Direct Part Marking (DPM) is a process that allows users to imprint a bar code directly on an item instead of printing the code on a paper label. Different technologies are available to directly mark objects: laser / chemical etching, dot peening and ink jet printing. Each of these methods have specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, cost and ease of reading. The PowerScan™ 9500-DPM product series are rugged handheld area imagers specifically addressed and capable of reading codes marked with DPM.

The PowerScan DPM series include the latest optics and software from Datalogic to make the reading of codes with DPM easy and intuitive. The typical reading distance is from contact to 4-5 cm / 1.5-1.9 in, depending on the DPM technology used, the code resolution, and the material and surface type. The scanner is also capable of reading standard bar codes on printed labels. High density optics allow the capture of very small, high-resolution codes in a range from near contact up to 15.0 cm / 5.9 in.