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Frequently Asked Questions
Barcoding FAQ What is a Barcode? A barcode is a symbol which is made up of a series of narrow and wide bars and spaces, used for automatically encoding information What components make up a barcode? Barcodes are made up of several different components. Each component has a specific purpose: The 'quiet zone' The blank area surrounding the barcode. This makes a distinction between the barcode and other printed areas, avoiding misinterpretation by the scanner. The start/stop pattern The start/stop pattern defines the beginning and end of the data contained in the barcode. Each different barcode symbology has its own specific type of start/stop pattern. The Data The data is the section in the barcode where the information is stored. Human Readable Information (HRI) HRI displays the content of the data stored in a barcode in a text format which can be read by the user. It is displayed underneath, above or beside the bars and spaces of the barcode. What other information do I need to consider? The 'X' Dimension This is the narrowest line or space in the pattern where all design and specifications of the barcode start. To determine the X Dimension, different criteria are taken into consideration such as printing space available, material and ribbon specifications, printing method, and type of scanner. Orientation Orientation of barcodes can either be horizontal (ladder) or vertical (picket fence). The orientation is determined by printing and scanning techniques employed. Height Dimension This is the height or length of the barcode (depending on orientation). What are barcodes used for? Barcodes have a wide range of uses, including: Tracking In the electronics industry, barcodes are often applied to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) at the start of the production process for tracking purposes. Stock Control Stock can be automatically re-ordered electronically by the use of barcodes. Storing important information One popular use is for ease of storing and retrieving relevant information on a particular product. Quality Control Barcodes can be applied to verify that the correct components are being used in the manufacturing process. What is a scanner? A scanner is a piece of equipment used to 'read' information contained in a barcode. How does a scanner work? The scanner reads the spaces in the barcode by projecting a light onto them. The information is then reflected back through a lens or a series of lenses and changed into analogue signals. The scanner does not 'read' the bars which is why the information is encoded within the spaces between the bars. Are there different kinds of scanners? Yes, there are three main types:
Is there any other equipment which can be used in the scanning process? Yes, a Keyboard Wedge. This allows software previously solely capable of accepting data from the keyboard, to also accept data from the scanner. What printers can print barcodes? 1. Direct Thermal Printer 2. Thermal Transfer Printer 3. Dot Matrix Printer 4. Laser Printer 5. Laser Etching Printer How does each type of printer operate? 1. Direct Thermal Printer Heat is used in this printing process. The print head heats up and activates an ink in the paper which changes colour to black where it has been heated. 2. Thermal Transfer Printer This printer operates in much the same way as a direct thermal printer using heat but with a ribbon which is used to transfer the ink onto the label. Ink is released from the print ribbon in a 'melting' process. The ink is transferred onto a range of media below (i.e. different types of labels). 3. Dot Matrix Printers This printer operates by 'hammering' images onto the chosen material via a ribbon. The print head is made up of a number of pins which are formed into a 'matrix' pattern (hence the name dot matrix printer). These pins print a series of dots which create the barcode. 4. Laser Printer A Laser Printers is good for overprinting variable data. It bonds toner onto the page being printed using a technique similar to a photocopier. 5. Laser Etching Printer A special material with a coloured top coat is passed through this printer. This process burns off areas of that coating, leaving the printed areas intact What is the best printer for printing barcodes and why? Thermal Transfer Printers are the best option for printing barcodes for several reasons:
What is a symbology? A 'symbology' is the pattern of bars and spaces which make up a barcode. This is the 'language' used for determining the barcode type Are there many different types of symbologies? Yes, including the following:
Symbol Height For general applications, the height of the bars within the code should not be less than 5mm or 15% of the symbol length depending upon whichever is greater. Other information
Symbol Height The minimum bar height of Code 39 format has to be 5mm or 15% of the symbol length, whichever is greater. Other information
Data Permissible: Numeric only Other information
Other information
The 2d barcodes listed below are applied in more specialised fields than the most commonly used barcodes (listed above). Data-Matrix PDF417 Codabar 2d barcodes are capable of storing a large amount of data in a very compact form. Special scanners are required to read 2d barcodes.
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