Date Mark Inserts
Production date marking systems for injection molds — exchangeable pin sets that stamp year and month codes directly onto molded parts during the forming cycle. Available in 6 configurations to match any mold design and operating environment.
Date Mark Insert Types
PL-Side Exchange
Exchange date mark from the parting line side without disassembling the mold plate.
View 6 Products
Plate-Side Exchange
Access and exchange date mark from the back of the mold plate for sealed parting line designs.
View 6 Products
Double Ring
Independent year and month rotation rings — mark complete dates in a single compact insert.
View 1 Product
L Adjustable Length
Variable-length pin sets that fit multiple mold depths — one set covers different plate thicknesses.
View 2 Products
Heat-Resistant with Removable Tap
For high-temperature molds (PPS, PEEK, LCP). Includes removable tap for easy maintenance extraction.
View 3 Products
Removal Tools
Precision screwdrivers and extraction jigs designed specifically for date mark pin maintenance.
View 2 ProductsCompare Date Mark Insert Types
Choose the type that matches your mold design, operating temperature, and maintenance workflow:
| Criteria | PL-Side Exchange | Plate-Side Exchange | Double Ring | L Adjustable | Heat-Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Method | From parting line face | From mold plate back | Rotate ring in place | From parting line face | From parting line face |
| Exchange Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐ No disassembly | ⭐⭐ Remove plate bolts | ⭐⭐⭐ Finger rotation | ⭐⭐⭐ No disassembly | ⭐⭐ Requires tap tool |
| Mold Modification | Standard counterbore | Through-hole + back access | Standard counterbore | Standard counterbore | Standard counterbore |
| Date Display | Year OR Month (single) | Year OR Month (single) | Year AND Month (dual) | Year OR Month (single) | Year OR Month (single) |
| Character Type | Concave & Convex | Concave & Convex | Concave | Concave | Concave |
| Max. Temp. | ~200°C | ~200°C | ~200°C | ~200°C | >250°C |
| Best For | 80% of standard molds | Sealed PL designs | Year+Month in one insert | Multi-depth molds | Engineering plastics |
| Cost Level | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
Decision rule: PL-side exchange is simplest for monthly updates. Plate-side exchange provides more security. Double-ring combines year+month in one insert. For the full comparison, see our PL-Side vs. Plate-Side Exchange guide.
Quick Selection: Which Date Mark Insert Do You Need?
Answer two questions to find the right type for your application.
Selection tip: Follow the 5-step process: identify update frequency → choose exchange method → select character style → verify temperature compatibility → size the insert. For the complete walkthrough, see our 5-Step Date Mark Insert Selection Guide.
Accessories & Pairing Guide
Each date mark pin set requires matching outside rings and inside arrows. Use this reference to order the correct accessories:
| Pin Set Type | Outside Rings | Inside Arrows | Removal Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL-Side Exchange (Standard) | Standard Outside Rings | Inside Arrows (Year 26) | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| PL-Side Exchange (Tapered Corner) | Tapered Corner Outside Rings | Inside Arrows (Year 26) | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| PL-Side Exchange (Convex) | Standard Outside Rings | — | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| Plate-Side Exchange (Standard) | Standard Outside Rings | Inside Arrows (Year 26) | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| Plate-Side Exchange (Beveled) | Beveled Outside Rings | Inside Arrows (Year 26) | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| Plate-Side Exchange (Convex) | Standard Outside Rings | — | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| Double Ring | — | — | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| L Adjustable | Adjustable Outside Rings | — | DTPPN Screwdriver |
| Heat-Resistant (Removable Tap) | Heat-Resistant Outside Rings | Heat-Resistant Inside Arrows | DTNK Removal Jig |
About Date Mark Inserts
Date mark inserts are precision-machined pin assemblies that stamp production date codes (year, month) onto injection-molded parts during the forming cycle. The system consists of three components: pin sets (the marking element), outside rings (indicating month or year), and inside arrows (pointing to the current date position). Available in PL-side exchange, plate-side exchange, double ring, adjustable length, and heat-resistant configurations.
Application Scenarios
See how these products solve real engineering challenges across industries:
Automotive Part Traceability
IATF 16949 requires production date codes on every molded automotive component. PL-side exchange pins allow rapid month/year updates without mold disassembly during shift changes.
Why it fits: PL-side exchange pin sets can be rotated from the parting line face without opening the mold — a 30-second operation during shift changes. Tapered corner variants provide superior sealing to prevent flash at the pin-to-cavity interface on precision automotive surfaces.
Medical Device Lot Tracking
ISO 13485 mandates date-coded traceability for implantable and diagnostic devices. Heat-resistant date mark inserts maintain legibility in high-temperature engineering plastic molds.
Why it fits: Heat-resistant pin sets use specialized tool steel that maintains Rockwell hardness above HRC 50 at temperatures exceeding 200°C. Standard pins begin softening at 150°C, causing character degradation within 100K shots — heat-resistant grades maintain sharp marking for 500K+ shots.
Consumer Product Date Compliance
Consumer goods regulations in EU, Japan, and North America require production date stamps. Double-ring inserts mark both year and month simultaneously, cutting changeover time in half.
Why it fits: Double-ring inserts mark year (inner ring) and month (outer ring) simultaneously with independent rotation. One insert replaces two separate pin sets, cutting mold pocket count in half and reducing changeover time from 5 minutes to under 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PL-side exchange and plate-side exchange for date mark pins?+
Do I need to purchase outside rings and inside arrows separately, or are they included with pin sets?+
How often should date mark inserts be rotated to update the production date code?+
Engineering Resources
PL-Side vs. Plate-Side Date Mark Exchange: How to Choose
Detailed comparison of the two exchange methods with installation diagrams.
How to Select the Right Date Mark Insert (5-Step Selection Guide)
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing type, character style, and accessories.
Date Mark Pin Accessories: Rings, Arrows & Tools Explained
Outside rings, inside arrows, and tools — complete compatibility reference.
Need Help Selecting Date Mark Inserts?
Tell us your mold type, operating temperature, and exchange preference. We'll recommend the right pin set, rings, and tools.