Controlled geometry
Camera position, magnification, focus and symbol size must fit the verifier's working range.
Current DPM quality methodology
ISO/IEC 29158:2025 DPM verification explained
Specify controlled direct part mark grading separately from code reading and data validation, using optics and illumination developed for the component surface.
Application-led specification
What ISO/IEC 29158 covers
ISO/IEC 29158:2025 specifies a method for evaluating the quality of direct part marked two-dimensional symbols. ISO published the current edition in March 2025; it replaces the 2020 edition. The method addresses the distinctive optical behaviour of marks created directly on parts.
Verification is different from reading. A production reader answers whether a symbol decodes under its configured conditions. Data validation checks whether the decoded value matches the value expected for that component. Verification measures defined symbol characteristics using controlled geometry, calibration and illumination and reports a grade.
The correct acceptance threshold is not chosen by the camera supplier alone. It should come from the applicable customer, industry or project requirement and be confirmed against the marking process, surface and reading environment.
Arrange a marking trialSpecify the complete process
Four factors that shape the right system
Mark quality, production control and traceability are developed together on representative components.
Illumination
Diffuse, directional and other arrangements interact differently with laser contrast, indentations, machining and curvature.
Calibration and method
The inspection setup, calibration and reported parameters need to follow the agreed verification procedure.
Process feedback
Grades and parameter trends can reveal drift in marking, focus, stylus condition, contamination or part presentation.
Buyer-intent applications
Common production requirements
The equipment is configured around the real component flow, acceptance criteria and data ownership.
Mark development
Compare marking recipes and surface conditions using objective symbol-quality evidence.
Discuss this applicationProduction inspection
Grade every part where cycle, handling and the specified verification arrangement support 100% inspection.
Discuss this applicationQuality investigation
Use stored results and images to distinguish marking, presentation, lighting and data problems.
Discuss this applicationAnswer first
Reading, validation and verification are three different checks
Reading proves decode under one reader setup. Validation proves that the returned content is correct for the work order or component. Verification uses a defined method to assess symbol quality. A strong production cell can perform all three, but the requirement should say which results control part release.
ISO/IEC 16022:2024 defines Data Matrix symbology. ISO/IEC 29158:2025 addresses direct part mark quality testing. GS1 DataMatrix adds data-structure rules when GS1 Application Identifiers are used. Customer specifications may add further acceptance criteria.
Current reference points
Standards interpreted within the application
Where specified, systems can be developed around current symbol-quality, symbology and data requirements. The contract, drawing and end-user acceptance criteria remain authoritative for each project.
Authoritative references: ISO/IEC 29158:2025, ISO/IEC 16022:2024 and GS1 DataMatrix guidance.
- ISO/IEC 29158:2025Direct part mark symbol quality methodology
- ISO/IEC 16022:2024Data Matrix symbology specification
- GS1 DataMatrixApplication Identifiers and structured data
- Customer requirementsApplication-specific data, quality and evidence
Questions answered
ISO/IEC 29158:2025 DPM verification FAQs
Direct answers for engineers, quality teams and equipment buyers.
ISO/IEC 29158:2025 is the current published edition for direct part mark quality testing. It was published in March 2025 and replaced ISO/IEC 29158:2020.
No. A code can decode on a particular reader without meeting a specified verification grade. Verification uses controlled conditions and evaluates defined quality characteristics.
Not necessarily. Laser, dot peen, reflective metal, dark plastic, machining marks and curvature can require different illumination. The chosen arrangement should match the standard and application.
It focuses on direct part mark quality testing. Data Matrix symbology is defined in ISO/IEC 16022:2024, while formats such as GS1 DataMatrix have their own data rules.
Talk to an applications engineer
Prove the process on your component
Send a drawing, marked sample or specification with the material, code, cycle time and required production interfaces.