Mark
I can offer one opinion from the assembly trenches - I prefer to see ink marking because I had a bad case one time of oscillators that were laser marked.  The laser had burned through the plating to the steel.  When we built the boards and ran them through the wash, rust appeared.  Not good.  So given a choice of "worst case" possibilities, I think I'd prefer markings that might come off vs markings that result in rust.

Just one 2 cent opinion, it'll take a while to collect enough for a coffee.  Good luck!

regards

Graham Collins
Process Engineer, Litton Systems Canada, Atlantic Facility
(902) 873-2000 ext 6215

>>> [log in to unmask] 10/04/00 09:28AM >>>
Dear Technetters...

I previously have had only PCB construction experience and am now working
for a firm which manufactures electronic components (oscillators, crystals,
filters).  Since I am new to this type of manufacturing, I was hoping
someone could share some of their knowledge in the area of part marking.
Please see if you can help with the following questions:

1.)     Which do you prefer (laser or ink marking and why)?  Recommendation
of a company?
2.)     Is anyone aware of a full-inline marking system for use with metal
cased dips...8-pin and 14-pin, specifically (with rails, sensors, possibly
tube compatible, etc.)?
3.)     If an inline system is not available, are there any
systems/companies which cater to integrating something like this?

Any input would be most appreciated.  Thank you.

Regards,
Mark Gilbert, Product/Process Engineer
FOX Electronics
For Frequency Control Solutions. . . Fast:
1-888-GET2FOX, ext. 289
Fax: 941-693-1554

http://www.foxonline.com/ <http://www.foxonline.com/>

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