Physical Printing & Scanning Disclaimer
Pre-Flight Quality Assurance Standards
1. Mandatory Pre-Flight Sample Test Scans
Before commissioning thousands of physical units (packaging, menus, brochures, billboard signage, exhibition banners), you must physically print one sample proof on the intended paper stock or substrate and test scan it using at least two different smartphones (e.g., modern iOS camera app and mid-tier Android native camera app).
2. Substrate Absorption & Ink Bleed (Dot Gain)
Uncoated kraft paper, recycled cardboard, and natural textiles can cause liquid printing inks to bleed across module borders. This dot gain narrows the white separators and quiet zones. Always maintain a minimum 4-module quiet zone margin for absorbent materials.
3. Surface Glare & Specular Reflection
High-gloss UV coatings, cellophane wraps, and metallic foils create specular reflections under direct sunlight or retail spotlights. These reflections blind camera sensors by washing out contrast. We strongly recommend satin, soft-touch, or matte finishes for all QR codes.
4. Curvature Distortion
Applying QR codes to curved cylinders (such as beverage cans, bottles, or tubes) introduces horizontal optical compression. If the code spans more than 20% of the cylinder's circumference, scanners will struggle to resolve the finder patterns. Size cylindrical codes down or place them along flat vertical axes.