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TO ESTABLISH A SUITABLE PRINTABILITY RANGE / BAR WIDTH REDUCTION (BWR) FOR A NEW SCREEN PRINTING MACHINE
The scenario:
Company K.G. has just purchased a Screen printing machine. Company K.G.wanted to print their bottles including the consumer barcode on their new Screen printing machine that will pass EAN Australia's 'Barcode Symbol Testing'. They wanted to gain an approved 'EAN Australia Barcode Verification Report' prior to the printed bottles being delivered to their clients.
Barcodes4u suggested the following:
Barcodes4u will supply an electronic EAN-13 barcode 'test master' at Magnification Factor 100%, with an applied 'Bar Width Reduction' (BWR) of 0 micron. Company K.G. will then proceed to print said barcode in a 'ladder format' orientation (when bottle is in an upright position). Colour of barcode is black bars on a white background. Printed samples were then couriered to Barcodes4u. Barcodes4u then proceeded to verify 6 barcodes using the 'RJS CodaScan II' barcode verifier. An average deviation/bar gain of 80 microns was established and Barcodes4u recommended that a 'Printability Range' of 'I-J' (80microns BWR) is most suited to the Screen printing machine.
Company K.G. placed an order for 2 EAN-13's:
On 5th November 2003, 2 EAN-13's with 'Magnification Factor' 90% and 'Printability Range' of 'I-J' were requested by Company K.G. These barcode masters were created electronically at Barcodes4u and e-mailed as attachments to Company K.G.. Bottles with appropriate barcodes were Screen printed on location at Company K.G. and subsequently delivered to Barcodes4u to be tested on the 'RJS CodaScan II' barcode verifier.
Results:
Both printed barcode symbols tested achieved a 'SYMBOL IN SPEC' result and the average deviations ('+7 microns' and '-5 microns') were well within the acceptable tolerance of '+/-68 microns' for a 'Magnification Factor' 90% EAN-13 barcode symbol.
Total cost to Company K.G.:
1. Test to establish suitable 'Printability Range' ('test master' barcode supplied at no charge): $20.00+GST
2. 2x EAN-13 barcode electronic masters: $15.00+GST each
3. 2x 'RJS CodaScan II' verification and printouts: $20.00+GST each
Conclusion:
This practice of using a barcode 'test master' to establish a suitable 'Printability Range' can be applied to all types of printing processes, variations in barcode colours and orientations and on different substrates. It is a simple and logical method as it allows printers, plate-makers and manufacturers the confidence and knowledge that their printed barcodes will scan, first time - every time.
Barcodes4u Pty Ltd
Suite 8, 63 Denham Street
Hawthorn Victoria 3122
Australia
Phone: (61-3) 9815 2180
Fax: (61-3) 9815 2190
ABN 63 103 999 695
E-mail: barcodes@barcodes4u.com.au
Internet: http://www.barcodes4u.com.au
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