Information on Barcodes Generators & Scanners

Barcode labels are the tags that help both humans and machines to identify any given product. These labels come in several types and resemble the average tags. These labels are differentiated by the type of base material, called stock, that they are printed on. Labels are currently available in all types of materials and come with a variety of adhesive backings. They can also be ordered in several customized shapes and sizes.

Apart from the basic types of barcodes labels, labels can also be categorized into three main forms: aluminum barcode labels, polyester barcode labels, and ceramic barcode labels. The aluminum labels are very durable, usually with an image on the surface that lasts for a long time, even in the harshest of climatic conditions. It can withstand wear and tear, heat, cold, chemicals and abrasion. The polyester barcode label has an image imbedded in the underside of the plastic material. It uses a permanent industrial adhesive bonding and is known for its dependability. However, the last word in durability is the ceramic barcode label. It is made up of a stainless steel base and coated with ceramic. These labels can withstand strong acids or very high temperatures.

Barcode labels can be further subdivided into the following categories: resin-coated paper barcode labels, paper barcode labels, long-range retro-reflective barcode labels, and floor labels. Resin-coated paper barcode labels are the most common labels used in the official work. These labels are created with the help of tough resin coating for durability. Paper barcode labels are very economical and ideal for tracking of documents.

A long-range retro-reflective barcode label is another case in point. These labels are normally hung from a wall or a ceiling. Made of rigid metal or plastic, these labels provide maximum functionality for long-range scanners. Lastly, we have floor labels. These labels are used in industrial floors and are developed using steel and are then coated with urethane. These labels can withstand heavy vehicular traffic.

With barcode labels forming an intrinsic part of the daily human existence, they are finding an increasing utility in the day to day life. Newer forms of labels are being designed by the day.

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Barcode Scanners are hand-held or stationary devices used to read information contained in a barcode. These devices are connected to a computer through any type of port. Scanners cannot do calculations; they only capture the barcode into letters or numbers. Information, once fed into a computer is processed by the computer’s software. A barcode scanner consists of a code reader and decoder. The reader throws light on a barcode and measures the amount of light that is reflected back by the barcode. This light energy is converted into electrical energy by a scanner. The electrical energy in turn is changed into data in the computer.

Barcode scanners are available in many different varieties. They can be hand held and hands free, wearable, rugged, scan engines, laser or digital. Pen-wand scanners are perhaps the simplest types of such devices. They have to be kept in direct contact with the barcode and held at a precise angle. A pen-wand scanner is moved over the bar to read it. General purpose scanners are generally used at checkout counters and hospitals and are also used to process identification documents. Certain other kinds of scanners, like rugged scanners, are generally used in harsh or extreme conditions.

Another major distinction of barcode scanners is that of an image scanner and a laser scanner. A camera reader is embedded in an image scanner. The camera captures the barcode images, which are then processed by sophisticated image techniques to decode the barcode. An image scanner can read a barcode from four to ten inches away. Laser scanners use lenses to read the codes. Laser scanners enjoy the advantage of reading the bar even from a distance of 24 inches. Moreover a laser scanner can be positioned at any angle to read a barcode. With the advancement of technology, modern laser scanners can read the barcodes with ease from a distance of 30 feet.

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