For a growing number of industries, serialized traceability is becoming a necessary aspect of manufacturing parts and assemblies of all kinds. It involves marking parts with unique identification codes that enable one to track where each part was manufactured as well as which machines, programs, or specific tools were used in the process.
At Ricaurte Precision, Inc., our decades of experience providing contract manufacturing and complex machining services have given us insight into just how important traceability is for a range of customers. Read on to learn more about the benefits of serialized traceability, which industries rely on it, and how RPI handles serialization requests.
What Are the Benefits of Serialized Traceability?
In the context of complex machining services, serialized traceability consists of marking high-precision parts during or after they are machined to ensure traceability upon release. This can be done directly with the CNC machine or later with a separate laser-marking or etching process.
As the most accurate form of part traceability, serialization allows companies to track parts as they move along the manufacturing and supply chains. In addition to telling you where your part is at all times, serialization can help companies identify the root cause of any potential problems or recall an expired product.
But serialization doesn’t just help companies quickly solve product issues—it also ensures regulatory compliance and reinforces brand image. For example, the transparency afforded by serialization can simultaneously assuage regulators and act as evidence of corporate responsibility.
Which Industries Rely on Serialization?
Serialization has long been a common requirement in the medical industry. In the United States, for instance, many medical devices are legally required to have UDI (unique device identifier) codes that specify details such as production date, batch number, serial number, and expiration date.
Increasingly, we’re also seeing customers request serialization for defense and aerospace machining projects—which is no surprise when one considers how heavily regulated these industries already are.
How Does RPI Handle Serialization Requests?
Because serialization and traceability requirements can differ considerably from industry to industry, RPI handles these requests on a case-by-case basis—and only at a customer’s request.
When it comes to serialization, planning is key. For this reason, we always talk our customers through the following points as they plan out their serialization needs:
- There’s a time and place for everything: we’ll work with you to confirm the purpose and rationale of serialization.
- Certain features, like complex geometries, can make part marking difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. If you decide to proceed with a serialization request, it’s critical to factor in potential extra costs and time.
- For small parts, laser marking post-machining is often quicker than modifying the entire CNC program for each part.
- Similarly, there are some practical limits on marking small areas on already small parts.
No matter the approach or the material that will be marked, RPI has the machines, personnel, and processes to make it happen. More specifically, our decades of experience with serialization have enabled us to develop cutting-edge best practices, including thoroughly documenting your project details in our digital ERP system and always segregating parts internally by shift.
Let RPI Make Your Parts Traceable—No Matter Where They’re Headed
Whether you’re in the medical, defense, or aerospace industry, RPI’s deep experience with serialization and state-of-the-art complex machining services will ensure that your project is properly executed.
Working with us will guarantee traceability for the parts you desire for the entirety of their life cycles—whether they’re destined to save lives, defend our country, or explore the outer reaches of space.
Ready to get started with serialized traceability? Request a quote today.
