Domino C1000 plus, Operation And Maintenance Manual

Page: 114 / 170

FORMATTING MESSAGES
114 77144 Issue 8 August 2009
Creating a Bar Code
There are certain recommendations and guides that should be followed when
creating bar codes. The previous table shows samples of all ten bar codes available,
and the guide lines stipulated by the EAN.UCC. These guide lines recommend
the minimum and maximum parameters for the horizontal scale of the various bar
codes.
Notes: (1) EAN 128, CODE 128, CODE 39, CODE 93 and Interleaved 2 of 5
bar codes all contain variable length information. This means the recommended
dimensions are variable. The only way to test these bar code types is to use a
verifier or a scanner.
(2) A shaft encoder must be used when printing bar codes.
It is advised, when creating messages that include
bar code information, that some test samples are
printed to check that the bar code will function
properly. The bullet points below outline the
common problems that should be considered:
• Decide where the bar code is to be positioned
on the print surface, ensure that it will not be
obscured by sealing tape, straps, labels etc.
• Avoid creating bar codes outside the ANA
(e.centre in the UK) size guides
• Ensure that the DPI is set to 200 or above
• Check that the speed setting on the control unit
is set correctly. A shaft encoder will be needed when printing bar codes.
• On some porous surfaces, the ink may bleed
very slightly making bar codes difficult to read. If
this occurs, use the raster remove parameter (see
page 127) to space the individual bars further
apart.
• Use a bar code verifier to analyse the bar code,
ensuring that it meets the given specifications
and has not deviated from the ideal dimensions.
Note: For further information and sales enquiries
about bar code verifiers contact Domino.
Ensure that the bar code will
not be obscured by sealing
tape, straps, labels, etc.
Bar code verifier