3. Safety-Critical Component Marking (Airbags, Seatbelts, Brakes)

What it is: Safety-critical parts demand the highest traceability standards. Every airbag inflator, seatbelt retractor, and brake caliper must be traceable to its manufacturing batch.

How lasers are used:

• Annealed or lightly engraved 2D DataMatrix codes on metal components
• Marking must not compromise structural integrity
• Annealing is preferred for thin-walled components (brake lines, inflator housings)
• Deep engraving on thicker components (caliper bodies, mounting brackets)

Compliance requirements:

• ISO 26262 (functional safety) requires documented traceability
• IATF 16949 mandates process control for safety-critical characteristics
• Marks must survive the component’s entire service life (15–25+ years)