2D Bar Coding Steel Pipe

Steel pipe used for transporting oil and gas is tested and marked at many stages of production. As each pipe goes through forming, testing and assembly operations, the information about each pipe needs to be stored in a database. To aid in tracking information about each pipe, they are stenciled with information such as the grade, size, pressure rating, heat number, and manufacturer identification.

To aid in tracking each pipe, this manufacturer uses a REA-JET DOD ink jet printer to stencil text as well as a 2D Data Matrix code in bright white ink. The 2D code contains the unique pipe ID number, which allows pipes to be scanned at fixed locations in the plant and after they move to the storage yard. By scanning the 2D code, production data can be automatically stored and retrieved as needed.