Functions and Applications of Barcodes in Packaging Printing
Barcodes are an automatic identification code. Due to their high data collection rate, high reliability, and low cost, they are widely used in books, self-adhesive labels, commodities, and packaging. Barcodes consist of lines of varying lengths and widths combined with numerical symbols, and can be read by photoelectric scanning devices. Barcodes are a data input and automatic identification technology developed in recent decades. They can reflect a wealth of information such as the product category, manufacturer, weight, amount, production date, and distribution period. They play a significant role in the production, sales, storage, and exchange of goods, serving as a link between manufacturers, exporters, retailers, and customers worldwide.
Currently, the barcodes seen on the market are all early one-dimensional barcodes. With the development of very large-scale integrated circuit technology, to address the shortcomings of one-dimensional barcodes in terms of limited information capacity, reduce barcode size, and improve resistance to contamination, two-dimensional barcodes (2D codes) were developed. This has led to increasingly smaller barcode sizes, significantly improved barcode reader functionality, more precise and accurate reading, and increased storage space. Furthermore, 2D barcodes can incorporate encryption technology, greatly enhancing the anti-counterfeiting performance of products. Based on structural differences, 2D barcodes can be divided into stacked and matrix types. In printing, they can be printed not only in black on white paper but also in color, and are not limited by printing machines or printing objects. Data can be read from lines to surfaces and even rotated 360°. They also feature fault correction functions, allowing damaged or soiled barcodes to be restored for recognition. The misread rate is only a few in 61 million. 2D barcodes also have advantages such as large storage capacity, strong damage resistance, high security, fax and photocopying capabilities, good data concealment, and information following the product.
With the development of technology, a variety of new types of barcodes have been developed, such as invisible barcodes (including overlay invisible barcodes, invisible ink and photochemical treated invisible barcodes), metal barcodes, and watermarked magnetic codes, which have enhanced the depth and breadth of barcode applications.
