The short answer
What this setting controls
Choose a barcode, a number, or both. A prefix can identify a family; the unique production sequence is generated automatically and cannot be typed into the form.
Reserve a readable, non-copper location and align the printed identifier with your MES, warranty or field-service record. The mark must fit the smallest board and remain legible after cleaning and handling.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode only | Machine-readable board identity | Choose a supported code size that fits the reserved area. |
| Serial number only | Human-readable identity | Keep type height and contrast readable after assembly and cleaning. |
| Barcode and serial number | Machine and human traceability | Allow enough area for both without covering copper, pads or critical markings. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- The dialog is a project setting; closing without saving restores the previous mark choice.
- A mark cannot be placed in an area that the board geometry does not provide.
- If the page disables a choice, treat it as a compatibility result and adjust the controlling design decision rather than forcing the value.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Enable the unique sequence when board-level traceability is useful.
- Use a short, meaningful prefix and keep the code size within the reserved area.
- Review the pinned preview before applying the settings to the project.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Enable the unique sequence when board-level traceability is useful.
- Use a short, meaningful prefix and keep the code size within the reserved area.
- Review the pinned preview before applying the settings to the project.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Can the unique number be edited?
No. It is a production-generated sequence. Only its enabled/disabled state is user-controlled; the prefix is separate.
Who chooses the unique sequence?
The production process generates the unique portion. You control whether it is included, plus the supported prefix, format, size and placement settings.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.