Hologram city panorama / 3D render of glowing holographic view of modern cityNo Virginia, there are no 3D barcodes but we hear them referred to quite often. It is a common misconception, so let’s be clear: Data Matrix Code and QR Code are 2D barcodes,  and UPC and Code 128 1D barcodes). Come on people, remember your middle school geometry: data encoded in the X or Y axis only is a 1D barcode; data encoded in both X and Y are 2D barcodes. If data can be encoded in the X, Y and Z axis, that would be a 3D barcode. Clear?

Unicorns, Satyrs and 3D Barcodes

There are some symbol types that have a second tier of data encoding. The venerable UPC actually does this. Unbeknownst to most people, there are two character sets for the manufacturer portion of a Version A UPC. Let’s call them Character Set A and B. By arranging the six digits of the manufacturer ID in a particular pattern, a 7th digit can be encoded. Did you know that all Version A UPC symbols encode 13 digits? It’s true. But this does not make it a 3D barcode.

Tier 2 Barcodes are not 3D

Denso, QR Code inventor and owner of the patent, has recently released a secure version of QR Code, called SQRC. This clever development allows some of the data in a QR Code to be available to anyone with a scanner. Someone with authorized access can scan the same QR Code and access an additional layer of secure data. But like a Version A UPC, this is not a 3D barcode.

The very special Aztec Code resembles a Data Matrix barcode, with multi-colored squares arrayed in a rectangular pattern. The color pattern encodes additional information beyond what the

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squares themselves encode. But this is not a 3D barcode. We call them Tier 2 barcodes.

Marking a part or sub-assembly with laser, an acid etch or a mechanically imposed peen is called Direct Part Mark or DPM.  It will disrupt the substrate and technically create a Z axis. But the vertical dimension carries no intelligence and therefore, DPM is not a 3D barcode.

Reference to a 3D barcode is a misnomer. It is innocent incorrect speech. A true 3D barcode would resemble 3D checker or chess, and while that could give it impressive data storage capacity, how could it me imaged in print? Perhaps a holograph–someday?

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager