SPECIAL REPORT VARIABLE DATA PRINTING -- Digital Print Goes Postal

According to Lind, there were indications that adding a coating has potential to create issues with AFCS processing. The various coatings limited the penetration and adherence of the ink used to apply the fluorescent barcode, leading to smearing, he explains.

To address this concern, postal operations may first run a piece through the Label Making Letter Machine (LMLM), points out the PIA/GATF researcher. That machine applies a pressure-sensitive label with an ink-receptive white face to accept the barcode. The labels are bad enough, but Lind says processing via LMLM also further increases the risk of a piece being marred as it's passed along by more belts, wheels, etc.