The Item Unique Identification (IUID) program, also called Unique identification (UID), was launched by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the management of sensitive equipment between government sites, suppliers, and contractors. This program is defined by important guidelines that dictate which equipment must be labeled with a unique identifier and how each company should manage the specific requirements.
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This post will explain exactly what you should know before purchasing IUID labels for marking your equipment and other assets. We’ll review the basic requirements for the IUID program, including the Unique Identifying Information (UII) that must be included on each asset label. Additional information explaining how to select a proper IUID label is also included to help you evaluate the right components for your operation.
The U.S. DoD defines the details of the IUID program in the document MIL-STD-130N, titled Department of Defense Standard Practice Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property. These instructions include over 50 pages of information including the scope of the program. An IUID marking is required for any item that meets the following criteria:
The use of IUID tags adds additional costs for suppliers and other entities involved in the supply chain for these assets. For this reason, it’s important to clarify if the markings are required or if other traditional tracking formats are acceptable. Overmarking assets can hurt profits, while failing to mark required assets can lead to regulatory fines and other penalties.
The selection of proper IUID labels should be determined based on the specific requirements for each application. Several factors such as the equipment surface and environmental conditions could impact the selection of label material type and design format. We’ve broken down the IUID label buying process into three stages: material selection, design formatting, and tagging. According to the requirements, each tag must remain readable for the lifetime of the asset to which it’s attached.
The material for the IUID label should be chosen based on the expected environmental conditions. Some common examples include exposure to sunlight, dust, rain, saltwater, and corrosive materials. Creating a full list of potential contaminants will help determine which label material is most compatible. Some of the most common IUID label materials are:
The IUID guidelines do not specify a size requirement, so the proper size and shape for the label should be chosen based on the expected scanning parameters. Consider the scanning distances that will be used and the expected placement on the item surface. It’s also important to choose a suitable fabrication style.
The design must also include a properly formatted 2D data matrix barcode that remains readable throughout the asset’s lifetime. Three constructs are defined in the IUID guidelines that define the formatting for the label contents including serialized number formats. Consult the regulations for details about Construct 0, Construct 1, and Construct 2.
Labels can be purchased from a qualified vendor or fabricated in-house with your own equipment. Before finalizing an order, it’s also important to select an attachment method for a label or plate. This may include the use of a compatible adhesive or holes intended for mechanical attachment. The placement of these IUID labels onto the items is another key step. Think carefully about the orientation and location to ensure a good scanning range and proper attachment to the item surface.
The IUID labels you select must be readable for as long as they are used. It’s also important to create inspection procedures to periodically verify that labels are in proper condition. There may also be a need to define cleaning protocols that are especially helpful in dirty environments such as the desert or ocean. With a carefully planned IUID tagging program, you can create a serialized tracking system that meets the DoD’s strict requirements.
Do You Need Help Choosing A Label Material?
Polypropylene, Polyester and Vinyl are the most common materials used to make labels (when choosing from plastic based materials) and I have been asked these questions many times over the years and for which the answer usually is “It depends”.
At times materials can be interchanged with no ill effects. If the item to be labeled has a very short shelf life and the quantity needed is low, the biggest determining factors are what material is available, cost and what looks the best off the printing press that has the shortest setup time.
Other times the material is so critical that lives are dependent on having a readable label 10 years from the day the label was applied. When car parts are recalled a label may be the only way to track the part back to the manufacturer, when the part was made, and what other cars have installed the part from the same faulty batch. If the tracking number is unreadable the manufacturer would have to recall not only the vehicles with the bad batch of parts but every vehicle that the part was ever installed.
It helps to understand some of the pros and cons of each material and to evaluate them against your project’s requirements. Our expertise has evolved around industrial, governmental and logistics labeling so a majority of the material we work with is Polyester. Our equipment is “roll to roll” which means we do not use cut flat sheets like a screen or offset printer might use which influences the material selection available to us.
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The type of printing used to make the labels plays a part in in the decision process. I will leave that for a future discussion except to say that when there is not much difference in the performance between one material over another, the printer is likely to steer the end user toward the material that they are most comfortable with.
As I go through the PROS and CONS I will add links to material data sheets to demonstrate specific properties whenever possible.
Also known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and Mylar. Polyester is light weight, semi-rigid with excellent moisture barrier properties and comes in a wide range of adhesives. A great material when durability and a long life matters.
Generally referred to as Polypro, PP or BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is great low-cost moisture resistant film best used for items with a short life span. Good for short lived products that need moisture resistance such as food packaging.
Also known as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is used in its flexible form for labels because of its ability to conform and for its durability. Vinyl is a good middle of the road material when need for durability and price sensitivity meet.
If you have a label now that is working for you but don’t know what the material is there are a couple of easy tests.
First test – See if it is Vinyl
Vinyl is the easiest because it is flexible, stretches and is normally thicker than Polyester and Polypropylene. Additionally, it has a plastic smell like a new shower curtain.
Next – Is it Polypropylene or Polyester?
If it is not Vinyl, then it is probably a Polypropylene or Polyester. The test to determine which it is, is easy because Polyester sinks in water while Polypropylene floats.
The hardest part of this test is that you must remove all the adhesive from the label first. This can take some time but by rubbing the back of the label with Goo Gone you can easily remove the adhesive. Make sure all adhesive is off before testing the material or you may get a false result.
Once the adhesive is removed put each material in a glass of water and if the label floats it is a polypropylene.
Each of these materials has a wide range of characteristics that can influence the end result!
I hope now you have a better idea of some of the properties needed to judge how well these materials perform in various situations.
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If you have a label project that you need help with, please contact us and we would be happy to advise. Advanced Barcode & Label Technologies, Inc. has been in business since 1984 and has a proven history of partnering with clients to solve their complex label needs.
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