A two-dimensional code is a two-dimensional bar code, i.e., a matrix code, composed of black modules arranged within a white square pattern. There are different types of 2D codes, which can be decoded either with a smartphone or through specific readers.
Before going into the details of modern 2D codes, it is worth saying that their predecessors were alphanumeric serial codes, which were used for decades because they were very simple and easy to read.
The first barcodes were introduced in the 1940s and are still applied to a great many retail products. Because they can be read automatically, they reduce checkout times and the risk of errors and were a real revolution for small and large manufacturers in the last century.
Nevertheless, by the 1980s the problem arose regarding the amount of information to be encoded since barcodes can only hold a limited amount of data. To overcome this problem, two-dimensional codes were introduced to the market, which also often eliminated the need for separate external databases.
The DataMatrix code
The DataMatrix code is a two-dimensional code, which usually appears in black and white in rectangular or square form. It is a code that can contain a great deal of information despite its very small size: through it we can know what material the item is made of, who made it, where it was made, when, by what company, and its exact dimensions. By reading this code from a product we can therefore know all its details, avoid counterfeiting and optimize the production process through precise and effective control.
The other major advantage of the DataMatrix code is its versatility, i.e., the ability to apply it to any product including: aerospace vehicles medical instruments, electronic components and especially in the automotive sector.
What are the differences between barcode and DataMatrix code?
The bar code, which we are all familiar with, consists of light and dark lines representing letters, numbers, or a combination of the two. It is generally accompanied by a numeric code (EAN) and is found on any product on the market. Although effective for items and consumer goods, this code is not sufficient to track and identify a more complex product. That is why about thirty years after the barcode was introduced to the market, the DataMatrix code was born, which we can call the grandchild or third generation of the barcode.
The most notable difference between the two is that the latter is an analog code, which means that in order to read the information it contains it must be of a certain size and physically perfect, both in terms of contrast and in the placement of elements.
In contrast to the bar code,the DataMatrix code is digital, much easier to read and difficult to damage due to its small size (usually between 5 and 10mm).
What are the differences between QRcode and DataMatrix code?
The name “QR” is an abbreviation of the English Quick Response (“rapid response”), by virtue of the fact that the code was developed to allow rapid decoding of its contents. As we see in the image it is different from the DataMatrix, but again the major graphic space is occupied by geolocation information. A QRcode can comprise up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters, has an error-correcting capacity of 30 percent, and is used primarily for online and commercial applications. The strength of this code is its ability to handle special characters (such as the Japanese alphabet) and interface easily with networked resources.
As for DataMatrix code, on the other hand, this can include up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, has an error correction capability of 33% and can enclose a large volume of information in a very small space. For this reason, it is the ideal solution for professional-use database tracking and feeding systems. High readability also makes DataMatrix codes more suitable for industrial applications in various industries and satisfies even the most demanding manufacturers.
Another interesting fact regarding QRcode is that this is often applied to product packaging, so once the package is discarded, the information is lost.
Instead, DM codes are applied directly to the product, in shaded areas, so that useful information is retained without compromising design and aesthetics.
A small curiosity that unites these two codes is that they both require a white outline margin, which is called a quiet zone, which ensures the correct reading and interpretation of the data present.
In conclusion then, we can say that the advantages of the DataMatrix code are:
- The large amount of information it can contain
- Its dynamism
- Its resistance
- Its small size
How do I apply a DataMatrix code to a product?
Once we understand the enormous advantages of DataMatrix coding, we need to understand how it can be applied to our products. The best way to do this is undoubtedly laser marking, both because it can be applied to so many materials (such as plastics, metals, and wood) and because it allows us to create codes with an extreme versatility of ASCII characters and symbols, which can be modified directly from within the software.
The laser marker also allows the code to be placed at a certain depth on the object, so that it is more durable and allows us to keep track of our product at all times.
The advantages of laser marking with DataMatrix codes
AUTOMATION
In large industrial production, processes need to be integrated to save both time and cost. I laser marking systems are purpose-built to be integrated and configured according to the production chain, connected to software and highly dynamic.
RESISTANCE
Laser marking is indelible and almost impossible to damage. This is critical if we need to derive information about a damaged product or after a long period of time.
DYNAMISM OF DATA
With an automated process, we are able to monitor data constantly so that we can capture the information needed to implement production or make necessary changes for the next stage
SIZE
The laser spot is very small, which means it can mark even hard-to-reach parts of the product without compromising its aesthetics and design.
COST REDUCTION
Compared with other systems for traceability, laser marking is the most cost-effective one, as it has no maintenance expenses and no waste material disposal costs.
QUALITY
Laser marking ensures extremely high precision even with complex geometric details, and at the end of the process, the material is cleaned to ensure a perfect result.
