How to Identify and Fix Common Problems ?
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How Do Barcode Printers Work? When connected to a computer via network or local interface cable, barcode printers print data formatted spe- cifically for labeling. The data is then interpreted through the barcode printer`s device driver and subsequently printed.
Common barcode printing issues
The wrong labels for the label surface. Damaged labels that cannot be read by the bar code scanner. Missing bars in picket fence bar codes. Horizontal white lines in ladder bar codes.
A barcode reader works by directing a beam of light across the barcode and measuring the amount and pattern of the light that is reflected. The scanner converts the light energy into electrical energy, which is then converted into data by the decoder and forwarded to a computer.
Barcodes are generated using software. Stores decide what information (quantity, color, type) they want to collect with the barcode and choose the barcode format. The software will automatically generate a machine-readable barcode.
Principles of bar code reading
A bar code consists of white and black bars. Data retrieval is achieved when bar code scanners shine a light at a bar code, capture the reflected light and replace the black and white bars with binary digital signals.
Barcodes store information using symbols that can vary from lines to dots, such as in matrix barcoding. There are many types of barcodes, such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes, that determine the exact type of data that can be encoded unto it.
Do a hard reset on your printer. To do this you just need to turn off your printer, unplug for a few minutes and then plug the printer again. If that still doesn`t work, try turning the printer and your computer off, and then start it back up again. Try uninstalling and then reinstalling your printer driver.
Check cables or wireless connection Make sure that the printer`s USB cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC. If your USB isn`t recognized, see Automatically diagnose and fix Windows USB problems. Check the wireless connection (for wireless printers).
A barcode scanner communicates with a barcode by using a light beam. The light beam projected at the barcode is reflected back into the scanner. The scanner then measures the intensity of light reflected back from the barcode using light sensors to decode the information.
Not all barcode scanners can read all barcodes. Laser barcode scanners and linear imagers read only 1D barcode scanners. Imager (camera-based) 2D barcode scanners read all common 1D and 2D barcodes.
In contrast, all barcodes do not trigger an alarm. What triggers the alarm is the magnet. However, magnets are usually placed near the barcode so the cashier knows and can deactivate the magnet simply by scanning the item.
Feel confident in your data — use the GS1 Company Database (GEPIR®) to look up UPC barcodes, verify company information, and more. The GS1 Company Database provides basic company information for more than one million GS1 member companies in more than 100 countries.
Save and Retrieve Barcode Information
The most simple way to manage barcodes in a database is to store barcode information, such as barcode text and type. Instead of loading original barcode images, only their details are saved in a database.
The key difference between a label printer and a barcode printer is the intent of usage. Label printers are used to print labels, tags, and other small documents like receipts. Barcode printers, on the other hand, are used for printing barcodes and other identification tags.
No, thermal printers do not use ink. Instead, they use heat to activate the ink or transfer the ink from the ribbon onto the print media.
Many industrial barcode printers are direct thermal printers, although most of them are thermal transfer printers. Thermal transfer printers, as the name says, use thermal transfer printing, a printing method where ink ribbons are melted to print a barcode on a label.
Print Technology
Generally, both printing technologies are available in the same printer model. Barcode printers are also thermal printers but generally use direct thermal printing technology. Barcode printers that use thermal transfer printing are available, although they are more expensive.
A barcode`s readability, or scannability, depends on its print quality. There are four different types of print technologies available to print barcodes: Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Laser and Thermal printers. Dot matrix printers create poor quality barcodes that can be difficult to scan.
Print Technology
Generally, both printing technologies are available in the same printer model. Barcode printers are also thermal printers but generally use direct thermal printing technology. Barcode printers that use thermal transfer printing are available, although they are more expensive.