Introduction of Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Font
Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode font is a repetitive two-width linear barcode that encodes only numerical digits in a high-density format. It was introduced by Intermec in 1972. Every two digits in this barcode symbology are interleaved (form a pair) to make a single symbol. Each character is made up of five black bars and five white space components. The first digit of the pair is represented by the five black bars, while the second digit is represented by the five white spaces. When compared with standard 2 of 5 barcodes, interleaved 2 of 5 symbology can reduce the length of the code by carrying information in the white spaces.
This barcode is said as “2 of 5” because two out of every five black bars or white spaces are wide. An Interleaved 2 of 5 message must have an even number of characters due to the interleaving of the characters. A leading zero (0) should be added to the message if it has an odd number of characters.
Structure
There are some following components that made up a complete Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Font
- Leading Quiet Zone
- Start Character (nb-ns-nb-ns)
- Stored Numeric Characters (00-99)
- Optional Check Digit (modulo 10)
- Stop Character (wb-ns-nb)
- Trailing Quiet Zone
- Optional Bearer Bar Pattern
Where, nb - narrow bar, ns – narrow space, wb – wide bar
Structure of Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Font
Why Interleaved 2 of 5 is a Continuous Barcode?
In an interleaved 2 of 5 barcode, the position of the character inside the message determines whether the elements used to encode it are black bars or white spaces. The black bars just after the start character are used to encode the message's first character. The inter-character space is eliminated by encoding the second character of the message into the white spaces between the bars of the first character. Due to this specification, interleaved 2 of 5 is said to be a continuous barcode.
What are Bearer Bars in Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode?
The Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is typically printed with either two perpendicular bars at the top and bottom or a thick black rectangular border around it called the Bearer Bars. It encloses both the quiet zones and the complete barcode symbol. Bearer Bars are used to minimize the chances of incorrect readings or partial scans that could happen when a skewed scanning laser enters or departs the barcode symbol through its top or bottom corner. The other purpose of the bearer bar is to distribute the pressure applied to the barcode's whole surface by the printing plate.
Applications
Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes are used in several applications such as-
- Transportation Packaging
- Printing on Corrugated Cardboards
- Distribution and Warehouse Identification
- Label 135 Film
- Used by Deutsche Post for Mail Delivery
Generate Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode:
Create Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Font with the help of Barcode Software by using either Barcode Designing View or Barcode Settings option. Print a large number of designed interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes on a single sheet of paper by using advanced print setting option available in the software.
