originally developed for the tyre industry – engraves a unique and permanent QR code in rubber. The high contrast engraving can be read using public domain apps available for Apple iOS or Android devices.
The SCANNECT solution – short for “scan and connect” – enables a long standing wish of the rubber industry: being able to trace products through their life cycle.
Other than machine readable paper barcode stickers, SCANNECT QR codes are permanently recessed into the rubber surface. The crisp laser markings are either applied in the factory or further downstream in the assembly process.
Compared to conventional laser marking, which only leaves a low contrast mark on the usually black rubbersurface, the SCANNECT process creates a deep black marking on the bottom of the engraving, providing enough contrast to be read with cameras in mobile devices. The proprietary process, comprising special optics, laser parameters and control software integrated in 4JET ?s standard marking systems is now commercially available.
Marking is performed by 4JET ?s proven line of laser systems that are already widely used in new tyre and retread tyre manufacturing worldwide.