Apparatus and method of engraving machine readable information on a metallic workpiece during manufacturing and tracking systems related thereto

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus for marking a metallic workpiece for tracking and tracing the metallic workpiece throughout its production and consumer lifecycle are disclosed. The mark may be formed on a sheet of a metallic material. In some embodiments, a bodymaker forms a cup from a blank cut from the sheet into the metallic workpiece with the mark positioned on a closed end of the metallic workpiece. The mark is scanned for tracking and tracing at various points during the production of the metallic workpiece and during the lifecycle of the metallic workpiece, such as at a point of filling, point of sale and a collection point where the metallic workpiece is recycled or destroyed. Information collected as the mark is scanned provides valuable information that can be used to improve the manufacturing process, strategic production and distribution, incentivize recycling of the metallic workpiece, and to improve deposit return programs.