By using the right type of barcode pattern with the right choice of printing substrate along with suitable printing technique, you can encode your data information for your convenience and usage.
Barcode Labels can be defined as labels that encode information about data in terms of parallel lines or squares. These visual patterns represent machine-readable data that can be scanned using a barcode reader. Their main purpose is to keep the operations streamlined by reducing the errors. So, they prove very effective in industries like retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Types of Barcode Labels
Barcode Labels are of the following 3 types.
1D Linear Barcode Labels
These barcodes can be defined as barcodes that encode information in the form of parallel lines that may have different widths. UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), Code 39, and Code 128, come under the domain of 1D linear barcode labels. These are the simplest barcode types that are commonly used for quick scanning and product identification.
2D Barcode Labels
This type of barcode label stores data horizontally, and vertically, thus can hold more information about data. QR codes, Data Matrix, and PDF147 barcodes come under the domain of 2D Barcode Labels and are commonly used for marketing, mobile payments, and digital documentation.
RFID Barcode Labels
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Barcode Labels are a combination of barcode technology and RFID capabilities. Due to these capabilities, they ensure contactless data transmission using radio waves. As these barcode labels have no need for direct line-of-sight scanning, labels can also be read easily and remotely, even when they are hidden behind something.
Materials Used for Barcode Labels
Following are different types of barcode labels that have different combinations of materials.
Paper Labels
Labels that are made of paper are called “Paper Labels”. These labels are the most common and cost-effective because they are used with direct thermal printers. They are best for indoor and short-term usage, such as shipping labels, receipts, and labeling price tags. However, they are less durable in harsh conditions, because they are heat and moisture-sensitive.
Polyester Labels
Polyester Labels are made up of ester molecules and synthetic molecules and offer more durability than paper. Polyester labels can resist moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. This type of resistance makes them suitable for outdoor usage and long-term asset tracking and inventory management.
Vinyl Labels
Thermal Labels that have vinyl in their composition can be called “vinyl labels”. Vinyl is more flexible and weather resistant than “ester”, that is why these labels are commonly used on curved or uneven surfaces. Moreover, they are best for harsh outdoor usage, where exposure to water, UV light, and extreme temperatures are obvious and frequent.
Metallic Labels
Labels that are made of metallic materials such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel are called “metallic labels”. These are the best option for tagging heavy machinery and equipment, because they provide best durability and can resist abrasion and extreme high temperatures.
Printing Methods for Barcode Labels
Following printing methods can be used to print the barcode labels.
Direct Thermal Printing
Barcode labels can be printed by using Direct Thermal Printing Method, when the purpose is short-term in order to optimize weather conditions. Because labels with this printing method can be faded over time when exposed to heat, light or friction. However, this printing method is the best when the purpose involves quick and high-quality label printing at very low cost.
Thermal Transfer Printing
Thermal Transfer Printing offers more durability and can be used for printing barcode labels when the purpose involves long-term labelling. This printing method provides more versatility and durability and can also print polyester and vinyl labels.
Laser Printing
This printing method can be used to print barcodes when the purpose is producing sharp and high-resolution barcodes. This printing method is best for office settings and limited number of product packaging.
Conclusion
At the end, by using the right type of barcode pattern with the right choice of printing substrate along with suitable printing technique, you can encode your data information for your convenience and usage.