4.4  MRI marking quality standards.  The following describes MRI marking quality criteria for both linear bar codes and data matrix two-dimensional symbols. Any deviations from these criteria require acquiring activity approval.

 4.4.1  Linear 1D Bar Codes: Code 39 and Code 128.  Linear (1D) MRI symbology, when applied, shall be at least a “grade B” as delineated in ISO/IEC 15416. The narrow element dimension (X dimension) range should be from .0075 inch (0.19 mm) to 0.015 inch (0.38 mm). For Code 39 symbols per ISO/IEC 16388, the ratio of the wide element to the narrow element shall be within the range of 2.5:1 to 3.1:1 and for Code 128 symbols per ISO/IEC 15417.

4.4.2  Data Matrix Symbol.  The symbol shall be ECC 200 from ISO/IEC 16022. Minimum cell sizes and quality levels shall be:

4.4.2.1  Dot peen, laser and electro-chemical etching markings.  See appropriate tables in SAE AS9132 for quality requirements.

4.4.2.2  Ink Jet, printing on label material and all other marking methods.  Minimum cell size will be within a range of 0.0075 inch (0.19 mm) to 0.015 inch (0.38 mm). For acceptance the symbol shall have a minimum print quality of grade “B” 3.0 /05/660, where the minimum grade is B (3.0), measured with an aperture size of 0.005 inch (0.127 mm) with a light source wave length of 660 nm + 10 nm. The methodology for measuring the print quality shall be as specified in ISO/IEC 15415.