Barcode labels come in a range of different types and shapes. Selecting the correct label for your needs can make all the difference when it comes to how well they perform and how long they remain effective.
Selecting the wrong label can be costly and even result in issues with your barcode printer. To prevent making such a misstep, it’s essential to understand the various types of barcode labels and their uses.
1D or Linear
One dimensional barcodes, more commonly known as linear barcodes, are the most frequent type of barcode you’ll see on consumer goods. They consist of vertical bars lining up and down that encode specific data which can then be scanned horizontally.
The two most widely utilized 1D barcodes are UPC and EAN, which can be found primarily in retail environments. They’re also widely employed by industrial sectors like manufacturing or warehousing as well as the military.
2D barcodes store and encode information both vertically and horizontally, enabling them to store much more data within a limited space than 1D barcodes while taking up no extra room.
Both types of barcodes can be utilized in a variety of applications, but the scanning technology required to read them differs. Laser scanners tend to be employed for 1D barcodes while imaging-based scanners tend to scan 2D barcodes.
2D or Two-Dimensional
Two-Dimensional or two-dimensional barcode labels are widely used in various industries to store more information than traditional one-dimensional barcodes.
Serial numbers, batch numbers and more can all be stored centrally, eliminating the need to connect back to a server for gathering this data. Not only does this save time but it also improves workflows and efficiency levels.
Two-dimensional barcodes such as Data Matrix, QR Code and PDF417 are some of the most widely used two-dimensional codes. These can store more data than 1D barcodes and are ideal for inventory tracking, warehouse organization and logistics applications.
2D barcodes can be read by imaging scanners without pausing, saving time and increasing productivity by eliminating the need to reorient the box for reading it correctly. Furthermore, 2D barcodes don’t need a laser scanner and can be read with most standard smartphones.
3D or Three-Dimensional
In order to better track and identify products in the manufacturing industry, manufacturers have sought a permanent system similar to barcodes used by retail outlets. This system had to be capable of withstanding high temperatures, extreme solvents and chemicals.
To meet this need, they devised a new method of tracking products: 3D barcodes that are permanently embedded or embossed into the item as part of the manufacturing process.
A 3D barcode scanner can then be utilized to scan it. This scanner utilizes a laser similar to those employed by home and office scanners when scanning documents or images into a computer.
With this type of scanner, the laser measures each barcode line’s height based on how long it takes for its beam to bounce back and be recorded. This height can then be interpreted and the character represented by the code can be read accurately.label barcode thermal jeddah
4D or Four-Dimensional
The 4D or Four-Dimensional barcode label is the latest advancement in barcode technology. With its capacity for holding more data than other types of barcodes, this type of barcode offers an ideal solution for storage and identification applications within supply chains.
Additionally, these codes can be read by standard barcode readers and scanners. This makes them ideal for warehouses and other high-volume areas where they can be quickly scanned.www.titanbarcodelabels.com
Barcodes are typically colored with additive colors (red, green and blue) and displayed on a color display device such as a CRT monitor or LCD monitor. The colors are then decoded by using special software for color barcode decoding.
This method and program can be implemented on a computer, printer, scanner or camera or other data processing apparatus. The encoding steps involve selecting a shape and color for each data cell to encode digital data; these shapes are selected from various combinations of shapes while colors are chosen based on an encoded value.