Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

Security documents are printed and encoded in different ways, according to the requirements of the document itself, and to local National encoding standards.

MICR ribbons are used to print cheques, drafts, lottery tickets and other security documents with magnetisable code lines, so that they may subsequently be read and processed automatically through a clearing system. MICR encoded documents have the advantage that they can be overwritten with conventional non-magnetic inks or otherwise defaced, and still read and sort correctly.

Columbia has been manufacturing MICR and Security Printing ribbons since impact MICR encoders were first introduced in 1964, and, in cooperation with MICR OEMs has developed a wide range of MICR formulations, coated onto different grades of base film, to meet the requirements of both MICR fonts and all printer types. Special formulations are available to provide additional security features (Fluorescent and Indelible “bleed through”).

Columbia MICR ribbons are guaranteed to produce print quality in accordance with Magnetic Ink Character Recognition print standards specified under International Standard ISO 1004, when used on suitable cheque paper and properly adjusted encoding equipment. They meet or exceed all National encoding standards, and are used with confidence by Banks and Security Printers all over the world.

Optical Character Recognition

• OCR encoded documents are read optically, have little security, and are more susceptible to fraudulent alteration and readability problems due to over-writing, marks and defacement.
• OCR ribbons must produce high quality clearly defined encoded characters but have no other special requirements.

Fonts

• There are two MICR fonts in common use called E13B and CMC7.
• There are also two OCR codes commonly used on cheques and security documents, mainly in Northern Europe.
• For more details, have a look at the Fonts page.

Formulations

• E13B, CMC7 and OCR codes require different ribbon formulations. Furthermore, impact encoding machines use a variety of different print mechanisms, operating at different speeds and hammer energies.

Click here for a summary of qualities and ribbon types available. If you are not sure what you need, please contact us, we will be able to help.