I L R I C A M P U S , A D D I S A B A B A E T H I O P I A

NOVEMBER 22, 2016

First Workshop for IT Staff on Barcodes and GRIN-Global

Edwin Rojas (CIP)Genebank Data System Manager

Programing Language Printing

Agenda: Barcode KIT

• Printing barcodes with ZPLII

Barcode KIT Concepts: Barcode Types, Symbologies, Label Information

Machine-readable: Is the barcode that represent information interpreted by the scanner.Human-readable: Text in numeric or alphanumeric with different font types and sizes.

Barcode is a machine-readable representation of informationThis representation is a symbology; when is scanned the

symbology enabled the information to be read accurately

Barcodes: Definition

Code 128 Data Matrix

Barcode KIT Concepts: SymbologiesBarcode is a machine-readable representation of information.This representation is a symbology; when is scanned the symbology enabled the information to be read accurately

Barcode Types

Symbologies Description

1D (linear) Code 39 Can encode both numeric and alpha data

Code 128 For a wider selection of characters arose than Code 39

2D Data MatrixA Data Matrix Code is a two-dimensional (2D) code that consists of black and white modules. Capacity to recover 20-30% of data

Though usually for small size itemsFor asset tracking, identification and data-driven applications, traditional Data Matrix Codes are generally the best choice. Data Matrix Code can store large amounts of data for encoding, making them appropriate for a wide variety of applications.

QRA QR Code is another type of 2D code that consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. Capacity to recover 20-30% of data

Can encode long numeric data, alpha data and raw data like photos (binary).QR Codes can be useful when software programs are not available through a scanner, but can be reached through a website. By scanning the QR code, the data is then transferred to the site where it is entered.

Barcode KIT Concepts: SymbologiesBarcode 2D parts

Recognition area (red color): To identify the symbology and inform the decoder how to decode it (like version, masks etc).

Black and White ModulesSmallest: 21x21 modulesLargest: 144x144 modules

Black ModulesSmallest: 10x10 modulesLargest: 177x177 modules

QR and Datamatrix both can be used free of any licensing or royalties.

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print Technologies

Dot matrix Laser Thermal transfer or Direct Thermal

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print TechnologiesDirect Thermal

• Thermal printing is classified as either direct thermal or thermal transfer• Direct thermal printing is an old technology, originally designed for

copiers and fax machines, that utilizes chemically coated paper• Advantages:

• Direct thermal printing produces sharp print quality with good scannability.• Direct thermal is ideal for applications requiring only a short shelf life—meaning the

label image does not need to last very long. Shipping labels and receipts are ideal applications, for instance.

• Direct thermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies, with no ink, toner or ribbon to monitor or replenish.

• With no supplies to replace other than the material to be printed, long-term maintenance costs remain low.

• Direct thermal printers, like thermal transfer, are typically built more durably than dot matrix or laser printers, allowing reliable operation in genebanks. Shorter label image life limits their applications compared to thermal transfer printers.

Label

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print TechnologiesDirect Thermal

Label

• Limitations:• Direct thermal printing is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions such as

heat and light (fluorescent and/or direct sunlight)• Direct thermal paper remains chemically active after printing. Because of this,

thermal labels, tags or ticket stock are often top-coated to resist UV light exposure, chemicals and abrasion.

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print TechnologiesThermal Transfer

Ribbon

Label

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print TechnologiesThermal Transfer

• The thermal printhead transfers the ink onto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image.

• Advantages:• Thermal transfer delivers high definition text, graphic, and bar code print

quality for maximum readability and scannability.• Thermal transfer printing produces longlife image stability.• Long-term maintenance costs are low compared to dot matrix and laser

printing.• Thermal transfer technology can print on a nearly unlimited variety of

media stock layouts• Thermal transfer printers are typically built more durably than dot matrix

or laser printers, allowing reliable operation in industrial and genebanks.

Ribbon

Label

Barcode KIT Concepts: Print TechnologiesThermal Transfer

Ribbon

Label

• Limitations:• Since thermal transfer printers require ribbon, supply costs are

higher than direct thermal.• Thermal transfer printheads last longer than direct thermal.• Single-pass thermal transfer ribbon can be wasteful if little is printed

on it.• To obtain optimum print quality in thermal transfer printing, the

ribbon and media substrate MUST be compatible. Otherwise, the heat from the printhead could melt the ribbon onto the label causing internal printer problems.

Barcode KIT Components: Label types

Type 1

Square labels for seed envelopes or in vitro vessels

Stick-ins labels for pots

Self-tie labels for field

Square labels for crossing plants in greenhouses

Barcode KIT Components: Label types

Type 2

Type 3

Barcode KIT Components: Label installation

Barcode KIT Components: Label

3. Labels with Barcode: Germplasm Identification

Stick-ins Label(Pointend end Label)Self-tie Label

Self Adhesive Label

Selection Criteria for LabelsIML Provider

Barcode KIT Components: Ribbon

4. Ribbon for Barcode n Thermal Transfer : Germplasm Identification Supplies

Stick-ins Label(Pointend end Label)

Self-tie LabelSelf Adhesive Label

Product: Ribbon Wax (20USD)Model: 5319 PERFORMANCEManufacture: Zebra Product: Ribbon Wax/Resin, 3200 PERFORMANCE (35USD)

Product: Ribbon Resin, 5095 PERFORMANCE (65USD)Manufacture: Zebra

Product: Ribbon Wax (20USD)Model: 5319 PERFORMANCEManufacture: Zebra

Barcode KIT Components: Ribbon Installation

Barcode KIT Components: Printer Sensors

Barcode KIT Components: Printer Sensors

Printer Type Media Sensors Print Technology

Desktop printer: Media thickness: 0.05 to 0.25 mm

Transmissive media sensor and reflective media sensor

Direct thermal and thermal transfer

Mobile printer:Media thickness: 0.05 to 0.16 mm

Transmissive and reflective media sensor

Only direct thermal

Transmissive sensor: To detect start/end of label using visible inter-label gaps, notches or pre-punched holesReflective sensor: To detect start/end of label when reaches a black mark appearing on the reverse side of the label stock

Barcode KIT Components: Software to printPrinting on your Desktop from Excel Files.

Zebra Designer Pro = $275

Barcode KIT Components: Desktop Printer

5. Desktop Label Printer: Print Identification

General features: Good quality print for text and barcode, robust printer, support 1D, 2D & RFID encode, long life image stability, low maintenance cost, support different labels layout and thickness

Product: Desktop barcode printerManufacture: ZebraModel: Series ZT410 , Cost: 1500USD

Device specifications in compliance with CIP standards : Print method: Support thermal transfer and direct thermalResolution with 300 dpi (12 dots/mm)Label thickness <= 225 micronMaximum Print Width: 4.09"/104 mmSupport broad range of barcode symbologies: Linear and 2-DimensionalSupport RFID: Supports tags compatible with UHFRugged metal frame and case for demanding activitiesMany connectivity choices including USB, wireless 802.11 b/g, Ethernet, parallel and BluetoothMedia types: black mark, continuous, die-cut, fanfold, notched, perforated, tag stockLabel sensors: Transmissive and reflective media sensorsCapacity to print: Text, images and barcodesMemory 256 MB RAM memory (4 MB User Available)Memory 512 MB Flash memory (64 MB User Available)

Barcode KIT Components: Desktop Printer

5. Desktop Label Printer: Print Identification

Pre-cut Self Adhesive Labels

Self-Tie Labels Pointed End Labels Continue Self Adhesive Labels

Barcode Print Technologies:Languages Printing

Language PrintingZPL or ZPLII

EPL

CPCL

Barcode Print Technologies:Languages Printing – ZPL II

Barcode Print Technologies:Computer output and printer input options

Computer output options

VB Source Code Printer input options

Direct to Parallel Port Open “LPT1” For Output As #1

Print #1, strCommandsClose #1

Shared Parallel Port Open “\\pc_name\printer” For Output As #1

Print #1, strCommandsClose #1

Print Server WiFi or network card

Open “\\120.110.80.50” For Output As #1Print #1, strCommandsClose #1

Direct to Serial Port or Bluetooth

Open “COM1:” For Output As #1Print #1, ChangeFormat(strCommands)Close #1Note: COM6 for Bluetooth

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Barcode Print Technologies: Tools

Tool Method

Zebra Designer Software

LPT1, USB, COM, Bluetooth, IP address

Printer Driver Windows Icon

Text file

^XA^LH10,10^FO50,70^ADN,45,30^FDWelcome to Addis^FS^XZ

Excel Macros VBA Macros

VS 2015 or 2008 C#

USB memory support in Zebra Printer ZT410

Export ZPL Commands in a text file

Exercises to printing barcode labels

Go ahead

Thanks and Spark your Imagination !

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