Entrust Sigma DS1 Installation And Administrator's Guide

Sigma DS1, DS2, and DS3 Card Printers Installation and Administrator’s Guide 37
Bar Code Size
 A lower density bar code is easier to read, because the bars are wider and spaced farther
apart.
 The width of the narrow elements in the bar code must be large enough to be read
consistently. The capabilities of the bar code reader can influence this.
 The bar code must be tall enough to be read under normal conditions.
Bar Code Print Settings
 To achieve the best quality printing and improve the readability of the bar code, use the K
(black) panel of color print ribbon to print the black bars. Bar codes printed with YMC panels
are not as crisp and sharp as those printed with the K panel only. Refer to the XPS Card Printer
Driver User’s Guide or the documentation for your card personalization software for more
information about how to print bar codes using the K panel.
 Infrared readers require that the K panel be used to print the bar code.
Test Bar Codes
Always test the readability of bar codes under production conditions. Factors to consider include:
 If you print cards one at a time, print the samples using that method. If you print cards in
batch (many cards sent to the printer at the same time), use a production-sized batch and
evaluate cards from the beginning, middle, and end of the batch.
 Use exactly the same card stock for testing that you use for production. The card stock can
affect the readability of bar codes. Usually, a white surface that reflects light in many
directions is needed. Test cards before purchasing production quantities.
 Include other card design components that you use in production, such as topcoat.
 Use the same bar code readers as users have, and test each card multiple times to simulate
any wear the card might experience. Also test multiple cards.

Entrust Sigma DS1 Specifications

General

Brand	Entrust
Model	Sigma DS1
Category	Printer
Language	English