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Month: September 2016

Barcodes for Businesses

It is difficult to think back to a time when there were no barcodes, that is because barcodes have been around since the late 1940s. At Hallmark Nameplate we specialize in creating nameplates for many purposes out of many different materials. Of all the nameplates we manufacture, one thing is constant – most products need a code. The Barcode was invented nearly seventy years ago. This code has enabled companies to organize and keep track of inventory, equipment, and much more. We understand how important quality nameplates are to your products, and ensure that every barcode we print on a nameplate will help your company remain organized from manufacturer to end user.

Where Did Barcodes Come From?

In the late 1940s, two mechanical engineers from Drexel University set out to help grocers automate the checkout process in their stores. They patented a “Classifying Apparatuses and Methods” system using thick and thin lines, in a process similar to Morse Code. Over the next twenty years, new methods came in and out of fashion until in 1966 the development of the UPC or Universal Product Code. This code provided a universal “language” for all products to be tracked and organized. Since then, more and more information has been added to these codes. Today certain types of codes can contain up to 7,000 numbers or 4,000 characters of text In a single image.  Codes now provide users with more information than ever before.

How Do You Get A UPC?

For businesses that sell products, UPCs and barcodes are necessary. No matter which style you decide to go with, (traditional 1D or 2D). Thankfully registering your UPC is very easy. First, you must apply for a GS1 company prefix. This number and code are unique to your company. The GS1 US is a not-for-profit company that assigns all UPC company prefixes and product numbers in the US. This allows for a standardized system that is affordable. Second, your products will be assigned product numbers that will be able to be scanned and registered across the globe. Once this information is assigned, you can decide how you would like your barcode to look. And finally, you can add these all-important codes to the designs for the high-quality nameplates we manufacture.

How Many Different Codes are There?

There are many different kinds of codes available and each has its own purpose. However, there are two distinct categories of barcodes that can provide a lot of information to the people who use them. The first is classified as 1D barcodes and they are used for things like inventory and retail stores (UPC), tracking shipments, identification, and inventory (Code 39), encoding zipcodes on the U.S. mail (POSTNET), ISBN numbers for books (Bookland), warehouse and shipping (Interleaved 2 of 5) and for organization for industries like blood banks (Codabar).  In addition to 1D barcodes, there are also 2D barcodes that are becoming very popular because they can store much more information such as, websites and even audio and video files in a single code. QR Codes, Maxicode, PFD417, and Data Matrix codes are used by industries such as: airlines, health care, UPS, USPS, commercial, retail, and IT. Because these codes can hold so much information, and nearly everyone can scan them with a mobile device, their usage is becoming more popular. Now instead of being simply assigned a UPC by the GS1 US, you can also create codes that scan your product and bring consumers straight to your website with the push of a button.

What Substrate Is Right For My Code?

UPC Codes are the fingerprint of every product on the market today, choosing a substrate to print your code to can be fun and easy at Hallmark Nameplate. Depending on the application of your code, many substrates may be desirable. If you need coded nameplates that will help you track equipment around your warehouse, aluminum or vinyl nameplates may be the best option. If you Want to provide the users of your product with video and more information as well as be able to track the product, a QR code printed on durable mylar may be perfect for your project. To decide what kind of code you need and substrate it should be printed on, speak to your Hallmark Nameplate representatives today. We can help you decide which code is right for your product and which nameplate will best suit your needs.

What Are Printed Circuit Boards?

If you have an electronic device, it probably has a printed circuit board (PCB). These boards are responsible for the operation of electronic devices. But what are these key aspects of electronics, how are they made, and how did they come to be so important?

What is a Printed Circuit Board?

Printed Circuit Boards are boards that connect various points together through lines and pads. They allow signals and power to connect between two separate physical devices. While the term “printed circuit board” is typically used, other terms to describe these include “printed wiring board” and “printed wiring card.”

Before PCBs came into existence, circuits were constructed using point-to-point wiring. This led to the failure of wire junctions and short circuits if the insulation would age or crack. It was because of this that the need arose for a more durable unit. The answer would be PCBs.

PCBs also became a need as electronics became more common in consumer goods. To ensure that these every day electronics had all of the necessary components, the size and manufacturing costs needed to be reduced. Thus came the invention of PCBs.

History of the Printed Circuit Board

Printed circuit boards were first used in the 1940s as a way to connect discrete components such as resisters and transistors. By the 1960s, while electronic systems were still mostly using these discrete components, PCBs were beginning to be widely used. As time progressed, integrated circuits, known as chips, began to emerge and were subsequently added to circuit boards. When the 1980s arrived, PCBs contained a large number of chips. As technology has progressed, PCBs have moved further away from discrete components and closer to chips which contain a few thousands to hundreds of millions of transistors. Today’s PCBs connect mostly chips with very few discrete components.

What are Printed Circuit Boards Made of?

The substrate, or base material, of a PCB is typically fiberglass. The fiberglass that has historically been used for this purpose is designated as FR-4, a flame resistant, woven fiberglass. The next layer is a thin copper foil which is laminated to the board using heat and an adhesive. On top of the copper foil is a soldermask layer. The purpose of the soldermask layer is to insulate the copper to ensure no other metals come into contact with it. The final layer is silkscreen. This is the layer that will add the letters, numbers, and symbols that are commonly seen on PCBs.

What are Etched Circuits?

Printed circuits are really etched circuits. These circuits can have very few layers or several layers. A copper foil is placed over the fiberglass or a plastic base of each of the layers and is covered with photoresist, a material that loses its resistance or susceptibility to an attack by an etchant or a solvent when exposed to light. When light is sent through the negative image of the circuit paths and onto the photoresist, the areas that remains following the etching are hardened. Any unhardened areas are washed away by an acid bath. To complete the process, the finished layers are glued together.

Why Hallmark Nameplate?

Hallmark Nameplate is a company that features experienced professionals when it comes to assembling PCBs. Their services include PCB assembly, testing, PCB encapsulation, prototype PCB assembly, and PCB engineering. As an ITAR-certified producer of PCBs, Hallmark Nameplate hold themselves to a high standard producing military-grade products. This ensures that anything PCB assembled by Hallmark Nameplate will be of the highest quality.

The functionality and construction of electronics has developed dramatically over the years. As technology has advanced, the need for printed circuit boards has increased. Even after PCBs were invented, most electronics featured more discrete components than chips. However, as manufacturers attempt to make smaller and less expensive devices, chips are more common than discrete components making PCBs that much more important.

When having PCBs manufactured or assembled, it is imperative that it is done to the highest quality to ensure maximum functionality of electronic devices. Hallmark Nameplate is an ITAR-certified company and a member of the Special Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). They are leaders in the industry and are held to the highest standards. So if you’re in need of PCB assembly services, look no further than Hallmark Nameplate.

Creating Warning Labels With Hallmark Nameplate

As leading nameplate manufacturers we create many different types of high quality, durable nameplates. From graphic overlays to membrane switches, any type of nameplate that you can dream we can make. One nameplate that is different from all the rest however, is the warning label. This label alerts consumers and users of the product that there are certain things they need to be aware of or avoid doing while using the product. This is often the most important label on the machine or product because it can absolve manufactures of legal liability if their product was used incorrectly. We create warning labels with many different types of materials knowing that there are many different products that require a warning label. While we do not design warning labels for the companies we create them for, it is important to understand what needs to be on a warning label before submitting your design to Hallmark Nameplate.

What is a Warning Label?

Warning labels are the labels placed on many products alerting consumers to the dangers of using the specific product beyond its intended use. Companies have a duty to warn any consumers, or anyone who may be harmed by its use, that they have the possibility of being harmed while using the product. Due to product liability law, there are many things that must be stated to absolve a company of any wrongdoing if a product was not used as intended, or if the consumer did not heed the information on the warning label. Warning labels can be placed on the product itself, as a nameplate, or be provided with the product in packaging materials. It is up to the manufacturer to decide which is best for their product and for the consumers who will be using them.

What Needs to Be On a Warning Label?

When designing a warning label it is important for the manufacturer to understand who will be using his product and, therefore, who stands to be harmed while using it.  No business owner creates products that will intentionally harm its users, however to limit liability they must inform users of any potential harm they might encounter. Understanding who will be using your product and how, can significantly alter how you decide to display your warning label. For example on a medical device that will be used by many nurses or doctors, a solid warning label affixed to the side of the machine will alert all who use the machine to the harm inappropriately using it will bring. Courts have held manufactures responsible for informing those they, “reasonably foresee would be likely to use its product or who are likely to come into contact with the danger, if any, inherent in the use of its product,” So, when creating a warning label be sure to take users into consideration.

Simply providing a warning is not enough. The warning must adequately inform users of the potential harm. As a manufacturer, you know your product better than anyone and are best suited to create an adequate warning label. Several product liability cases have set a precedent for what constitutes an adequate warning label. When drafting your warning label before sending it to Hallmark Nameplate to be printed on the substrate of your choice, take these findings into account. In Shanks v. Upjohn Co., 835 p.2d 1189,1200 (Alaska 1992), the court found that adequate warning labels must, “1) clearly indicate the scope of the risk or danger posed by the product; 2) reasonably communicate the extent or seriousness of harm that could result from the risk or danger; and 3) be conveyed in such a manner as to alert the reasonably prudent person.” This is but a small piece of what determines a legally adequate warning label. It is very important that you seek the help of your company’s lawyer when drafting your product’s warning label.
Warning labels are a very important part of your product. They alert users to any foreseeable danger that may occur due to use of a product. Choosing the substrate of your warning label is very important as well. At Hallmark Nameplate we have a wide variety of substrates for warning labels. From paper to aluminum, depending on what your product is and how you and your lawyers decide is best to inform the consumers of your product, we have the appropriate warning label for you. If you have any questions about the best substrate for your warning labels, call your representative at Hallmark Nameplates today.

What is ITAR and Why is it Important?

Hallmark Nameplate is an approved supplier of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This ensures that the company is held to high standards and produce military-grade products. But what is ITAR and what does it mean to be ITAR compliant?

What is ITAR?

ITAR is a set of regulations with the purpose of controlling the importation and exportation of defense-related goods that are listed on the United States Munitions List (USML). By controlling the importation and exportation of these munitions, the government is able to ensure that any defense-related technology is in the capable and trustworthy hands of companies like Hallmark Nameplate and not putting the American people in danger. These regulations are enforced through the Department of State.

Who Has to Register with ITAR?

Any manufacturers, exporters, or brokers of defense articles that work with services that are on the USML must register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), which is a part of the State Department. When going through the registration process, specific aspects of the business they conduct, such as who is involved in certain manufacturing, exporting, or brokering activities, must be provided to the United States government. Registering with the DDTC doesn’t give the organization the ability to export but it is a prerequisite to obtain a license or any other type of approval to be able to export.

How Do Companies Register with ITAR?

If a company registers with ITAR, they must send in their registration electronically to the DDTC and it is recommended they submit it 60 days in advance. The review time for registration typically lasts around 45 days. Once a company is approved with ITAR, they will receive a unique registration code. This code is made up of one letter followed by four or five numbers. If the registrant is a manufacturer or exporter, their code will begin with the letter M. If they are a broker, their code will begin with the letter K. The code is unique to the company that it has been issued to and is the sole property of that company. From the date the code is issued, it will be good for 12 months, at which time the company must renew their registration.

What Does It Mean to Be ITAR Compliant?

The terms “ITAR certified” and “ITAR compliant” are not used by ITAR. Being ITAR certified or ITAR compliant simply means registering with the DDTC to be able to sell products and services that are on the USML. If a company is ITAR compliant, they understand what it takes to follow the regulations of ITAR and hold themselves to those standards.

What is a Violation of ITAR and Penalties Thereof?

If the required license or written approval from the DDTC is not obtained, it is against the law to export, attempt to export, or transfer any products or services listed in the USML to a foreign end-user. It’s also illegal to import, attempt to import, or conspire to export or import any products or services listed in the USML to a foreign end-user. Additionally, anyone who engages in the business of brokering activities without a license or written approval by the DDTC or manufactures such materials without a license or approval is subject to penalties.

But what kind of penalties can be assessed for committing violations? Illegally exporting, importing, or transferring products and services listed on the USML to a foreign end-user without a license or written approval can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

What Does ITAR Compliance Means for Hallmark Nameplate?

Hallmark Nameplate routinely partners with suppliers of the United States military as they produce nameplates, graphic overlays, and electronic assemblies. The fact that Hallmark Nameplate is ITAR compliant is an assurance that their products are properly tested and are capable of military-grade conditions. It also gives customers that supply the military the confidence that the nameplates, graphic overlays, and electronic assemblies are guarded as the government recommends.

If your business is a supplier for the United States military, it’s imperative that your manufacturing partner is ITAR compliant. That will ensure that each of their products and services are to the standard required by the Department of State and that they follow the proper protocols to avoid potential violations. Hallmark Nameplate is proud to be an ITAR compliant company ensuring that partners receive thoroughly tested and military-grade products.