Barcode Labels in the Electrical and Electronic Industry

Barcode labels play a crucial role throughout the supply chain of the electrical and electronic industry, from raw material sourcing to the hands of consumers. They facilitate real-time inventory control, efficient warehouse management, error prevention in material picking, automated data handling, swift information retrieval, and enhanced customer responsiveness. However, ensuring the readability of barcode labels in the electronics industry remains challenging, as these identification labels must endure high temperatures, exposure to chemicals, and other harsh conditions during production. This article will shed light on the applications of labels in manufacturing and the proposed solutions from Ricoh.

Loss of label information can render barcodes unreadable

Identification labels used in managing the manufacturing processes of electrical components and electronic devices often go through multiple stages under harsh conditions, including direct contact with alcohol and cleaning chemicals, high-temperature environments such as soldering with temperatures ranging from 180°C to 190°C, and friction with hard surfaces during assembly and machine operation. These factors can compromise the integrity of the label information and result in barcodes that specialized devices cannot read. Consequently, the information retrieval process is disrupted, affecting various stages from product identification and assembly to quality inspection, packaging, transportation, and maintenance.

Low-resolution image when printing multiple types of information simultaneously: text, horizontal barcodes, ladder barcodes

The specific requirements of labels used in the electronics industry, with small sizes and the need to include multiple types of information on a single label (such as characters, horizontal barcodes, vertical barcodes, and QR codes), often exceed the capabilities of standard labels and printing inks in terms of readability. This can affect barcode scanning, automated data handling, and source tracing capabilities when issues arise.

Stringent quality requirements apply not only to products but also to information labels

Most countries, including Vietnam, impose strict regulations on the information displayed on labels and the materials used, ensuring they do not contain hazardous substances that could harm human health or the environment. Below are some standard certifications required for labels:

Typical applications of labels in the electrical and electronic industry