We've been using pre-printed labels on our PCB's for years, with 8 - 10 hours a week down time associated with them. Last October we put a CO2 laser marker on one of our lines. In 6 months we've had a total of 30 minutes down time.
We use a 2D barcode and our circuit board supplier puts down a silk screen on the board that we lase the code into. The silk screed adds about five cents per board, but the virtual elimination of down-time attributed to labelling is worth it. Most laser marker manufacturers will take samples of your boards, mark them to your specifications, then give you an evaluation of the mark. I personally sent material samples to 3 companies for their evaluation.
The inline marker cost about $30,000 more than the label applicator, but no label material cost. The CO2 tube has to be "recharged" every 2 years. The X-Y positioning system allows us to mark any size board. From the preliminary indications, all lines will go to laser marking with 2D codes when we change to a new product.
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