CFT Barcoding Systems
An Introduction To Barcode Equipment
A complete barcode system will consist of software, scanners, a printer or labeler and labels for thermal transfer or direct thermal printing of the labels.
Barcode printers are used to print the barcode on self adhesive labels. Today most barcode label printers work in either direct thermal or thermal transfer mode. Using the method the print head applies heat to selected parts of the label which then turn dark. This is the same principle as is used with older fax machines. Direct thermal labels are sensitive to light and should not be used if they have to last longer than a few days or weeks.
Typical applications are address labels which only have to last a few days. With thermal transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon (thermal transfer ribbon) sits between the print head and the label. As heat is applied to the ribbon, ink transfers (hence the name) from the ribbon to the label. Labels that were printed with thermal transfer are very durable.
Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing machines are used. For example, such printers can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or printing logos or product images next to the actual barcode on the label.
Typical applications are address labels which only have to last a few days. With thermal transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon (thermal transfer ribbon) sits between the print head and the label. As heat is applied to the ribbon, ink transfers (hence the name) from the ribbon to the label. Labels that were printed with thermal transfer are very durable.
Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing machines are used. For example, such printers can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or printing logos or product images next to the actual barcode on the label.
CFT labels has over 35 years of labeling know how and experience. Our barcoding division is stag=ffed by knowledgeable operators who produce top quality barcode labels of every concievable shape and size.
We can produce them in printed format so that the variable information can be overprinted using our range of desktop or industrial strength barcode label printers. We can also produce blank barcode labels for use in virtualy any application from large warehousing solutions to the smallest mom and pop business.
The labels can be produced on direct thermal material where no ribbon is needed, as well as materials that will accept thermal transfer ribbons printing which are generally for applications that require a longer shelf life and can be exposed to direct sunlight with any fading or loss of quality,
At CFT Barcoding we have you covered, not matter what your barcoding requirements may be!
We can produce them in printed format so that the variable information can be overprinted using our range of desktop or industrial strength barcode label printers. We can also produce blank barcode labels for use in virtualy any application from large warehousing solutions to the smallest mom and pop business.
The labels can be produced on direct thermal material where no ribbon is needed, as well as materials that will accept thermal transfer ribbons printing which are generally for applications that require a longer shelf life and can be exposed to direct sunlight with any fading or loss of quality,
At CFT Barcoding we have you covered, not matter what your barcoding requirements may be!
Barcode software
Barcodes are created with special software. While barcode software for Microsoft Windows is available, best suited for barcode creation are Apple Macintosh computers. Macs are preferable due to their strong position in the DTP, prepress and graphics market segment. A typical barcode software will support the common symbologies, calculate checksums automatically and will provide a variety of output options with support for the most common images formats (like PNG, TIFF or JPG) and also for Post Script or EPS.
A cheap alternative to dedicated barcode generators are so called barcode fonts. However, the quality a barcode created with such a font will usually not conform to the respective standards.
Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing software may be advised. For example, such software can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or print logos or product images next to the actual barcode.
A cheap alternative to dedicated barcode generators are so called barcode fonts. However, the quality a barcode created with such a font will usually not conform to the respective standards.
Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing software may be advised. For example, such software can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or print logos or product images next to the actual barcode.