Quick Response [QR] Codes are new 2-D bar codes that are read using free, widely available reader applications (Apps) on SmartPhone platforms including the Apple iPhone and iPad, RIM Blackberry, and Android Phones. A QR Code consists of a square display with dark blocks along both neighboring sides. This coding system contains one hundred times the information of a standard bar code in one quarter of the space. QR Codes are quickly becoming the standard for product identification, marketing and security applications.
The QR Code can link to a URL address such as a Facebook page, a YouTube video, a company website or any other web page you choose. Utilizing the QR Code is convenient, because the information once scanned can be saved right in the SmartPhone. If you link to a URL, you have the added advantage of the information being up to the minute! QR codes are usually linked to websites but can also be used to add contacts to a phone’s address book, get directions, dial a phone number, send a text message or an e-mail.
QR Codes are just one of many applications that can be created with a laser marking system. Already extensive in such industries as medical device, automotive, electronics, industrial and consumer products, laser marking offers permanent, fast and programmable marking of dates, letters, codes, logos and serial numbers on a wide variety of products. It is also considered ecologically friendly since the laser marking procedure does not necessitate the use of solvents normally required in other part marking processes.
The value and inherent benefits of computer aided laser marking are being understood more and more each day. The unique, high quality images and machine readable codes the computer aided laser markers are capable of producing today, easily trump the simple alpha-numeric markings seen previously.
Laser marking is done at a very high speed and the marks are simple to create courtesy of comprehensive computer software. With the state-of-the-art, yet still user-friendly software at your disposal, creating a unique laser marking theme for your parts or equipment is straight forward and painless. Laser marking is not a tedious and complex mental exercise which many initially assume.
With specialized laser marking software, laser marking systems can directly mark QR Codes onto products made of almost any material. With the explosion of SmartPhones, QR codes are becoming more common place, and are scannable by a growing portion of the population. The number and quality of applications reading these codes continues to grow, and that means more and more businesses will find ways to apply the codes more permanently for improved traceability, security and visibility.
Please visit our website to learn more about laser marking applications.