Omar Khalid
Plastic mold codes are used to indicate the date a product was molded, the type of resin used, and other production details. These codes are often found on plastic products and can include numbers, dials, arrows, and symbols. They are useful for quality control, product traceability, and recycling purposes. For example, date codes help identify defects by batch, while resin identification codes (RIC) inform consumers about the type of plastic resin used and whether the product is recyclable. Understanding these codes can provide insights into a product's manufacturing history and its potential for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To indicate when the part was moulded, for easy identification in case of malfunction or mishap in production, and to easily trace tooling and processing defects. |
| Identification | Plastic moulds have small dials that can be rotated with a screwdriver. These dials indicate the month or year the part was moulded. |
| Date Stamps | Used to mark when the parts were moulded, not for mould maintenance. Date stamps are also used to trace defects. |
| Lot Number | Indicates the production line, manufactured country, and colour of the products. |
| Resin Identification Code (RIC) | A technical standard with a set of symbols that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made. |
| RIC Symbols | ♳, ♴, ♵, ♶, ♷, ♸, ♹, ♺ |
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What You'll Learn
Date stamps and their uses
Date stamps are used to indicate when a plastic part was moulded. They are usually marked with a month or year number, and sometimes a week number, which is changed or stamped periodically. Date stamps are useful for identifying when a part was moulded in case of malfunction or mishap in production. They are also used to easily trace tooling and processing defects, for example, if a part moulded in August 2021 has a defect, it can be assumed that all parts produced after that point have the same defect.
Date stamps are also important for recalling auto parts. If there is a recall, the date stamps indicate how far back the affected parts were produced. Date stamps can also be used to identify what cavity within a mould a part came from. A mould can have several "cavities" that produce identical parts, and sometimes it is necessary to know which cavity a part came from in case a single part is defective.
Date stamps can be used as a marketing tool, providing the end user with important information about the product. They can also be used to track the movement of the mould tool between presses.
There are different types of date stamps available, such as front removable inserts, indexable inserts, and dual-ring inserts, which can be replaced or adjusted while the mould is in the press. The length, display mark, and depth of engraving of date stamps can also be customized according to customer requests.
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Resin Identification Code (RIC)
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) system was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), in 1988. The RIC system aims to identify the resin content of plastic containers commonly found in residential waste streams. This identification facilitates the collection, disposal, and recycling of these products in the post-consumer stage.
The RIC was initially created for people working in the recycling and plastic industries. Each of the seven RIC labels has a number surrounded by three arrows forming a triangle. The number refers to a different type of resin and provides details on the type of plastic a product is made of and how it can be recycled. For example, polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used for single-use bottled drinks, is usually accepted by most curbside recycling providers. On the other hand, high-density polyethylene, often used in packaging, is also often accepted by curbside recycling providers.
While there are no federal regulations mandating the use of RICs, at least 36 states in the US have enacted legislation requiring, in some form, the usage of RICs to identify the primary type of resin used in certain plastic products. Each state may have its own requirements, including different number codes for the RICs. For instance, multilayer plastic containers predominantly composed of a single resin may be coded based on their predominant resin content, provided that the other resins are compatible with the recycling systems for that resin.
The RIC system is covered by the ASTM International standard, D7611/D7611M, "Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification." ASTM International is also working on developing standards related to new codes for specific polymers. The original RIC symbol of "chasing arrows" was changed to a solid equilateral triangle to emphasize that the RIC's goal is to aid in resin identification rather than indicate a product's recyclability.
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Lot numbers and their significance
Lot numbers are an essential aspect of plastic mold codes, providing valuable information about the manufacturing process and the product itself. These codes are often imprinted, molded, or stamped onto the plastic during production, serving multiple purposes in quality control and traceability.
Firstly, lot numbers indicate the production specifics of a plastic item, such as the manufacturing date, production line, country of origin, and product colour. This information is crucial for identifying and addressing defects. For instance, if a defect is discovered in a product with a specific manufacturing date, it can be assumed that all items produced after that date may have the same issue. This knowledge helps manufacturers quickly pinpoint and rectify problems, ensuring consistent quality.
Lot numbers are also invaluable for product recalls. When a recall is necessary, lot numbers enable manufacturers to swiftly identify the specific batches or lots affected. This streamlines the recall process, ensuring that only the relevant products are removed from the market, minimising disruption and maintaining consumer confidence.
Additionally, lot numbers play a vital role in shelf life and expiration date management. For products with limited shelf lives, such as those in the food packaging, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, lot numbers indicate the manufacturing date. This information is critical for compliance with industry standards and legal requirements, helping manufacturers meet regulatory obligations.
Beyond quality control and recalls, lot numbers are essential for regulatory compliance and consumer safety. In certain industries, regulations mandate the inclusion of date codes on plastic parts. Manufacturers adhere to these standards by using standardised formats, typically combining letters and numbers to represent the year, month, and day of production. This consistency in coding ensures compliance with industry norms and enhances transparency in the supply chain.
In summary, lot numbers are a critical component of plastic mold codes, facilitating quality control, product traceability, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety. By providing key manufacturing details, lot numbers enable efficient defect identification, streamlined recalls, and adherence to industry standards, ultimately enhancing the overall integrity of the plastic products we use daily.
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How to identify the date
Date codes on plastic parts are alphanumeric codes or symbols that provide information about the manufacturing date of the part. These codes are often imprinted, moulded, or stamped onto the plastic during the manufacturing process. Date stamps are used to mark when the parts were moulded and are useful for quality control and recall management.
The date codes help manufacturers trace and identify the production batch or lot of a specific plastic part. This traceability is crucial for quality control and allows manufacturers to quickly identify and address any issues related to a specific production run. By including a date code, manufacturers can track when a particular plastic part was produced, facilitating the identification of any defective or substandard parts.
In some industries, there are regulatory requirements regarding the inclusion of date codes on plastic parts. Manufacturers typically use a standardised format for date codes, which may include a combination of letters and numbers representing the year, month, and day of production. For example, a date code of “ABC123” might indicate that the part was produced on the 12th day of the third month of the year ABC.
The date on plastic parts can be changed by a little arrow that turns with a screwdriver. The arrow will unscrew when the year is over, and a new year can be inserted without mould disassembly. In other cases, the mould operator may hit the mould with a punch for the new date, week, or month to put a ding into the part.
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Maintenance and date codes
Some manufacturers use date stamps or inserts to mark when the parts were moulded, which can be useful in the event of a product recall. These date inserts can be easily replaced or adjusted while the mould is in the press, and they are designed to be removed with a small screwdriver. The inserts have ball detents that click into position, ensuring they remain secure during the moulding process.
Maintenance on moulds is typically done based on the number of cycles, which can be traced by a simple counter. Preventative maintenance involves cleaning the mould, replacing greases, and flushing the cooling circuit. Major maintenance may include regrinding parting lines and vents, changing pillars and bushes, and polishing cavities.
Some companies also implement additional quality checks, such as X-raying parts in wax, dye penetrant testing, CMM inspection, and destructive testing. These measures help ensure the consistency and integrity of the moulded parts.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic mold codes are production marks that indicate when a plastic part was molded. They are also known as date stamps or date codes.
Plastic mold codes often include a small round month calendar with a pointer, or a series of dials that indicate the month and year. They may also include a lot number to indicate the production line, manufactured country, and color of the products.
Plastic mold codes are used to easily trace tooling and processing defects. If a defect is found in a product, manufacturers can assume that all parts produced after that point with the same date code have the same defect.
RICs are a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the product. They were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. RICs are often mistaken for recycling symbols, and ongoing consumer confusion has led to the development of alternative labels such as the "How2Recycle" system.
