About Axicon
Axicon Auto ID is a world leader in barcode verification, having developed and manufactured our own verifiers since 1989. Axicon barcode verifiers are used across the globe and are fully compliant with the international ISO/IEC standards for both linear and matrix bar codes. These verifiers are used to measure the quality of printed barcodes, on all levels of product packaging.
Established in 1979 as a provider of high-quality barcode images for the printing industry, we still specialise in producing barcode images, and barcode labels, as well as a range of barcode verification equipment. We also provide a range of services to support our clients, including training, consultancy, and barcode verification.
Axicon develops, manufactures and maintains its range of barcode verifiers at the company headquarters, north of Oxford. Our range of barcode verifiers is distributed through a network of international partners across the globe, and our clients include major manufacturers and retailers worldwide.
We have also always been involved in the creation and updating of UK and international standards for identification and barcoding. Our staff have contributed to the work of GS1 UK, as well as BSI’s IST/34 committee which helps develop the ISO/IEC standards concerning barcodes and verification. We also contribute to GS1’s Barcode Technology Group and the development of the GS1 General Specifications.
We have specialised in all aspects of barcode excellence for over 30 years and the name Axicon is now synonymous with barcode quality.
News
Exhibitions
GS1 UK approval for Axicon 15500 verifier - 24/06/2020
Axicon’s 2D and linear barcode verifier has won product approval from GS1 UK for its ability to read and verify EAN/UPC, GS1-128, ITF-14, GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR codes.
The Axicon 15500 has a field of view that is 95mm wide by 70mm tall, so any barcode that fits within it can be assessed in accordance with the ISO/IEC standards for measuring the printed quality of GS1 barcodes.
“We are pleased to have our latest verifier approved by GS1 UK as this further reassures our customers that choosing Axicon is a good move to make,” explained Martin Morrison, managing director of Axicon. “Our technical and production staff work continually to make our verifiers straightforward to use, so it is great that this is also recognised by GS1 UK.”
How Axicon is managing through the pandemic 19/06/2020
When the shortage of PPE was as its height, our technical department used its 3D printer together with polycarbonate sourced from a UK supplier to create face shields. We were able to obtain the necessary design files from America, and we slightly changed the design so that it was more suitable for women to use.
We were fortunate to have feedback from a medical practitioner to help us make these subtle adjustments, and the face shields have been provided to local settings where this extra protection has been appreciated.
As with all other companies, business life changed at the end of March for Axicon, when we decided to minimise the risk of coronavirus affecting staff just before the lockdown was officially started. So what are we doing, and how is it affecting us and our customers?
It was clear that many staff could work from home, particularly those who are involved in the company’s administration and finance departments, as well as the software engineers who develop and maintain all the Axicon software programs. We made sure that those who required access to the main computer systems had appropriate VPN links, and those that work together still meet via Zoom to check on progress. All of the regular group meetings take place, but now virtually.
It was essential to maintain support for our customers, whether they come to us for barcode verifiers, barcode images, self-adhesive labels, or barcode advice and support. We have split our production staff into two teams that come in on alternate weeks, and implemented very rigorous hygiene rules about cleaning surfaces and work stations, as well as using disinfectant hand gels. We have also been able to ensure physical distancing and new routes through our interlinked spaces.
Some staff have been furloughed, and as the government relaxes the restrictions, we will be able to ensure their safe return to work.
Orders are still being fulfilled using our normal carrier companies, and our VCAS (verifier servicing) department continues to maintain all the barcode verifiers that are returned to us for their annual checks. We have always maintained good stocks of our components to manufacture barcode verifiers, as many of them are supplied from China, and we foresee no disruption in our ability to supply all the equipment that our customers need.
Our imaging department is still able to produce barcodes as quickly as ever, and labels are swiftly being produced and delivered to customers as they always have been.
New digital printer for Axicon Labels, 7 March 2019
Axicon Labels, the label printing division of Axicon, has installed a Mark Andy Digital One press to meet growing demand for high-quality labels. “We have been using digital printers alongside our more traditional flexographic machines for some time but we wanted to improve our turnaround time and increase our capacity,” explained Adam Carey, Labels Manager at Axicon Labels.
The Mark Andy press prints in full colour, and can add final finishes such as spot colour, varnishes, and metallic foils, so that labels meet customers’ increasingly specialised requirements. “We know that our customers always want high-quality labels, and our investment in this new technology means we can offer labels faster, and in smaller quantities when they need them. Digital printers will not replace all of our printers, but this one gives us the ability to be more responsive, and still maintain the superb quality our customers know us for,” added Adam.
Axicon Labels specialises in being able to produce self-adhesive labels on a wide range of materials, from black and white to full colour, with no minimum order size and with a fast turnaround. The Mark Andy Digital One printer is one of only four in the UK, and offers a flexibility that few other digital presses offer.
About us
Equipment selection guide
Axicon Auto ID is a world leader in barcode verification, having developed and manufactured our own range of verifiers since 1989. Axicon barcode verifiers are used to measure the quality of linear and matrix barcodes, on all levels of product packaging.
© 2020 Axicon Auto ID Limited
Get in touch with us