be noted however that the object 1 can be constituted by any object having a flat surface portion 1a suitable for applying a code or code markings 31 such objects 1 may constitute flat objects like for example textile webs foils fabrics and strips as well as profiled parts such as for instance window frames the object 1 in the first exemplary embodiment constitutes a flat material web 1 which is moved according to fig1 by conveying means 25 conjointly with an applied mask 4 in which recesses or apertures are formed in conformity with a code in the given instance a bar code past code forming means 30 containing an adhesive application device 2 which sprays adhesive or bonding agent 14 onto the material web 1 through the recesses 22 in the mask 4 the adhesive 14 impacts only the region of the mask 4 and is applied to preselected surface areas 1b of a flat surface or surface portion 1a of the object or material web 1 in accordance with a desired code configuration those areas of material web 1 located beyond the mask 4 are not impacted after the application of adhesive has been carried out essentially in the form of the code the material web 1 with the adhesive spread 3 is moved past a glass bead dispensing device 11 by means of which glass beads 13 are poured blown or scattered out of a container and.