4Jet unveils QR code marker for tires

4JET Technologies GmbH will unveil during the TIRE Technology Expo in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 12-13, a laser marking process that can individually mark tires with a unique and permanent QR (quick response) code.

The company said the code can be identified with most smart phone camera apps.

4JET’s SCANNECT solution—short for “scan and connect”—engraves an individual datamatrix code in tire sidewalls. The high contrast engraving can be read using public domain apps available for Apple iOS or Android devices.

The product is able to:

• Directly link to a Web-based CRM database, enabling manufacturers to identify their end customers and address them with specific marketing campaigns;
• Allow OE tire manufacturers to use the codes as a means of assuring traceability and reducing the impact of product recalls;
• Let commercial fleet managers organize inventory, track usage and prevent theft; and
• Enable end customers to retrieve technical and commercial information about their tire specs, suitable replacements or quickly enter online market places for replacements or to sell used tires, the company said.

The laser markings can be applied in the tire factory, during the car/wheel assembly or at the point of sale. Laser engraved QR codes are recessed into the surface of the tire and hence protected from wear, according to the company.

Marking is performed by the latest version of 4JET’s line of T-Mark systems that are used in new tire and retread tire manufacturing worldwide.

The process creates a deep black marking on the bottom of the engraving, the company said, providing enough contrast to be read with cameras in mobile devices.

The proprietary process, comprising special optics, laser parameters and control software integrated in 4JET’s standard marking systems is now commercially available, 4JET said.