Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are crucial in today's technologically advanced, highly connected society. Many products, from TV remotes to cellphones, are only functional because of the conductive pathways supplied by PCB. A correctly constructed printed circuit board, however, will do more than just supply electricity to an electronic device; it will also give the producer of that device vital information regarding the PCB itself.

The various phases which the PCB undergoes before arriving at the final electronic circuit (drilling, soldering, assembly of components, application of surface finishes, and more) are particularly critical and often conducted in difficult environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, or the presence of fluxes of aggressive substances or acidic cleaners. It, therefore, becomes important for PCB and electronic board manufacturers to ensure long-term traceability of the PCB, both during the various stages of production and in the after-sales market.

Effective marking, which ensures long-term readability through suitable PCB labels, helps electronic equipment manufacturers keep track of PCBs during production, storage, and installation. PCB labels convey critical information in an easily accessible format, including PCB origin, manufacturing lot number, date of manufacture, solder temperature, flux density, and more.

PCB traceability is essential for streamlining production procedures. Yet, as technology develops and boards get smaller and more complicated to build, it becomes more and more challenging.