Direct part-marking tool designed for medical devices

Roland's MPX-90M direct part-marking device imprints medical devices with 2-D DataMatrix Barcodes.

Roland DGA Corp., Irvine, Calif., this week unveiled a new compact and affordable direct part-marking tool designed specifically for medical devices, according to a Feb. 14 company news release. Based on the company's micro-percussion direct part-marking technology, the MPX-90M impact printer marks surgical instruments and tools with permanent GS1 DataMatrix barcodes, enabling manufacturers to readily comply with new, stricter supply chain regulations.

"The MPX-90M meets all 2012 U.S. Food & Drug Administration requirements for unique device identification," said Hiroshi Ono, group product manager for Roland. "Designed for accuracy and efficiency, the MPX-90M makes it easy for manufacturers to properly identify new and existing tools for tracking and traceability, a critical factor in ensuring patient safety."

The MPX-90M uses a durable diamond-tipped stylus to directly imprint on titanium, stainless steel and other hard metals up to 200 HV. Said to be ideal for device manufacturers with small lot production runs, the MPX-90M is capable of imprinting up to 26 digits of information inside an area as small as 1mm².

METAZAStudio software is included, which instantly converts numerical data into 2D DataMatrix barcodes in GS1 and other formats. In addition, the MPX-90M imprints numbers, text, symbols, logos, photos, QR codes and other graphics with precision. Variable data printing automates the serialization process, making it easy to mark each tool with a unique barcode, serial number or production date.