The investigation into the feasibility of using an ink jet system revealed that ink jet marking would not be applicable for all multiwire cable marking. This investigation arose out of a need to avoid damage to marking, eliminate the need for a covercoat, increase marking accuracy, and make marking an easier and faster operation. Three ink jet systems were evaluated for size, clarity, adherence, and overall appearance. Samples from one vendor were evaluated and determined to be satisfactory in all areas. Two types of tooling would be required for implementation of an ink jet system in the Multiwire Cable Department. Universal tooling could be developed for multiple use situations such as marking sleeving and potting shells. This type of tooling would be simple and easy to develop. For all other applications, a unique tool would be needed for each cable. This tooling would be complex and expensive. There would be a minimum of 200 cables that would require separate tools for marking. Ink jet marking is acceptable for multiwire cable use; however, some of the marking techniques needed make this a difficult and expensive operation. This system could easily be adapted for marking sleeving and potting shells. However, because of the complex tooling needs, the system would not be beneficial for other types of marking. (ERA citation 11:005934)
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