Marksättning

Marksättning is a term used to describe the process of applying marks, signs, or labels to objects to indicate identity, origin, ownership, quality, status, or other relevant information. The goal is to make information legible, durable, and verifiable for users, manufacturers, and authorities. The term is common in Swedish contexts and can cover a range of marking activities across different sectors.

Applications and domains

In manufacturing and logistics, marksning involves stamping or printing serial numbers, lot codes, barcodes, QR codes, or handling instructions on products and packaging to enable traceability and correct handling. In trade and consumer protection, marks help ensure compliance with labeling requirements and facilitate recalls. In cultural heritage and archaeology, artifacts are labeled with accession numbers or catalog identifiers to support inventory control and research. In agriculture and livestock management, animals and crops can be marked or tagged for identification and regulatory purposes (for example, for health monitoring or ownership). In crafts and art, hallmarks or maker’s marks may be applied to indicate provenance or authenticity.

Techniques and durability

Common methods include stamping, engraving, etching, laser marking, hot stamping, inkjet printing, and thermal transfer. The choice of method depends on the material, required durability, environmental exposure, and whether the mark should be permanent or removable. Durability considerations include resistance to wear, weather, cleaning agents, and tampering.

Standards and regulation

Marksättning often intersects with standards and regulatory requirements for labeling, traceability, and consumer safety. Organizations may specify placement, size, contrast, and data formats for legibility and machine-readability. Counterfeit prevention and tamper-evidence are additional concerns in many industries.

See also

Labeling, barcodes, RFID, traceability, product safety labeling.