ITF-14: Lojistik için Dış Kasa Barcode'u
ITF-14 explained: interleaved 2-of-5 encoding for GTIN-14, bearer bar requirements, corrugated board printing, and case-level identification.
ITF-14: The Outer Case Barcode for Logistics
ITF-14 (Interleaved Two of Five encoding a 14-digit GS1 Standards & Identifiers">GTIN) is the standard barcode for identifying outer shipping cases and cartons. Defined by ISO/IEC 16390 and GS1 specifications, it is designed specifically for printing on corrugated cardboard where ink spread would make higher-density barcodes unreliable.
Interleaved 2 of 5 Encoding
ITF encoding works by interleaving pairs of digits: the first digit is encoded in the bar widths, and the second in the space widths. Each digit uses 5 elements, 2 of which are wide (hence "2 of 5"). This pairing means ITF symbols must always encode an even number of digits.
For ITF-14, the 14 digits are: indicator digit (1) + EAN-13, the global standard." data-category="GS1 Standards & Identifiers">GTIN-13 (12 digits + check digit) = 14 digits.
The Indicator Digit
The first digit (1-8) indicates the packaging level:
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Not a defined packaging level |
| 1-8 | Packaging hierarchy (1 = inner pack, higher = outer levels) |
| 9 | Variable-measure trade item |
This allows a company to assign different barcodes at each packaging level while maintaining the link to the base GTIN.
Bearer Bars
ITF-14 requires bearer bars: thick borders around the barcode that serve two critical purposes:
- Prevent partial scans: Without bearer bars, a scanner could read across only some of the bars, potentially decoding a valid but incorrect number
- Equalize ink spread: On corrugated board, the printing plate presses harder at the edges, causing ink to spread more. Bearer bars absorb this extra pressure
Two bearer bar styles exist: - Frame bearer: Bars on all four sides (most common) - Horizontal bearer: Bars on top and bottom only
Printing on Corrugated Board
ITF-14 uses a wide X dimension (minimum 0.635mm, target 1.016mm) specifically because of the challenges of printing on corrugated:
- Flute washboarding: The corrugated surface creates uneven printing pressure
- Ink spread: Flexographic printing on porous cardboard causes bars to grow wider
- Bar width reduction (BWR): Pre-compensate artwork by reducing bar widths to account for expected ink spread
When to Use ITF-14 vs GS1-128
| Feature | ITF-14 | GS1-128 |
|---|---|---|
| Data | GTIN-14 only | GTIN + batch + expiry + serial... |
| Printing | Tolerant (wide bars) | Requires better print quality |
| Use case | Simple case ID | Detailed logistics data |
| Cost | Lower (simpler printing) | Higher (finer resolution needed) |
Many cases carry both: ITF-14 for basic identification and GS1-128 for detailed supply chain data.
Specifications Summary
- X dimension: 0.635mm min, 1.016mm target, 1.016mm max
- Symbol height: 32mm minimum
- Bearer bar width: 4.8mm (frame) or 2X min (bar)
- Quiet zones: 10X minimum each side
- Print tolerance: Wide, designed for flexographic printing