This section lists some very common questions we are asked, along with the answers as best as we can give them! If you have a question please contact us at any time.
Q How many labels are on a roll?
A If you know the core size and outside diameter of the roll, the formula to calculate the approximate number of labels is as follows.
Square the outside diameter of the roll and subtract the square of the core size. Multiply the result by 109.0798. Divide that by the repeat length (which is the measurement from the top of one label to the top of the next label, including the gap in between.
Example: For a roll of 4” wide by 2” long with a 1/8” gap, a 3” core and a total roll diameter of 7.9”.
(7.9 x 7.9) – (3 x 3) = 53.41
53.41 x 109.0798 = 5825.952
5825.952 / 2.125 = 2741.62 (approximately 2,741 labels per roll)
Q I am a new business, how do I register my own barcodes?
A The numbers most commonly shown in barcodes on products are also used in electronic messages such as orders, invoices and despatch advices.
These unique numbers have no meaning, but they act as a link to information held on databases about each product line, company, location, shipping unit or asset that is being identified. The way in which companies and organisations use these numbers is standardised internationally, which means that standard electronic business documents can be exchanged simply, accurately and quickly in all global supply chains.
GS1 UK are worldwide authority for the GS1 system (a common language of electronic identification and communication that can be used by any organization regardless of size, industry or location. Companies looking to register a barcode will need to join GS1 UK to do so.
Brand owners assign a globally unique number, which replaces proprietary or in-house codes. The number includes the company prefix number attributed to each GS1 UK member and an item reference. The unique numbers have no meaning: when scanned or used, each number acts as a key to look up pre-defined information from a separate database.
The most widely used numbers, Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), are those used to identify product items. A GTIN is used to identify any product that which can be priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in the supply chain. More information about bar codes can be found in the bar code symbologies section
To join GS1 UK and to register your own barcode, visit www.gs1uk.org
Q What are different barcodes for?
A EAN 13 is used mostly for retail items which will be scanned at point of sale. The barcode encodes 13 data digits with an optional addon of 2 or 5 digits. The thirteenth data digit acts as a check digit for the first twelve.
EAN 8 is used mostly for smaller retail items which will be scanned at point of sale. The barcode encodes 8 data digits with the eighth data digit acts as a check digit for the first seven.
EAN 128 is used for encoding variable information about items. It is often used on pallet labels to identify the contents of crates and boxes. Note: EAN 128 is similar to but different from CODE 128.
CODE 39 is used for encoding serial numbers and other character sequences. Up to 40 characters may be encoded.
ISBN is used mostly for publishing. The barcode encodes a ten-digit ISBN number with an optional addon of 2 or 5 digits. The barcode is based on the EAN 13 symbology and the number appearing below the barcode is derived from the ISBN number which is written above the barcode.
UPC A (or UPC-10) is used mostly for retail items which will be scanned at point of sale. The barcode encodes 12 data digits with an optional addon of 2 or 5 digits. The twelfth digit is a check digit for the first eleven.
ITF is used mostly on materials such as cardboard where print quality is poor. The barcode may encode 14 data digits, 6 addon digits or both. The fourteenth digit can be used as a check digit if necessary.
Q I get confused with the differences between label repeat lengths, gaps and web widths. Help!
A The following diagram should help!
(insert scan)
