A-61092 September 1999 8-17
Table 2 identifies the most common causes of low bar code
ratings/grades.
Table 2 — Common Causes of Low Bar Code Ratings
Field Problem Type Cause
W/N
NEW
Dimensional Bar codes not printed according to
specifications (refer to Kodak publication
Bar
Code Made Easy,
A-61099).
Inaccurate measurements due to:
• Ink smearing (improper curing)
• Ink spreading (use of super-absorbent
paper)
• Use of dot matrix printers (ragged edges)
RMIN
CONTRAST
Reflectance Bar elements are too light often caused by:
• Use of old ink ribbon
• Hammer pressure too light
• Defective/dirty print head
Space elements are too dark often caused by:
• Dark colored paper background
• Stain on paper
MOD Reflectance Bar code element edges are ragged rather than
straight often caused by use of a dot matrix
printer.
DEFECT Reflectance Bar elements contain voids (white spots) often
caused by:
• Use of old ink ribbon
• Hammer pressure too light
• Defective/dirty print head
Space elements contain dark spots often
caused by:
• Paper with flecks
• Ink smearing (improper curing)
• Ink spreading (use of super-absorbent
paper)
• Defective/dirty print head
• Toner contamination (if using a laser printer)
Upon completion of the test:
• Remove the bar code from under the scan head if a Static Bar Code
Evaluation has been performed.
• Press C to return to normal operation, or press Stop to remain in the
test environment.
