Each mold cavity is designed to include a compact 8-mm diameter DynamicMold® Insert. These Inserts are installed in a manner similar to temperature or pressure sensors, positioned precisely where the marking is required on the plastic product. Cables connect the Inserts to the DynamicMold® Controller, which is mounted on the side of the mold. matriq provides CAD files (STEP format) for the Inserts and offers support for integration planning.

The placement and integration of a DynamicMold® Insert is important for the quality of the marking. We are happy to assist you in determining the optimal placement of the Insert within your tool. We have compiled a list of recommendations that you find in our download section.

Yes, this is possible. For the the DynamicMold® Insert, an opening must be provided in the mold. The Insert has a front diameter of 8 mm and a 10-mm collar at the back. A cable channel is also required for each Insert, similar to the setup for temperature or pressure sensors. In some cases, an existing manual date stamp can be replaced with an Insert. However, since the Insert requires a cable connection, it is important to ensure that cooling channels and ejector mechanics do not obstruct the installation.

Marking using matriq technology requires four hardware components:

• a DynamicMold® Insert installed in each mold cavity,
• a DynamicMold® Controller mounted on the side of the mold that can drive up to four Inserts
• the DynamicMold® LinQ, which supplies power and network connectivity located near to the molding machine.
• A Tablet connected to the LinQ serves to control and monitor the marking process.

As a strong advantage, marking by DM-qode Gen 1 needs no additional footprint at the production site. It does not require any additional equipment nor process steps and does not affect the product cycle time. We help freeing space for other equipment in the production area.

Marking by DM-qode Gen 1 does not generate any fumes, dust, nor pollution. It does not require a fume hood nor laser protection. DM-qode Gen 1 is perfectly suited for injection molding in cleanroom environment.

DM-qode Gen 1 has been successfully tested for marking a variety of polymer types, including PS, PC, PC/ABS, PMMA, PBT, and PP. We are continuously working to expand the compatibility of our system with additional plastic materials. If you are interested in marking a specific compound, please feel free to contact us. Additionally, we offer the option to test your specific materials on our machines beforehand.

Marking performance depends on process pressure and temperature, polymer properties (e.g., melt flow curve), and the placement of the DM-qode Insert inside the mold. Fiber additives may affect these factors, potentially reducing code quality. While we’ve achieved excellent results with some materials, others may vary, so we offer testing your specific materials in advance.

The DynamicMold® Inserts are controlled by the DynamicMold® Controller. However, the trigger signal for the marking process is given by the integrated temperature sensors of the Insert. There, no additional machine signal is required. The controller is powered and managed by the DynamicMold® LinQ. The LinQ features a potential-free contact for optional error output to the machine. System configuration is carried out via the touch interface of the Tablet. Automated data transfer (read/write) between the system and MES or SCADA is possible via OPC UA.

DM-qode Gen 1 runs the DynamicMold® Software. It contains a GUI that enables the machine operator to configure marking parameters and monitor the marking process. The status of all Inserts and pixels is continuously tracked, and marking information such as date, time, and applied serial numbers is logged. The system features an integrated OPC UA server for configuring the serial numbers to be applied and for retrieving logged data. A compatible system is required for communication with this server (not included in the package).

In principle, it is possible to mark a plastic product after it has been formed (downstream). However, this process requires significantly more heating energy, may shorten the lifespan of the insert, and diminishes its advantages. Therefore, we do not recommend using DM-qode outside of the forming process. 

As a strong advantage, marking by matriq’s DynamicMold® technology needs no additional footprint at the production site. It does not require any additional equipment nor processing steps and takes only a few seconds, right inside the fabrication machine, not affecting the product cycle time. We help freeing space for other equipment in the production area.

The DynamicMold® Insert has meanwhile been tested for marking polymers of many types and blends, among such as PS, PC, PMMA, COC, ABS, PBT, or PP. Today, we do not recommend using DM-qode Gen1 for PA and POM, since they have a strong adhesive force to the Insert. And polymers needing a very high mold tool temperature above 100 °C are not suitable with DM-qode Gen1. We are happy to test your specific plastic material in our technicum to produce samples for your qualification.

We strive to develop our DynamicMold® technology to be suitable for any polymer and any application. Our focus is achieving the highest code quality and contrast on the marked part, along with a long-lasting performance. Here, pressure and temperature of the process, the employed polymer (the flow curve of the polymer melt, i.e. the viscosity versus shear rate in the log-log scale), and the shape and location of the DynamicMold® Insert all determine the marking performance. Adding fibers to the polymer might change these performance indicators in a way that the native surface of the plastic device cannot remold the pixel of the code in a sufficiently high quality. Fill factors of glass fibers up to 15 to 30% yield most often good contrast (depending on the viscosity of the matrix polymer), Polymers filled with talc are performing well with our technology. Also, polymers with flame retardants work well. We offer testing your specific materials on our machines.

The system is operated by a DynamicMold® Controller mounted on the outer side of the mold. The triggering of the marking is independent from the forming machine. Single cables connect all the DynamicMold® Inserts mounted in the mold cavities to the Controller. The Controller only needs a power supply (DynamicMold® LinQ) and can handle the marking completely autonomously. The Inserts are indeed equipped with temperature sensors monitoring the molding/forming process and self-triggering the marking. The connectivity to MES or SCADA systems of our customers or to the cloud solution are provided by OPC UA or TCP/IP.

DM-qode Gen 1 hardware is complemented by the DynamicMold® Software. The software contains a GUI (displayed on the Tablet) allowing the machine operator to configure marking parameters and monitor the marking process .

In principle, it is possible to mark a plastic product after it has been formed (downstream). However, this process requires significantly more heating energy, may shorten the lifespan of the DynamicMold® Insert, and diminishes its advantages. Therefore, we do not recommend using DM-qode Gen 1 outside of the forming process.

Serialization of plastic parts is crucial for advanced quality assurance. It enables the storage of fabrication parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, raw material batch), assembly parameters, downstream measurement values, and other part-specific information in a database, all linked to the serial number on the part. We provide a digital date/time stamp with minutes- or seconds-resolution or a serial number individual for every part produced.

This identity finally ensures traceability of all relevant data throughout the entire product life cycle.

DM-qode Gen 1 was designed for marking in injection molding and blow molding. In principle, the marking is also applicable to thermoforming. The DynamicMold® Insert sustains a maximal pressure of 2000 bar and a constant mold tool temperature od up to 100 °C. The liquified polymer can be Feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

The DynamicMold® Insert has a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 20mm, producing a 12x12 DataMatrix code measuring 4 mm by 4 mm (including the quiet zone around the code). This requires a flat surface that matches the Insert's diameter or a flattened area on a curved surface. It is not possible to create an Insert with a curved surface or modify the Insert's surface.

A Data Matrix is a modern ISO-standard two-dimensional (2D) code made up of “modules” (i.e. pixels) arranged in a square or rectangular pattern (a matrix). The encoded information can be text or numeric data of any type. The DataMatrix code features built-in redundancy, allowing it to restore a certain number of missing or defective modules (error-correction up to 53%). Its storage capacity depends on the number of modules.

DM-qode Gen1 marks 12x12 DataMatrix codes (ECC200) on the parts, which can store a 10-digits number or 5 alphanumeric characters or a combination of number and characters (1 character => 2 numbers).

Products marked by DM-qode Gen 1 feature a surface pattern created through topographical contrast, known as a "direct part marking" code (DPM). These codes can be read using industrial code reader cameras equipped with suitable illumination. DPM-qualified cameras are recommended for optimal performance. For illumination, confocal and ring lights generally deliver the best results. We are happy to assist you in selecting the appropriate camera and illumination to read your DataMatrix codes effectively.

Reading DataMatrix codes with a smartphone typically requires a separate app (e.g. Scandit, Cognex). For DataMatrix codes generated by DM-qode, appropriate lighting is often crucial, which is generally not available in uncontrolled conditions when using a smartphone. In some cases, smartphone reading is possible, but it should not be considered a primary requirement for the intended application.