1D and 2D Code Inspection
With EyeC’s inspection solutions, you can quickly and easily check the quality of 1D and 2D codes such as barcodes, data matrix codes and QR codes on your packaging.
These applications are available for almost all EyeC systems allowing you to verify the code quality throughout your production process.
The Fields of Application of 1D & 2D Code Verification
With the software for 1D and 2D code inspection, barcodes can be reliably checked in various industries and sectors. This way, the error-free release of products can be guaranteed.
Barcode Inspection for PDF Files
At the pre-press stage, the EyeC Proofiler Graphic’s “Barcode Inspection” option reads and visualizes the content of 1D and 2D codes and compares them to an approved PDF template. It verifies the decodability as well as the quality of each individual code as part of the grading process. In just one single check, all codes are automatically reviewed, and all other print elements are simultaneously controlled.
Barcode Inspection on Print Samples
The verification also takes place in the print shop and incoming goods inspection for packaging materials. Here, the contents of the codes on the print samples are compared to an approved PDF template. In addition, the “Code Grading” option also verifies the decodability and quality of the codes. This allows you to perform a complete sample inspection using just one system in a single inspection cycle.
Barcode Reading for the Entire Print Run
The inline inspection system reads both barcodes and variable codes and alerts you if a code is unreadable. For variable codes, it identifies duplicates or performs the inspection according to a specific logic, such as for running codes. The content of the inspected variable codes is stored for use in subsequent processes.
Overview of the Different Software Solutions for Barcode Reading
Artwork and Pre-Press Verification
Check 1D barcodes and 2D QR codes at this early stage of production. This way, any errors are detected early, and later revisions can be avoided.
With EyeC Proofiler Content, 1D, 2D, and DataBar barcodes are recognized, decoded, and classified. This allows you to see content changes at a glance and at the same time verify the correct implementation according to ISO.
The EyeC Proofiler Graphic is used in pre-press for 1D code verification of barcodes as well as 2D code verification of Data Matrix codes and QR codes. The PDF-based application ensures a fast and uncomplicated comparison.
With the EyeC Workflow Integration you add the pre-press software to your workflows.
Offline Inspection Systems
The offline inspection systems are used at the printing press where they compare the printout with the approved templates and analyze them to ensure that they are perfect. The EyeC Proofiler checks all common 1D and 2D codes with regard to their content, decodability and quality according to CEN/ANSI. Among the well-known barcodes are EAN, PZN or Laetus. However, the software also inspects RSS codes or two-dimensional codes.
The EyeC Proofiler 900 – 1700 DT evaluates samples in half and large format and does this at almost twice the speed of other systems. The EyeC Proofbook also performs file versus file verification of a wide variety of bar codes. This significantly reduces inspection time.
Inline Inspection
The EyeC ProofRunner Web is used for 1D & 2D code inspection on labels, package inserts or foils, with the inspection taking place directly on the printing press. The EyeC ProofRunner Sheetfed is used to examine folding boxes and package inserts in the sheet-fed offset sector.
The EyeC ProofRunner Carton Folder Gluer performs the inspection directly on the folder gluer, while the EyeC ProofRunner Carton Sorter is installed on the sorting unit. Select the EyeC Quality Link if you need a connection between the press and the rewinder.
FAQ
What is 1D and 2D code inspection and which codes does it cover?
1D and 2D code inspection is the quality check of machine-readable codes on packaging to ensure they can be read and released error-free. Common examples are barcodes (1D), Data Matrix, QR codes (2D). The capability is available across almost all EyeC systems.
What does code verification actually check (content vs. quality)?
EyeC’s code inspection combines reading and decoding the code content with grading the code’s decodability and quality as part of the verification process. In EyeC’s workflow, code grading is referenced in the context of checks aligned with ISO (pre-press) and CEN/ANSI (offline inspection).
How does barcode inspection work for PDF files at the pre-press stage?
At pre-press stage, the system reads and visualises 1D/2D code content and compares it to an approved PDF template, verifying both decodability and code quality – while also checking other print elements in the same pass (EyeC Workflow Integration).
What’s the difference between code inspection on print samples and in-line inspection?
The difference lies between verifying codes on print samples (e.g., in the print shop and incoming goods inspection, comparing code content to the approved PDF template and grading quality) and in-line inspection, where codes are checked directly during the print run.
Can EyeC inspect variable codes across the entire print run?
Yes. EyeC’s inline system can read barcodes and variable codes, alert if a code is unreadable, and for variable codes it can flag duplicates or check against defined logic (such as running codes). It also stores the inspected variable-code content for later processes.