Aztec Code

Aztec Code

Aztec Code is a high density 2 dimensional matrix style bar code symbology that can encode up to 3750 characters from the entire 256 byte ASCII character set. The symbol is built on a square grid with a bullseye pattern at its center. Data is encoded in a series of "layers" that circle around the bullseye pattern. Each additional layer completely surrounds the previous layer thus causing the symbol to grow in size as more data is encoded yet the symbol remains square. Aztec's primary features include: a wide range of sizes allowing both small and large messages to be encoded, orientation independent scanning and a user selectable error correction mechanism.

The smallest element in an Aztec symbol is called a "module" (i.e. a square dot). The module size and the amount of error correction are the only "dimensions" that can be specified for an Aztec symbol and both are user selectable. It is recommended that the module size should range between 15 to 30 mils in order to be readable by most of the scanners that are currently available.

The overall size of an Aztec symbol is dependent on the module size, the total amount of encoded data and also on the level of error correction capacity chosen by the user. The smallest Aztec symbol is 15 modules square and can encode up to 14 digits with 40% error correction. The largest symbol is 151 modules square and can encode 3000 characters or 3750 numeric digits with 25% error correction.

Contact JETEC for printing 2D codes on your products.

Why JETEC?

JETEC Corporation has the capability of upgrading your present marking process to include 2D code marking and reading. For those customers with existing ink jet or laser marking systems our IMS5000 Software can provide the necessary 2D code marking capability without requiring additional marking equipment. Otherwise, JETEC can provide complete, turnkey 2D code marking systems. All of the marking systems offered by JETEC Corporation provide the capability to print traditional 1D bar codes as well as 2D codes. JETEC marking systems incorporate industrial ink jet, laser scribing and dot peening technologies for Direct Product Marking (DPM), thereby creating a permanent robust mark without the expense and hassle of labels. Additionally, all 2D codes require a 2D code reader for encoding; they cannot be read using an ordinary linear bar code scanner. Process engineers should be aware that there is a large variance in how well vendor 2D code readers perform on varying surfaces. Knowing which industrial marker and reader to use for your specific application can be challenging. We encourage you to allow JETEC to use our expertise in Mark-Read systems to select the best product marking and read verification system for your application. Contact us for free consultation, sample marking, product demonstration and systems definition.