Whether in the supermarket, in industry or for the traceability of products - a wide variety of labelling methods ensure that information can be recorded quickly, reliably and automatically.
The best known included the classic barcode, the QR code, the DataMatrix code and the type plate.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics, advantages and areas of application.
In this blog article, we will show you how these technologies differ, what applications they offer and what role they play in today’s digital and networked world.
Barcode
A barcode is often found on merchandise or packaging in the retail trade. By displaying the number, it enables fast, error-free and automatic recording of the products.
‘The barcode’
- is a fundamental technology for automatic identification
- is an optical data carrier for labelling objects
- belongs to the category of one-dimensional codes
- can be found on food, clothing, electronic products and magazines
The code contains a 12-digit number that uniquely identifies both the product and its manufacturer.
According to a standardised coding specification, a one- or multidimensional sequence of parallel dark and
light bars are printed, which can be read and then decoded by optical readers.
The advantage of a barcode is that it can be used worldwide and can be extended to other companies, so that
the entire supply chain can use it.
The probability of barcode errors is significantly reduced, as input errors caused by mistyping numbers are considerably minimised.
*Country recognition:
Each country has its own country code, which is used when assigning codes.
For example, the number combination 400-440 stands for Germany,
while the codes 500-509 stand for the United Kingdom.
This standard makes it easy to identify and distinguish products from different countries.
QR code
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone to make information readable.
The abbreviation ‘QR’ stands for ‘Quick Response’.
You often see the QR code on billboards, flyers, business cards or packaging.
’The QR code’
- is often used in the retail, logistics or marketing sectors
- has a special marking in three of the four corners for orientation purposes
- can be up to times smaller than a barcode and is still readable
The code differs from other code types such as the barcode or DataMatrix code
primarily due to its two dimensions.
The QR code can encode data both horizontally and vertically.
This enables higher information density in a smaller space.
In addition, the QR code can store different types of data such as URLs, text or even contact information,
which makes it very versatile for digital use such as on websites, in adverts or for payments.
It is used in the B2C sector because the QR code offers a practical way for companies to interact with
end consumers and promote their products or services.
It enables consumers to scan information quickly and directly without having to enter long URLs.
Among other things, the QR code offers companies the opportunity to collect valuable data on behaviour and consumers,
such as how often the code is scanned, from which location and at what time.
This information helps to adapt marketing strategies and improve customer language.
Type plate
‘The identification of a machine or product’ -
the type plate identifies a machine or product.
The rating plate can be used to assign a machine or product to the manufacturer or importer.
The type plate indicates the year of manufacture, CE conformity and the manufacturing company and is therefore an important part
of a machine or product.
‘The Type plate’
- is used across all industries in mechanical engineering
- is made of aluminium or stainless steel, as this is durable and resistant
- provides important product information and technical data that is essential for maintenance, repair and safety
No machine or product can therefore do without identifying type plate.
There are various ways to apply the codes and type plate to a product.
There is pad printing, in which ink is transferred onto irregular or curved surfaces
using a rubber pad.
The sleeves are shrink-wrapped or film sleeves that are wrapped around products
for protection and labelling purposes.
This type of labelling is often an EAN number, which identifies articles, product variants, outer packaging and services.
The EAN code is needed if someone manufactures something or
has something manufactured and wants to sell their products in the retail trade.
There is also an environmentally friendly alternative, the laser labelling of plastics.
Here, no additional materials are used at all and only some molecules are destroyed or recoloured by the energy of the laser beam.
The addition of the laser additive has a positive effect on the durable and
chemical-resistant labelling, so the recycling process is neutral and therefore supports
the recycling of the plastic packaging.
The DataMatrix code is often used in medical technology to enable precise and
space-saving labelling.
Laser labelling makes the codes resistant to chemicals and suitable for use
in various chemical cleaning processes.
The QR code is permanent, water-, scratch- and abrasion-resistant thanks to laser labelling.
The type plate is crucial, as machines are often used for years or even decades.
Laser labelling ensures that the rating plate remains legible even after long periods of use and in extreme industrial environments.
Before
After
You want to know more about laser marking?
Get an overview of the many applications of laser marking systems in our Booklet.
A practical overview of all our marking systems - whether as a stand-alone system or integrated into your production line, you will find our Product portfolio.
Please contact us if you have any questions about laser marking or our laser marking systems!
