2D Codes

Print High-quality 2D codes on almost any material

From food packaging and plastic bottles to metal parts and cartons, NAXJET industrial coding systems deliver reliable, scannable QR codes and Data Matrix codes at high production speeds.

Typical applications

1. Product traceability
2. Batch and lot coding
3. UDI compliance
4. Anti-counterfeit verification
5. Smart packaging
6. Warehouse and logistics tracking
7. Direct part marking (DPM)
8. Serialization and variable data printing

What are 2D codes?

2D codes or 2D barcodes are two-dimensional codes that contain information in both vertical and horizontal directions. 1D codes can contain a series of digits, i.e. a serial number but 2D codes can store around 7000 characters so a lot more information than a one-dimensional standard barcode.

1D Barcode vs 2D code

Common types of 2D code used in manufacturing

There are 2 main types of 2D codes: Data Matrix codes and Quick Response codes (QR codes):

Data Matrix Codes

Data Matrix codes are a set of symbols arranged in a square or rectangular grid, which contains a series of dark and light blocks. Data is encoded both horizontally and vertically and can be read with camera-based products or imagers, not laser scanners. They are widely used in industrial manufacturing because they can store large amounts of information in a very small space.

Data Matrix codes are commonly used for:

1. Medical device identification (UDI)
2. Automotive parts traceability
3. Electronics manufacturing
4. Aerospace components
5. Direct part marking (DPM)
6. Permanent industrial identification

QR Codes

QR codes were first developed in Japan as a way of tracking automotive parts. As they can contain a lot of information and can be scanned by smartphones or devices with QR code scanning capabilities.

QR codes are widely used in product packaging, logistics, retail, and smart manufacturing. They can link consumers directly to websites, product authentication pages, manuals, batch data, or marketing campaigns through a smartphone scan.

Typical QR code applications include:

1. Product authentication
2. Consumer engagement
3. Product manuals and instructions
4. Marketing campaigns
5. Traceability systems
6. Warehouse management
7. Digital product passports
8. GS1 Digital Link applications

Industry Applications of 2D Code Printing

Food & Beverage Industry

2D codes help manufacturers improve traceability, manage expiration dates, and enable smart packaging experiences through QR code scanning.

Typical applications include:

1. Batch coding
2. Expiration date management
3. Promotional QR campaigns
4. Supply chain tracking

Medical Device Industry

Data Matrix codes are widely used for UDI compliance and permanent product identification.

Applications include:

1. Surgical instruments
2. Medical implants
3. Pharmaceutical packaging
4. Sterile product traceability

Automotive Industry

Automotive manufacturers use permanent 2D code marking for component tracking and production control.

Applications include:

1. Engine components
2. Chassis parts
3. Electronic modules
4. Metal traceability systems

Electronics Industry

Compact Data Matrix codes are commonly used for small electronic parts where space is limited.

Applications include:

1. PCBs
2. Semiconductor components
3. Connectors
4. Consumer electronics

Choosing the best technology for 2D code printing

The quality and durability of a 2D code depend heavily on the printing technology used, the substrate material, and the production environment.

Choosing the right coding technology helps ensure:

1. Reliable readability
2. Long-term durability
3. High-speed production compatibility
4. Compliance with traceability standards
5. Reduced scanning failures

Why manufacturers choose NAXJET?

NAXJET provides industrial coding and marking solutions for manufacturers worldwide, supporting applications ranging from food packaging and beverage production to metal traceability and smart factory automation.

Our systems are designed for high-speed production environments and support QR code printing, Data Matrix marking, serialization, and variable data coding across multiple substrates.

Need help choosing a 2D code printing solution?

Whether you need high-speed QR code printing for packaging or permanent Data Matrix marking for industrial traceability, NAXJET can help you find the right coding solution for your production line.

Contact us for:

Free sample marking

Material testing

Production line integration advice

Custom coding solutions

Industrial traceability consultation