How is a stainless steel QR code sign made? From steel plates to code scanning, reveal the delicate work in the workshop

Recently, many friends in the background have been asking, you always said that you can make stainless steel QR code signs. How did this thing go from a cold steel plate to a smart sign that can scan out information with a "beep"? Just saying that the material is durable and has a large amount of information always seems to be separated by a layer, so I won’t be fooling you. Let me walk you through the production process behind it. To put it bluntly, this is a “fine operation” that combines traditional metal craftsmanship and modern digital technology. Every step must be taken into consideration.

first step: Ideas come to fruition, design comes first

Everything is difficult at the beginning. Design is the beginning of this "difficulty". Don't think it is as simple as drawing a frame and pasting a black and white square code in the middle. When customers bring their needs, we have to think about them first.: Where is this brand used? Indoor or outdoor? How long do you have to carry it in the wind, sun and rain? How far is the scanning distance? These directly determine the size and complexity of the QR code (that is, the fault tolerance rate) and the overall thickness and surface treatment process of the brand.

An inspection code used on outdoor equipment may often be scanned by dirty gloves, so its fault tolerance level must be increased, and it must be able to recognize even if it is partially worn. In terms of pattern design, there must be enough "quiet zones" around it, and there must not be too many fancy decorations that interfere with code scanning. Our designers repeatedly adjusted and tested in front of the computer, and used professional software to generate the most "manufacturing-resistant" QR code graphic. This graphic is the "constitution" of all subsequent processes.

Step 2: Cutting the boards and laying a solid foundation

The design is finalized, and then we go to the workshop. The stainless steel plate and coil are delivered. First, we cut the material according to the brand size. The shearing machine "clicks" and cuts it into pieces as needed. The material is generally 304 or 316 stainless steel. 316 is mostly used for outdoor use because it is more corrosion-resistant and the thickness ranges from There are thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm or even thicker. Depending on the load-bearing and budget, the edges of the cut boards may be a little burred and must be smoothed with a grinding wheel or special tool. This is called "chamfering", otherwise it will be easy to scratch. This step is to lay the foundation. The board will be smooth and clean, so that the subsequent efforts will not be in vain.

Step 3: Core process, giving "identity"”

This is a key step in engraving the QR code pattern on stainless steel. There are several mainstream methods now, each with its own temperament.

• laser marking:  This is currently the most commonly used and sophisticated carbon dioxide fiber laser or fiber laser. It is like an ultra-high-precision "light knife" that scans the stainless steel surface line by line according to the graphics imported by the computer. By controlling the energy of the laser, two effects can be achieved.: One is Deep carving , directly vaporizes the surface material and carves out permanent concave marks. This is the most durable and has a strong black and white contrast. ； The other is Shallow mark , the surface is oxidized and blackened through high temperature to form color contrast, but does not destroy the surface flatness. The laser has extremely high precision and can perfectly restore the details of the QR code, ensuring that each small square (module) is clearly legible, which is the basis for successful code scanning.

• Etching (chemical or electrolytic etching):  If you need a deeper texture or special visual effect, you may use etching. First cover the board with an anti-corrosion film, use a machine to engrave the QR code pattern on the film to expose the part that needs to be etched, and then put in chemicals or electrolysis to corrode a layer of the exposed metal part to form a concave pattern, and finally clean off the protective film. This method can make it very deep and have a unique texture, but the process is more complicated and the environmental requirements are also high.

• stamping:  If it is a standard code with a large batch size and a fixed pattern, you can consider mold stamping, which is fast and the cost is diluted. However, the initial mold cost is high, and once the QR code is generated, it cannot be changed, and the flexibility is poor. It is relatively rarely used now.

Which process to choose depends on quantity, accuracy requirements, budget and delivery time. Laser marking has become the absolute main force because of its flexibility, high precision and non-contact.

Step 4: "Make-up" on the surface to improve texture and durability

Brands that have just come out of the laser machine or etching tank may still have processing marks (such as slight oxidation caused by laser burning, matte surface after etching), which requires surface treatment to "make up".

• Cleaning and polishing:  First clean it thoroughly to remove oil stains and processing residues. If you need a mirror-like bright effect, you must use a polishing wheel and polishing paste for mechanical polishing, or use electrolytic polishing to make the surface shiny. If it is matte or brushed, use an abrasive belt or nylon wheel to create a uniform silk pattern. This texture directly affects the "appearance" and feel of the brand.

• Coloring (optional):  If you don’t want the natural color of stainless steel, you can pass plating (Titanium plating, black nickel plating, etc.) or Vacuum ion plating (PVD)  Coloring the brand into various colors such as gold, black, rose gold, etc. can also increase the surface hardness and wear resistance. The color of PVD is more durable and stable. For the QR code part, special attention should be paid when coloring to not affect the black and white contrast, otherwise it will be troublesome if it cannot be scanned out.

• Spray or silk screen (optional):  Sometimes it is necessary to add text, logos or decorative patterns around the QR code. In this case, spraying colored paint or screen printing may be used. After completion, a layer of transparent paint may be sprayed Protective varnish , to further improve scratch resistance and anti-corrosion, especially for brands used outdoors.

Step 5: Assembly and quality inspection, the last tremor

After the main body of the brand is ready, you still have to "install" it. Depending on the installation method, you may weld screw posts on the back, drill mounting holes in the corners, or apply thick double-sided tape. If it is a double-sided display hangtag, you may also need to attach a chain or buckle.

But after all these steps are done, the most critical part comes—— Quality inspection , this is not just a casual look. Appearance inspection , check the surface for scratches, stains, and uneven color. Size check , use calipers to measure to ensure accuracy. The most important thing is Scan code test ! This is not just about scanning a mobile phone. The workshop quality inspector will prepare several mobile phones of different brands and models (Apple, Android, both old and new systems), and scan the QR code from different distances and angles under different light conditions (strong light, low light, side light). They must ensure that each scan can quickly and accurately jump to the preset link, text or information, and must be verified multiple times to ensure that everything is foolproof. A brand that cannot be scanned is just a piece of scrap metal, and simple Environmental simulation test , such as wiping with alcohol cotton to check the adhesion ； Or do a salt spray test sampling to see if the corrosion resistance meets the standard.

Step 6: Packaging and shipping, mission begins

Signs that pass all inspections will be carefully wrapped with protective film or bubble bags to prevent scratches during transportation, then packed into boxes, attached with installation instructions or precautions, and sent to all parts of the country, to factory workshops, equipment pipelines, park tours, cultural relic introductions, etc., to begin its long "service" career.

So you see, a seemingly simple stainless steel QR code sign needs to be carefully polished by so many hands from design to finished product. It is not only a carrier of information, but also the epitome of modern manufacturing that combines design aesthetics, material science, precision processing and digital technology. Next time you "Di" "When you glance at such a cold and intelligent metal sign, you may be reminded that it has experienced such a wonderful journey from steel to data. What we do in this industry is the "bridging" work that connects the physical world and the digital world. What we pay attention to is solidity and reliability.