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Introduction to Barcode Tools: Scanner and Printer

See detailed Information about Barcode Scanners and Barcode Printers Below:
Standard One Dimensional Linear Barcodes and Two Dimensional Barcodes like Datamatrix are used to meet the Automatic Identification needs of manufacturers and the many security and personnel identification needs of virtually every type of organization in the world. Automatic Data Capture eliminates the high level of error introduced by human data entry. To provide solutions that insure quality, enhance productivity, lower costs, and enhance security, solutions provided by RDG and BarCodeAmerica.com include Bar Code Label Software, Barcode Scanners, Bar Code Verifiers, Bar Code Printers, Machine Vision, Labeling Supplies, Label Printer/Applicators, Laser Printing, Ink Jet Printing, RF Data Communications, Biometrics / Access Control, Control Systems, Custom Machinery and Software Development.

Barcode printers

Barcode printers are intended to print the barcodes, graphics, and human readable text on self adhesive labels or tags. Today most barcode label printers work in two modes, direct thermal or thermal transfer mode. Using the direct thermal modes, the print head applies heat to selected locations of the coated direct thermal label which then turns dark in those locations. Direct Thermal labels are receptive to light and heat and should not be used if they have to last longer than a few weeks or months. With thermal transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon (thermal transfer ribbon) sits between the print head and the label. As heat is applied to the ribbon, ink or polymer transfers from the ribbon to the label. Labels that are printed with thermal transfer ribbons are very durable. Thermal Transfer Ribbon types include Wax, Resin Enhanced Wax, and Full Resin Ribbons. Wax Ribbons are intended for use on Coated and Uncoated Paper Labels and Synthetic Paper Labels as well. The more expensive and higher abrasion resistant Resin Enhanced Wax Ribbons are suitable for use on Coated and Uncoated Paper, Synthetic Paper, Polypropylene, Polyolefin, and Matte Polyester Labels. The most expensive and highest abrasion resistant Full Resin Ribbons are intended for use on Vinyl, Polyester and Polyimide labels. Polyester and Polyimide Labels are used on applications requiring high temperatures.

Barcode Scanners

Barcode Scanners, also termed as barcode readers exist in various forms. The three most common reader types are Laser Scanners, 1D Linear Scanners, and 2D Imager Readers. These readers may be either directly attached to a computer, or linked via Wireless RF or Bluetooth.

With Laser Scanners, a moving visible light emitting laser beam is reflected off of a rotating mirror or an oscillating mirror surface and the energy is reflected off the barcode back into a photo detector that captures and decodes this reflected signal. Laser Scanners exist in single line, multi-line raster, and omni-directional formats. They decode one dimensional code types at rates between 25 and 2000 scans per second. These range from low cost fixed focal length units to expensive high speed self focusing long range lasers.

With 1D Linear Scanners, a group of fixed focus LEDs (light emitting diodes) light the one dimensional code types, which are decoded by measuring the energy reflected onto a single line Linear Array CCD or CMOS imager usually consisting of 2048 pixels. These units are low cost, have limited fields of view, limited focal depth, and the advantage of no moving parts to wear out. They typically decode one dimensional code types at rates between 25 and 600 scans per second.

With 2D Imager Readers, a group of fixed focus LEDs (light emitting diodes) light the one dimensional and two dimensional barcode types, which are decoded by measuring the energy reflected onto a CCD or CMOS Area Imager usually consisting of between 640 X 480 pixel imagers up to 1600 X 1200 pixel imagers. These units range from low to high cost and are capable of decoding non oriented 1D and 2D code types. Only Imager Readers can decode 2D code types like Datamatrix. Units exist with both limited focal depth, and high speed self-focus capabilities. They have the advantage of no moving parts to wear out. They typically decode at rates between 25 and 200 reads per second.

Barcodes are typically created with either label printing or special barcode generation software. Typical barcode software will support all common 1D and 2D symbologies, calculate checksums automatically, and check data formats for special industry specific barcodes. The most commonly used linear code types (1D) are EAN, UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39, and Code 128. The most commonly used 2D code types are Datamatrix, QR Code, Aztec and PDF417. Most direct part marked metal parts are marked via laser, chemical etch, or dot peen with Datamatrix codes that are read by special low angle illumination 2D Imager DPM Readers.