Leibinger together with coilDNA, has recently introduced a state-of-the-art intelligent code system that enables seamless tracking of any part of semi-finished industrial products.
Leibinger sources explain that in the creation of semi-finished products, they are manufactured, shipped and processed along international supply chains. One of the biggest challenges is allocating material to each stage of the production process. This becomes especially difficult when products such as coils, tubes, profiles, strips or hoses are changed in length or width during production. In conventional production processes, it is virtually impossible to accurately allocate data to each part.
coilDNA GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMAG Austria Metall AG, identified the gap in the market and developed a patented code composed of 14 unique alphanumeric characters that are strung together in the code track, and never repeated. Each individual code element allows its exact position on the product to be determined. When data is assigned to these code elements, it can be retrieved at later stages of processing, regardless of how the semi-finished product has been divided. This allows seamless tracking of the material, its properties and manufacturing conditions at various stages of the value chain, all the way to the final product.
A key requirement for the success of this type of coding is a high-performance CIJ printer system that can apply the code reliably, flexibly, without interrupting production and with reproducible results, even at very high speeds and under challenging industrial manufacturing conditions. To achieve this, coilDNA and AMAG turned to LEIBINGER, the industrial printer specialist and reliable partner for innovative coding and marking systems.
Collaboration with LEIBINGER
LEIBINGER developed its advanced interface software based on the LEIBINGER messaging protocol. The exceptional data processing speed of the LEIBINGER JET3up printer makes it possible to print coiled products from several 100 to 1000 meters in length at an impressive speed of up to 500 m/min. The flexible positioning and easy handling of the LEIBINGER print heads allow the printing of rolled strips in AMAG production in virtually any width position, even on several lanes if necessary. As a result, up to eight individually cut strips can be printed from above and below with different markings on the cutting lines. Even in this high-speed range, excellent legibility of the applied dot matrix font is ensured.
AMAG and coilDNA are delighted with the results.
Dr. Werner Aumayr, mathematician and head of IT at AMAG, was involved in the development of the infinite code. He is impressed with the LEIBINGER printing solution: “The comprehensive support provided by LEIBINGER during the installation and testing phase, as well as the high quality and flexibility of the JET3up printers in use, deserve special mention. The installation of the printers and related equipment during ongoing production, without interruption, presented the team with a unique challenge, which was solved with complete satisfaction and on schedule thanks to excellent project coordination.”
An established solution and positive feedback
The solution has been well established at AMAG and has passed extensive practical tests. In addition to the JET3up printers used at AMAG, implementation would also be possible with LEIBINGER’s new IQJET printer, as it also has the necessary interfaces. coilDNA’s experience with LEIBINGER’s printers and protocols has been very positive and the IoM (Internet of Materials) experts are happy to recommend them to other companies that require this unique expertise.
