You would like to learn how it's possible to create high-contrast, resilient and durable markings on dental products? Then download FOBA's application case study here.
Dental products are marked for various reasons with various content. The UDI labelling regulation according to FDA and MDR applies to multi-use instruments that have to be reprocessed (e.g. autoclave) before each use.
Such dental products include endodontic and parodontic instruments, various curettes and sinus lift instruments, implant drills, osteotomes and condensers. Instruments like these also have to be marked with permanent CE signs or – as in the case of drills – with depth gauges.
Direct marking does not apply to sterile packed dental implants and screws. However, for many reasons, it makes good sense to apply a direct laser mark on such dental products, and many manufacturers already do so: Brand logos, trademark signs and the CE sign ensure protection against counterfeiting; laser marked depth gauges provide treatment safety; and reliably machine-readable 2D codes guarantee full traceability throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Challenges
Besides the various regulations – such as the UDI directive – hospital logistics related requirements are increasingly gaining importance. Clinics benefit from standardized, consistently marked and reliably traceable dental products. Manufacturers providing products in accordance with these demands enjoy distinct competitive advantages. Additionally, also functional markings such as depth gauges or optical markings for the purpose of brand and counterfeit protection are required. High quality standards, patient safety and traceability have to be ensured as well as an efficient and almost error-free production with as little scrap as possible.
Furthermore, next to the materials – ranging from Titanium nitride through stainless to Titan-oxidized surfaces as well as some plastic compounds –, it's the direct marking of the tiny devices that challenges the industry. The smallest markings have to be applied in minimal spaces with the highest resolution and contrast. All marks must be biocompatible and reliably readable. In the case of reusable reprocessed instruments, all marks have to survive multiple autoclave cycles.
The Solution
You would like to learn how it's possible to create high-contrast, resilient and durable markings on dental products? You can download the complete application case study here.
