Production records · Quality and production control
Batch identification and traceability in FDM
Traceability is not an end in itself. It should identify affected parts, the approved state produced and the information available for root-cause analysis.
In brief
Depth follows risk: container identification may be enough, while interchangeable variants or critical parts may require an individual ID.
Four data levels
A robust chain links product, material, process and inspection.
- Product
- Part number, variant, CAD revision
- Material
- Trade name, colour, supplier lot
- Process
- Job, orientation, approved parameter set
- Inspection
- Inspection plan, results, release status
Choose identification
Identification must not compromise function or legibility.
- Container label for homogeneous, separated batches.
- Recessed or raised marking for variants and revisions.
- Use individual serial numbers only when traceability benefit justifies the effort.
Separate changes cleanly
Old and new revisions must not be mixed in production, inspection or packaging.
- Define a date or order boundary for changeover.
- Record remaining stock and disposition.
- Update identification and accompanying records together.