Used by 700,000+ people
Free MAT label generator for the smallest package unit.
The MAT label puts 21 traceability data elements into one DataMatrix on each reel or box. Fill in a template and print it.
How to print a MAT label
-
01
Pick the template by pack size
Compare the label with the smallest free space on the pack; MAT 2.6 shows 210 × 74 mm for KLT containers.
-
02
Copy the order references
Take part number, supplier ID and order number from the order. Order and delivery note numbers must equal those on your shipping note.
-
03
Send a sample for approval
Send one sample per logistics center to the customer's releasing plant; its general approval covers the customer's other plants.
What is a MAT label?
A MAT label (material label) marks the smallest package unit of purchased production parts, such as a reel, with part, batch and order data. MAT-Label Specification 2.6 (June 2014) comes from BECOM, Bosch, Continental, cms, Hella, Siemens and Zollner.
What the MAT template prints
TEC-IT's 70 × 48 mm template prints part number and quantity in bold, as MAT 2.6 requires, beside the DataMatrix.
The code lists 21 elements in a fixed order, each with its data identifier (DI), even when empty.
Why plants ask for MAT labels
Besides its seven authors, other companies can apply MAT 2.6. The label complements VDA 4902, Odette and GTL labels without replacing them.
Supplier ID plus package ID is the unique trace code of a pack. Batch number 1 must let you trace its production later.
From one reel to series production
Without an account, the generator fills in one label at a time; two copies suit a reel and its dry pack.
Other packs each need their own package ID: for many, sign in free and fill a data sheet. In series production, TFORMer Server prints from ERP data and TFORMer Workstation at the line.
MAT label at a glance
- Specification
- MAT-Label Version 2.6, June 2014
- Code
- DataMatrix ECC 200, ISO/IEC 15434 syntax
- Content
- 21 elements, at most 399 characters
- Module
- At least 0.25 mm, 300 dpi preferred
- Quiet zone
- At least 4 modules
- Package ID
- 13 characters: S single, M master
Separators: @ or control characters
MAT 2.6 frames and separates fields with RS, GS and EOT. Bosch Automotive Electronics, Hella, Siemens and cms request @, which Continental, Zollner and BECOM allow as an exemption. TEC-IT's KLT and master templates use the control characters, the others @.
Common MAT label mistakes
- GER instead of DEU. Manufacturing locations need the ISO alpha-3 code; the 70 × 48 mm sample shows GER.
- A frame line. MAT 2.6 allows no border, but most TEC-IT templates draw one; only the two 120 × 60 mm templates have none.
- Letters in Code 128 data. On the 110 and 120 mm DataMatrix labels, Code 128 drops letters from batch numbers and decimals from quantities.
What to enter in each MAT field
TEC-IT's 70 × 48 mm template prints no field numbers: 1–20 count its printed fields column by column; 20 is the RoHS logo. Rows marked — feed only the DataMatrix. Max. gives the lengths of MAT 2.6; the template checks only the quantity's unit.
| No. | Field | Caption on the label | Content | Barcode | Max. length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Customer part number | Part.No.: | Part number as in your customer's order, in its format; printed in bold. | DataMatrix (DI P) | 18 |
| 2 | Quantity | Quantity: | Pieces or amount in the pack, such as 3000 or 12.03 kg; printed in bold, encoded as 12ISO3. | DataMatrix (DI Q) | 18 |
| 3 | Revision level | Index: | Material revision of the part, if the customer asks for it. | DataMatrix (DI 2P) | 14 |
| 4 | Additional part information | Add.Info: | Free part data agreed with the receiving plant, for example an LED binning class. | DataMatrix (DI 20P) | 30 |
| 5 | Expiration date | Exp.-Date: | Date by which the customer must process the part, as YYYYMMDD. | DataMatrix (DI 14D) | 8 |
| 6 | Date of manufacturing | Date Code: | Date of the last manufacturing process, as YYYYMMDD without dots. | DataMatrix (DI 6D) | 8 |
| 7 | Moisture sensitivity level | MS-Level: | Level to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020, or N for parts that are not moisture-sensitive. | DataMatrix (DI Z) | 2 |
| 8 | Batch number 1 | 1. Batch: | Production batch you can trace back; collective batches are not allowed. | DataMatrix (DI 1T) | 17 |
| 9 | Batch number 2 | 2. Batch: | Second batch, if any, different from batch 1. The template then encodes a batch counter of 2 (DI 20T). | DataMatrix (DI 2T) | 17 |
| 10 | Part description | Part Name: | Plain-text name of the part for readers outside the maker's naming scheme. | — | 30 |
| 11 | Supplier ID | Supplier-ID: | Your vendor number at the customer, taken from the order. | DataMatrix (DI V) | 10 |
| 12 | Purchase order number | Purchase: | The customer's order number, identical to the one on the shipping note. | DataMatrix (DI K) | 18 |
| 13 | Ordering code | Ord. Code: | Agreed code for ordering the part; may add software version or packaging type. | DataMatrix (DI 31P) | 35 |
| 14 | Manufacturer part number | Man. Part No: | The maker's own number, under which the customer released the part. | DataMatrix (DI 1P) | 35 |
| 15 | Supplier data | Supplier-Data: | Free for your own use. | DataMatrix (DI 1Z) | 30 |
| 16 | Supplier name | Suppl.: | Your company name; printed only. | — | 30 |
| 17 | Manufacturing location | Man. Loc.: | ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country code, hyphen, town and an optional plant digit, such as DEU-BERLIN2. | DataMatrix (DI 10V) | 20 |
| 18 | Package ID | Package-ID: | S plus 12 characters, unique worldwide per supplier ID; capital letters only. | DataMatrix (DI 3S) | 13 |
| 19 | Shipping note number | Shipping Note: | Delivery note number, identical to the one on the shipping note. | DataMatrix (DI 16K) | 12 |
| 20 | RoHS | RoHS Compliance | Y prints the RoHS logo; N means not compliant, 0 not applicable. | DataMatrix (DI 30P) | 1 |
| — | Label version | Label Version | Fixed value 0002 for MAT 2.6. | DataMatrix (DI 12S) | 4 |
| — | Manufacturer number | Manufacturer Number | DUNS number of the maker, or a number agreed with the customer. | DataMatrix (DI 12V) | 13 |
Which MAT template to open
All nine encode the same 21 elements. Six use DataMatrix, the only 2D code MAT 2.6 specifies; three use PDF417, which MAT 2.6 does not name.
| Template | Size | Use | Open in the generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT Datamatrix Label 70*48 | 70 × 48 mm, landscape | 70 × 48 mm with all fields in 6-point type; DataMatrix of 0.304 mm modules with @ separators. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT Datamatrix Label 100*40 | 100 × 40 mm, landscape | 100 × 40 mm; DataMatrix of 0.254 mm modules, three printer dots at 300 dpi. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT Datamatrix Label 110*40 | 110 × 40 mm, landscape | 110 × 40 mm; adds two Code 128 symbols: part number with supplier ID, first batch with quantity. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT Datamatrix Label 120*60 | 120 × 60 mm, landscape | 120 × 60 mm in larger type, with the same two Code 128 symbols as the 110 mm version. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT Datamatrix Label KLT | 210 × 74 mm, landscape | 210 × 74 mm single label for KLT containers: numbered fields, receiver, dock or gate; RS, GS and EOT separators. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT Datamatrix Master Label | A5, landscape | A5 master label with receiver, dock or gate, weights and box count; package ID starts with M. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT PDF417 Label 50*30 | 50 × 30 mm, landscape | 50 × 30 mm PDF417 for small packs; prints only part number, ordering code, first batch and expiry date. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT PDF417 Label 100*40 | 100 × 40 mm, landscape | 100 × 40 mm PDF417 counterpart of the 100 × 40 mm DataMatrix layout. | Open in the generator › |
| MAT PDF417 Label 120*60 | 120 × 60 mm, landscape | 120 × 60 mm PDF417 in larger type, without Code 128. | Open in the generator › |
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about MAT label.
What does MAT stand for in MAT label?
How is the quantity encoded on a MAT label?
What goes on a reel in a dry pack?
Can a MAT label serve as a master label?
More resources
Automotive Labeling FAQ
The common automotive transport and container labels: VDA 4902 (transport label / Warenanhänger), VDA 4994 GTL (Global Transport Label), VDA 4990 (KLT…
FAQLabeling Standards FAQ
TEC-IT covers the common automotive transport and container labels: VDA 4902 (transport label), VDA 4994 GTL (Global Transport Label), VDA 4990 (KLT container…
ProductTFORMer Designer
Compliant barcode labels and forms with data fields and logic – for every printer.
ProductTFORMer Server
Your ERP sends the data – labels and forms print around the clock, unattended.
ProductTFORMer Workstation
Operators just fill in the data – the layout stays exactly as designed.