ISO 15415
Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques — Bar Code Symbol Print Quality Test Specification — Two-Dimensional Symbols
Defines measurement and continuous quality grading for printed two-dimensional matrix and multi-row barcode symbols.
What ISO 15415 specifies
ISO/IEC 15415 is the verifier standard for printed two-dimensional symbols such as Data Matrix and QR Code. The 2024 edition uses continuous grades from 4.0, highest, to 0.0, failure, and adds more stable contrast and threshold calculations plus print-growth grading. Parameters include decode, symbol contrast, modulation, axial and grid non-uniformity, unused error correction, fixed-pattern damage, and print growth. The reported grade is incomplete without aperture, illumination wavelength or spectrum, and lighting geometry. For direct part marks made by dot peen or laser, ISO/IEC 29158 generally correlates better with scanner performance.
ISO 15415 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|
Grade 4.0 | Highest quality band; historical equivalent A. | Lowest applicable parameter and overall continuous grade. |
Grades 3.0, 2.0, 1.0 | Descending quality bands, historically comparable to B, C, and D. | Overall grade with aperture, light, and geometry reported. |
Grade 0.0 | Failing symbol quality. | Decode or another governing parameter fails. |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Reference decode
- Symbol contrast and modulation
- Axial and grid non-uniformity
- Unused error correction
- Fixed-pattern damage
- Print growth
- Overall grade with aperture and illumination
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
VERIFY 2D SYMBOL PER ISO/IEC 15415, MINIMUM GRADE <GRADE>/<APERTURE>/<LIGHT>/<ANGLE>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
Finishes specified to ISO 15415
Also referenced by: Dot Peen Marking, In-Mold Labeling (IML), Laser Marking.
ISO 15415 — frequently asked
Is a grade of 4.0 best?
Yes. The scale descends from 4.0 to 0.0, with 0.0 failing.
Can a drawing state only Grade 2.0?
No. Aperture, illumination wavelength or spectrum, and geometry affect the result and belong in the requirement.
Should direct part marks use ISO 15415?
It can be applied, but ISO/IEC 29158 generally gives better correlation for dot-peened and laser direct part marks.
ISO 15415 is copyrighted by International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗