Programming Techniques > Barcodes (1D)

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BCT_CODE39

Field of Application

Code 3 of 9 is a universal barcode with many applications in the industry.

Each character is represented by 9 elements (5 bars and 4 gaps), where 3 elements are wide and 6 are small. This aspect allows the self-checking of the barcode.

The advantage of the barcode is its huge character set. The disadvantage is the small information-density as well as the low tolerance.

Charset / Number of Characters

The charset comprises the digits 0..9, the upper-case letters A..Z and the symbols minus, period, blank, dollar sign, slash, plus and the percent character.

The number of characters is not limited. However the code is not very dense and needs much space.

Checkdigit

The use of a checkdigit is optional. The barcode library can generate it automatically.

Characteristics

•The Code 3 of 9 is very common

•The aspect ratio between thin and thick modules can be adjusted using the properties BarcodeThinBar and BarcodeThickBar. To adjust for example a ratio of 1 : 2,5 set BarcodeThinBar = 2 and BarcodeThickBar = 5.

•The Code 39 is the basis for the Code 39 Extended and Code BCT_PZN (Pharma Zentral Nummer).

Additional Information

If sending parcels with UPS you should take care that codes of type 39 are not visible on the outside of the parcel, otherwise they could be mismatched by automated systems with the UPS parcel-labels.

Code 39 (3 of 9)

Code 39 (3 of 9)