BS 10121:2022 – Asset Marking Testing
RFID security tag
Ensure Your Assets Are Secure and Traceable with Reliable Marking
Asset marking is essential for deterring theft, supporting asset recovery, and indicating item origins. Various marking types serve different purposes, each with unique attributes such as visibility, readability, and resistance to environmental conditions.
Adhering to BS 10121 Standards
The BS 10121:2022 – Asset Marking Testing standard provides comprehensive guidelines for testing asset markings to ensure their effectiveness and durability. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can guarantee their marks withstand temperature, humidity, and other environmental challenges.
Benefits of Testing to BS 10121:2022 – Asset Marking Testing
- Compliance with industry standards and legal mandates
- Assurance of mark durability and effectiveness
- Guidance for selecting appropriate marking methods
Marking technologies BS 10121:2022 standard applies to;
- Chemical Etching (Type A): This involves using a chemical compound to produce a visible mark on an asset.
- Chemical (UV) Etching (Type B): This covert marking method uses a chemical compound that is only visible under an ultraviolet light source.
- Laser Etching (Type C): This marking method uses laser technology to create visible marks on the surface of an asset.
- Engraving (Type D): This method involves electromechanically cutting or carving the surface of a hard material, such as metal, to create a mark.
- Microdots (Type E): Microdots are tiny markings that require specialist equipment to read and are not easily visible to the naked eye.
- Forensic Marking (Type F): This marking method uses forensic coding materials to uniquely identify an asset. It requires specialized training and equipment for identification.
- Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) (Type G): RFID tags use electromagnetic fields to identify and track assets. They require a reader to access the information stored in the tag.
- Security Labels (Types H, I, J): These labels incorporate security features such as anti-destruction or anti-counterfeit measures. They may include holographic or covert marks, forensic coding materials, or leave a permanent chemical etched or UV footprint when removed.
- Stamping (Type K): Stamping involves indenting or marking a hard surface, usually metal, by electromechanically punching an impression into the surface.
Comprehensive Asset Marking Testing
Environmental Conditioning Tests:
- Temperature and Humidity Cycling
- Resistance to Extreme Cold or Heat
- Temperature Shock
- Water Spray Resistance
- Salt Mist Corrosion
- Sinusoidal Vibration-Operational
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Artificial Weathering Resistance
These tests ensure marks remain readable and durable over time.
Chemical and Mechanical Attacks: Testing involves subjecting these markings to various chemical and mechanical conditions to assess their durability and attempt to destroy the product.
Tools and Materials Used in Attack Tests:
- Sanding block
- Scissors
- Utensils/knife
- Bank card
- Glass polishing kit
- Chisel
- Wire wool/brush
- Screwdriver
- Body filler
- Glass chip repair kit
- Saliva/water
- Petroleum-based water displacement spray
- Washing up liquid
- White spirit
- Acetone (diluted 50%)
- Household cream cleaner
- Scouring powder
