A barcode works by stopping light reflecting: A barcode scanner reads the lasers reflection (the white background is called white space Different combinations of bars and spaces are used to encode characters into bar codes. Differences in light and dark and the width of the elements are the variables used for encoding. The bar code reader illuminates the symbol and measures the amount of light that is reflected back. The reader determines the pattern of light and dark or wide and narrow, then compares it to the encoding table for that type of bar code (called a symbology) and decodes the symbol.

Where do I get my own Barcode for my company?

A U.P.C. and EAN bar codes are part of the EAN.UCC system, which is managed by the Uniform Code Council in the United States and EAN International in the rest of the world. Visit their Web sites for details and resources to get started with U.P.C./EAN labeling)

What is better Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal?

There are two thermal printing methods commonly used to print bar codes: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the label material. Thermal transfer printers can accept a wider variety of materials and are usually used for permanent or long-lasting labeling applications. Direct thermal printers are usually used to produce shipping labels, picking / putaway labels, receipts, and other common print jobs.

Why are direct thermal and thermal transfer the best technologies for printing bar codes?

Thermal label printers are ideal for bar code printing because they produce accurate, high-quality images with excellent edge definition. Thermal printers are engineered to print within tight tolerances and to produce the exact bar widths that successful bar code printing and scanning require. Each technology can produce one- and two-dimensional bar code symbologies, graphics and text at the same print resolutions and speeds.

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