Each mold cavity is designed to include a compact 8-mm diameter mold 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 DM-qode insert offer a high degree of flexibility. However, it is crucial to avoid positioning the marking insert near the hot runner nozzle, as excessive heat can cause the insert to overheat. Similarly, placement in binding line areas should be avoided, as this may compromise code quality. We are happy to assist you in determining the optimal placement of the DM-qode insert within your tool. 

Yes, this is possible. For the DM-qode 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 (refer to our drawings in the download section). 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 a DM 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 with matriq technology requires three hardware components: a MD-qode insert installed in each mold cavity, a DynamicMold controller mounted on the side of the mold that can drive up to four inserts, and the LinQ unit, which supplies power and network connectivity near the molding machine. 

As a strong advantage, marking by matriq’s DM-qode 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.  

DM-qode 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. 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 of your specific materials in advance. 

The DM-qode inserts are controlled by the DynamicMold Controller, with the trigger signal for the code generated by the integrated temperature sensors of the insert. There, no additional machine signal is required. The controller is powered and managed by the 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 includes a touchscreen tablet running software with 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 process steps and takes only milliseconds, right inside the fabrication machine, not affecting the product cycle time. We help freeing space for other equipment in the production area. 

The DM-insert has meanwhile been tested for marking polymers of following types, among such as PS, PC, PMMA, ABS, PBT, or PP.

We strive to develop our DM 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. 

DM is operated by a DM-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 inserts mounted in the mold cavities to the Controller. The Controller only needs a power supply (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 hardware is complemented by a software and GUI allowing the machine operator to monitor the marking process using a browser interface on a tablet or a separate computer. Two key parameters generating optimal contrast and achieve the highest code quality on the final part. The status of all inserts and all pixels is recorded continuously. Also, the marking information (date/time or serial number/code management) is determined. 

Principally, marking a plastic product after it has already been formed (down-stream) is possible. However, the marking process requires much more heating energy, might reduce the Insert’s lifetime, and loses its advantageous edge. We do not recommend using DynamicMold outside 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. This ensures traceability of all relevant data throughout the entire product life cycle. 

DM-qode was originally designed for marking in injection molding. In principle, the marking principle is also applicable to blow molding and thermoforming. Very good results have already been achieved in tests. However, experience in this area is still limited. Feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

Our current inserts have a diameter of 8 mm, producing a 2D code measuring 4 mm by 4 mm. 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. Its storage capacity depends on the number of modules 

DM-qode marks 12x12 DataMatrix codes (ECC200) on the parts, which can store up to 10 digits or 6 alphanumeric characters. 

Products marked by DM-qode feature a surface code created through topographical contrast, known as a "direct part marking code" (DPM). These codes can be read using industrial code reader cameras paired 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 codes effectively.  

Reading DataMatrix codes with a smartphone typically requires a separate app. 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.