To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the
patenting of the barcode, variable barcode labelling specialist AC Labels in
Derby (UK) has produced what is believed to be the world's longest linear
barcode self adhesive label.
The monster label, measuring 40m long was
constructed using the classic Code 128 linear barcode symbology to say “HAPPY
60TH BIRTHDAY BARCODE!” in machine readable format on self adhesive label
material. The label was printed in just over 2 minutes on a Xeikon 3300 on a
single piece of material without any stitching of the barcode image. The attempt has been submitted to the
Guinness Book of Records as a world record attempt.
Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of the
Mercian Labels Group commented "This exercise was undertaken to test the
capabilities of our equipment to address unusual barcode label projects as well
as celebrating the barcode's birthday.
Unusually, it is also one of the few labels to leave our factory without
knowingly being verified to ANSI standards, but to be honest finding a scanning
device up to the job has proved somewhat challenging. Our best idea so far is to ask NASA to spin
the Hubble space telescope around and take a snap."
