Printing Considerations
Always ensure that the print quality of the barcode is of a high standard. Ensure that the bars in the symbol are clearly defined, watch for voids or smudging, and avoid flecks in the background colour. Also, the substrate, the material the barcode is printed on, is very important.
Substrate
If the substrate is unsuitable, this can cause scanning difficulties. Different packaging materials reflect light differently, and this can have an effect on the scanning ability of the barcode. This is especially evident on transparent and translucent packages where the background is not printed. For printing barcodes, it is recommended that you:
- Avoid high gloss (highly specularly reflecting) substrates
- Avoid transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds
- Avoid transparent wrappers over the printed barcode
Barcode Quality Testing
Maintaining acceptable print quality and consistent print gain (ink spread) requires regular ongoing checking. Please refer to our barcode characteristics fact sheet for more information. Also, please discuss with your printer.
Many major retailers will require you to show evidence of a GS1 Australia Barcode Verification Report for your barcodes.
Please click on the link below to view more information on barcode verification:
GS1 Australia Barcode Verification
Please click on the link below to see barcode testing request form:
GS1 Australia Barcode Testing Request Form
Printing Methods
There are three common ways to apply the barcode to your trade item:
Pre-Printed Labels
A printer or label service can print labels carrying barcodes, or your company can print them on-site. Ask equipment suppliers for a demonstration of on-site barcode printing equipment. The equipment automatically generates the barcode directly from data.
On-Site Direct Printing on Packaging
On-site printing equipment is also available which allows you to print the barcode directly onto the package during the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution process.
Printing on Packaging at Source
Barcodes may be able to be incorporated into the artwork for your item and printed directly onto the packaging. For more information regarding this application method you will need to contact your printer.
Note: Marking a symbol directly onto an item (direct part marking) can be used in some applications. For example, laser etching a GS1 DataMatrix symbol onto a medical instrument.
