There are significant tracking and inventory benefits if the identification markings also include a bar code. This can been accomplished by using an adhesive backed paper or vinyl label which is printed using thermal transfer or dot matrix printers. I.D. surface may not be acceptable for pipeline product. Customers are reluctant to place tubular product into service if it contains adhesive labels which may become detached in service. Labels affixed to the O.D. are quickly scraped off by handling equipment and are hidden in stacks.
Manual stencils are labor intensive and lack bar code capability.
What is needed is a non-contaminating, fully automated I.D. marking technology which will survive the process and which provides high contrast and high resolution marks suitable for standard bar codes, variable plus fixed information, and even logos. Therefore, direct surface marking using YAG lasers is not practical. It can, however, mark an applied paint patch. It is unnecessary to fully dry either coat prior to laser marking. The paint coats are applied using conventional air nebulized fan spray nozzles.