Code 39

CODE39

Alphanumeric barcode widely used in industry

Allowed characters: A-Z, 0-9, -, ., $, /, +, %, space

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About Code 39

Example: HELLO123

Character Set: A-Z, 0-9, -, ., $, /, +, %, space

Code 39, also known as Code 3 of 9, is a variable-length discrete barcode symbology developed in 1974. It can encode 43 characters including uppercase letters (A-Z), digits (0-9), and special characters (space, $, %, +, -, ., /). Each character is represented by nine elements: five bars and four spaces, with three elements being wide.

Key Features:

Self-checking symbology with built-in error detection
Variable length encoding (1-255 characters typical)
Wide tolerance for printing variations
No check digit required (optional mod 43 available)

Industry Applications:

Automotive manufacturing and parts tracking
Defense and military logistics (MIL-STD-1189)
Healthcare patient identification
Industrial inventory management

Technical Standards: Code 39 is standardized under ANSI MH10.8M-1983, ANSI/AIM BC1/1995, and HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code). It offers excellent readability even when printed at low resolution, making it ideal for applications where printing quality may vary.

Advantages: Simple implementation, wide industry acceptance, excellent fault tolerance, and compatibility with most barcode scanners. The format's self-checking nature and ability to be read reliably even when damaged makes it particularly valuable in harsh industrial environments.