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common corrective actions that can be attempted to remedy symbol quality
problems.
Problem: Low Symbol Contrast (SC) or PCS
Possible Causes:
• High Minimum Reflectance (Rmin)
• Bars too “light”
• Incorrect verification light source
• Low Maximum Reflectance (Rmax)
• Dark substrate
Potential Solutions:
• Darken bars, i.e., use a darker or more carbon-content ink, increased
amount of toner (laser), increased heat (thermal printing). Note:
increasing heat or ink/toner coverage excessively may cause
dimensional tolerance or modulation problems.
• Change ink/toner/ribbon to darker or barcode rated quality.
• Check whether verification is to be done at 660 or 880 nm.
• Note: Non-carbon-based inks and printing do not produce “black”
images for 880 nm light sources.
• Change to lighter substrate. Note: for direct printing on Kraft, a low
Symbol Contrast grade is to be expected. Check ANSI MH10.8 or your
application specification for guidance.
Problem: Low Minimum Edge Contrast (ECmin)
Possible Causes:
• “Fuzzy” bar edges
• Bars too light
• Substrate too dark
• Verifier aperture too large
Potential Solutions:
• Clean printer
• Ensure proper media/substrate match to produce crisp images.
• Reduce pressure (wet ink printing)
• Use a darker ink
• Use a lighter substrate
• Increase X dimension
• Check for proper verifier aperture size (see Wand/Mouse Aperture
Selection Table on page
21)
Problem: Low Modulation (MOD)
33