While 1D and 2D barcodes can handle most organizations’ tracking needs, the 3D barcode is a new innovation made for specialized circumstances. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or another industry with tough conditions, 3D barcodes are used to encode information on equipment where 1D or 2D barcode labels aren’t durable enough.
So what is a 3D barcode? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know, including pros, cons, and best use cases.
What Is a 3D Barcode?
You’re probably familiar with 1D barcodes, which store information using patterns of black bars and white spaces. Linear barcodes may be simple, but they have become an integral part of the supply chain since their introduction. By now, you’re also likely familiar with 2D barcodes, such as QR codes or Aztec codes. These store information both horizontally and vertically. Used for marketing, inventory management, and ticketing, among many other uses, 2D barcodes are everywhere.
3D barcodes, however, are a newer technology, which means it’s less likely you’ve seen one in the wild. So what are they?
A 3D barcode is an advanced type of barcode that encodes data using depth in addition to height and width. Unlike 1D and 2D barcodes, which are usually printed on labels or the product packaging, 3D barcodes are typically engraved or embossed directly on the object. This unique structure makes them highly durable, resistant to environmental wear, and nearly impossible to counterfeit.
Rather than relying on contrast, 3D barcode scanners use a laser to bounce light against the raised surface of the barcode. The scanner uses the time it takes for the light to return to the scanner to calculate depth and read the code. Because of the unique way they are scanned, 3D barcodes do not require contrasting colors to function. The barcode can be painted in the same color as the rest of the object and still be scannable.
What Are They Used for?
3D barcodes are used in a variety of industries where durability, security, and high data capacity are essential. Because they are engraved or embossed onto the object being labeled, they can last through much tougher conditions than typical barcode labels. Here are some of the main ways they are used:
- Asset and inventory tracking: Used on heavy machinery and equipment where traditional barcodes might wear off, 3D barcodes are used to keep track of expensive assets and prevent loss.
- Permanent part identification: 3D barcodes are used to track component parts of aerospace, automotive, and other industrial equipment.
- Medical devices: 3D barcodes can be engraved onto surgical tools and medical implants to allow tracking for safety and recalls.
- Defense: In the military, 3D barcodes are used to mark parts for weapons, vehicles, and equipment.
3D Barcode Pros
3D barcodes may be new on the scene, but they are invaluable for industries that need barcodes that can handle extremes. Unlike traditional printed barcodes, they can resist wear and tear while staying almost impossible to counterfeit. Here are some of the key benefits of uses 3D barcodes:
- Durability: 3D barcodes are extremely durable because they are engraved or embossed directly onto metal or glass. They hold up under wear and tear, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and environmental damage.
- Security: The unique way they are created makes 3D barcodes extremely hard to counterfeit or tamper with, providing added security when you need it.
- High data capacity: Because they encode data using the x-, y-, and z-axes, 3D barcodes are able to store more information than standard 1D or 2D barcodes.
- Versatility: A 3D barcode works on a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass, and medical implants. This versatility makes them a great choice in numerous circumstances.
- No ink or labels needed: Embossed or engraved barcodes don’t fade like printed ones. They don’t peel off or tear, either.
3D Barcode Cons
While the 3D barcode is an excellent choice in certain circumstances, they may not be right for every one. Here are some of the cons of the 3D barcode:
- Higher costs: Engraving or embossing 3D barcodes requires specialised equipment, which increases production costs.
- Limited scanner compatibility: In order to scan the barcode, you need advanced scanners, not a standard barcode reader.
- Slower read time: Some 3D barcodes take longer to scan than 2D barcodes.
- Complex implementation: They are more difficult to integrate into existing barcode systems and workflows.
- Physical damage risk: While durable, a 3D barcode can become unreadable with excessive wear.
2D vs 3D Barcode
Both 2D and 3D barcodes have a high data storage capacity, helping organizations with more complex tracking. However, a 3D barcode is not just an engraved 2D barcode. 2D barcodes, like QR codes and Data Matrix, store information in a flat, two-dimensional grid of pixels or patterns, making them easy to print, scan, and integrate into digital systems. They are widely used in retail, logistics, and marketing because of their cost-effectiveness and compatibility with standard cameras. However, because they are printed onto labels or packaging, they are prone to fading. Sometimes, a technique called direct part marking (DPM) is used to engrave a 2D barcode directly onto a piece of equipment. However, it still only uses the x- and y-axes to encode data.
In contrast, 3D barcodes use physical depth in addition to the horizontal and vertical bars to encode information. Because they use the x-, y-, and z- axes, 3D barcodes are able to encode another level of data. In addition to higher-data capacities, 3D barcodes are also able to endure harsher conditions than 2D barcode labels. You need a specialized scanner to read the 3D barcode, but this is often worth the cost because of the added durability and security. 3D barcodes are very difficult to counterfeit, which makes them a great choice for high-security applications.
2D Barcode Features
While there are many different types of 2D barcodes, they share these features in general:
- High data capacity: Can store up to thousands of characters, including text, URLs, and even images.
- Compact size: Takes up less space than traditional 1D barcodes while holding more info.
- Error correction: Can still be scanned even if partially damaged or obscured.
- Omnidirectional scanning: Can be read from any angle, making scanning fast and efficient.
- Fast scanning speed: Readable by standard camera and barcode scanners, including smartphones.
- Versatile: Supports various data types, like alphanumeric characters, special symbols, and binary data.
- Widespread use: Used in retail, logistics, marketing, healthcare, and digital transactions.
- Cost-effective: Easily printable on labels, packaging,and screens without special manufacturing.
- Customizable design: Can include logos, colors, and branding elements for marketing purposes.
3D Barcode Features
While 3D barcodes look a lot like 2D barcodes, they have some features that set them apart, including:
- Physical depth: Uses depth to add another layer, using the x-, y-, and z-axes.
- High durability: Resistant to wear, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and environmental damage.
- Tamper-resistant: Harder to replicate or alter than 2D barcodes.
- Long-term traceability: Used for permanent marking on industrial parts, medical implants, and aerospace components.
- Specialized scanning: Requires advanced scanners to read.
- Material versatility: Works on metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, and other rugged surfaces.
- No need for ink or labels: Eliminates the risk of barcode fading over time.
When to Use
The 3D barcode is an exciting, new innovation in the barcoding world, though it’s not right for every circumstance. Here’s when to use 3D barcodes:
- Harsh environments: A 3D barcode works very well in harsh environments with extreme temperatures, lots of wear and tear, or chemical exposure.
- Long-term traceability: Because of their durability, 3D barcodes work well for tracking components that require permanent identification over years or decades, such as medical implants or aircraft parts.
- Security: If you need a tamper-resistant solution to prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized modifications, 3D barcodes are a great choice because they are hard to replicate or tamper with.
- Industrial applications: While traditional barcodes might wear off, fade, or peel, such as on metal tools, pipes, surgical instruments, or industrial equipment, 3D barcodes can be engraved directly on the surface.
When Not to Use
Here are some situations where it’s best not to use a 3D barcode:
- Low-cost products: If manufacturing low-cost products, 2D barcodes or 1D barcodes are cheaper to print and scan.
- Point-of-Sale: The 3D barcode needs specialized scanners. For POS scanning, 1D barcodes are a better choice.
- Consumer applications: 2D barcodes are more practical for consumer applications since they can be scanned with a smartphone.
- Speed: When you need quick and easy scanning, 2D barcodes are much faster to scan than the 3D barcode.
- Data updates: Because of the way 3D barcodes are created, they are difficult to change. If you need to update data frequently, a 2D barcode would work better.
3D Barcode Guide Conclusion
With the ability to encode data on three axes, the 3D barcode provides even more data capacity that 2D barcodes. While this innovative new technology is not as widely used as 1D or 2D barcodes, its applications are numerous and versatile.
If you’re looking for custom barcode labels that last, Coast Label can help. We use only the best, industrial-grade materials to manufacture labels that endure through tough conditions. Contact us today to see how we can provide unique solutions for your labeling needs.
