Kodak 7520 Common Causes of Low Bar Code Ratings Field Problem Type, Code Made Easy, A-61099

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	Dimensional	Bar codes not printed according to
NEW		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	Reflectance	Bar elements are too light often caused by:
CONTRAST		∙ 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 the imaging guide.

∙Press C to return to normal operation, or press Stop to remain in the test environment.

8-16 A-61140 January 2000