Marking and inspection.

What marking and inspection can achieve

Laser marking creates durable information on a suitable material or marking field. This can include plain text, serial numbers or machine-readable codes. Traceability also requires rules for the unique ID, its storage and the process records connected to it.

Coating inspection evaluates the state after coating application. Lighting, camera, inspection program and coating properties determine which features can be detected reliably. Optical detection is not by itself proof of electrical or environmental protection.

What role do Gerber files play?

Gerber is an established format for two-dimensional PCB fabrication data. Traditional layers describe copper, solder mask and legend artwork. X2 adds standardised attributes, while X3 can include dedicated component layers. Having Gerber files does not automatically provide a complete data set for marking, assembly or inspection.

Depending on the task, drill data, a bill of materials, placement coordinates, panelisation, code content, reference points and inspection rules may also be required. A laser or inspection project must therefore define which files exist, their coordinate system and how the machine will use each item.

Questions for a reliable data chain

• Which ID is created and which system assigns it?
• What code type, size and contrast are required?
• Which material and position will be marked?
• Which references compensate for positional variation?
• Which process records should be stored or exchanged with the ID?
• Which visible features does the inspection program test and how are failures handled?

Test real materials, codes and assemblies before release. Readability, contrast, process time and surface effects cannot be determined from CAD data alone.