2D barcode printing

[Stuart91]

We're implementing a new hire management system, and as part of this process we're looking at barcoding items. The recommendation I've had is for 2D barcodes, similar to QR codes, the main advantage being that they are more compact than traditional barcodes so easier to fit onto things like cables and microphones.

 

The tricky bit is finding somewhere that can print them. At the moment I've been recommended a company in the US (ID Labels) that can do it, but I'd rather deal with someone more local. The labels themselves aren't anything special, all we need to store in the barcode itself is a six-digit ID number. I'd ideally like barcode and company logo side by side, on as small a label as possible, with the most vicious glue possible so they don't fall off.

 

Has anyone got firms they could recommend? My googling hasn't been able to turn up anyone specific enough yet.

[PeterT]

Might be worth giving leMark a call, they were keen to offer us Barcode labels when we had some flightcase labels done.

[Shez]

Have a look at Dantech - I had some contact with them about an asset labelling project that never materialised and looked at some samples. They do all sorts of types of labels and certainly do 1D barcodes; I didn't investigate 2D but it's worth asking.

 

Edit to say I've just found the brochure and yes they do do 2D barcodes.

[stillwave]

One thing to bear in mind is that 2d barcodes need to be read flat, so would probably be difficult to read if laid around the cable.

[slipstream]

a six digit code can be easily done with a traditional barcode - even alphanumeric components - Brady were always a good source of ideas - not cheap mind http://www.bradyid.com/bradyid/scpv/Printers-and-Label-Makers~Barcode-Labeling.html many of their printers are Zebra but they have specific cable wrap labels

[Stuart91]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

Dantech have earned immediate Brownie points, with a very prompt response my initial enquiry.

 

I'm hoping that we'll be able to put most of the 2D barcodes onto connectors, rather than round the cables themselves. However we did conduct a brief trial a while back where we stuck inkjet-printed 2D barcodes onto various items, including round an AA battery, and our scanner (a Metrologic MS1690) managed to read them all without any problems.

[trussmonkey]

Barcode generating software is pretty cheap. Buy a Brother P Touch label printer that you can network. Print the bar does direct from your computer and input the codes to what ever asset software to are using. Or use the asset software to generate the codes ( if it can) then copy paste it to the software provided by the P touch printer.

 

Simples

 

FYI we use QR codes in our dept and we have over 10 000 items. They print out really nicely on 9mm p Touch tape. I think ( dont quote me) that QR codes can hold a lot more info than bar codes .

 

Ps we use the QR codes on shackles, karabiners etc and no problem with reading on round items, the only problem we have is damaged code labels.

[Stuart91]

Buy a Brother P Touch label printer that you can network.

 

My experience of P Touch labels (and other printers, like the Rhino we bought a while back) is that the labels don't stay on terribly well, any time we've used them we've had to put tape or heatshrink over the top of them to keep them in place.

 

I'm assuming from what you're saying that you've gotten on a bit better with them? Is there a particular kind of label or style of adhesive that you can buy to make it a bit more permanent?

 

Ps we use the QR codes on shackles, karabiners etc and no problem with reading on round items, the only problem we have is damaged code labels.

 

That echos our experience with some inkjet printer QR codes, good to hear that you're getting on OK with them.

[trussmonkey]

Stuart,

 

You are correct about the QR codes not sticking well. Our show is a water show so the moisture in the air doesnt play well. We use heat shrink as well. Its not ideal as it involves another step but I dare say what ever label solution is found this problem of longevity of the label will come up once the kit is used and passed through many hands.

[musht]

Avery do a couple of heavy duty labels, used the HD laser labels before , polyester rather than paper , water proof. They also do Triple Bond labels , 3 times stonger than your average label and only about 2 1/2 times the price

 

http://www.avery.co.uk/avery/en_gb/Products/Labels/Labels-for-Protection-%26-Security

 

sizes tend to be on the large size.

 

Can always embed your logo in the QR code though ;-)

[callumb]

Speak to your local sign company. They can print you some heavy duty stickers!