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UDI code Laser marking in the medical industry

UDI code for identifying medical devices

The UDI (Unique Device Identification) code is applied to medical devices to ensure traceability for the benefit of both manufacturers and patients. This code is mandatory and ensures:


Laser marking on medical devices

Medical device laser marking is widely used for applying UDI codes, as it ensures the highest safety and durability standards. Moreover, laser marking reduces errors considerably and allows the creation of Datamatrix codes (0.5 x 0.5 mm) that are legible even on the smallest devices.

Laser marking on metal and medical plastic complies with all traceability parameters, including:

Every stage of the marking process is essential to ensure product traceability, including the choice of a suitable laser marker, its precision, and automation to minimise human errors.

Medical devices can be rejected because the UDI marking is incorrect, or the components are not positioned properly. In this case, costs are considerable.

Usually, the marking of these devices follows the production batch, interfaces with the factory system and creates sequential codes containing information about the place and date of production.

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GS1-128 LINEAR BARCODE (commonly used for UDI data capture)
DI (Device Identifier)
Mandatory, it is the fixed part of the UDI coding that identifies the product and the specific version or model
PI (Production Identifier)
Conditional, is the variable part of the UDI encoding that can include one or more of the following information:

Direct marking in the medical industry has a code system – GS1-128 and GS1 Datamatrix – containing information for traceability purposes.
Our laser marker uses the following processes to apply these codes:

  • Cold marking

    the oxide film remains intact, while the surface darkens

  • Laser Engraving:

    removes material from the workpiece

  • Laser Marking

    Black laser marking: surface heating

The UDI code must be visible to the human eye and applied to devices, which can be divided into the following categories:

Laser marking on stainless steel, titanium and medical plastic

Usually, medical devices are made of stainless steel, plastic and titanium.
Laser marking processes on steel are by oxidation and ablation.


    Annealing ensures an impalpable laser marking. The laser heats the surface, changing its colour. No material removal, no damage to the surface, high contrast and defined outlines.

Detergents, disinfectants, sterilisation and passivation processes can corrode the UDI codes on stainless steel medical devices. A budgeting study of these factors can avoid this scenario, as can setting ideal marking parameters to ensure long-lasting results and unchanged contrast.

Laser marking on titanium, which is known for its resistance to corrosion, oxidises the surrounding air, thus obtaining a dark blue UDI code.

As for plastic, usually test-tubes or thin tubes, LASIT has replaced the UV technology with one that marks all medical devices while maintaining high-quality standards.

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Date: 19/03/2020

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