Ever wonder about the bottom line of a check? The one with all those numbers --- check number, sort number, account number, etc? If you don't, then you really should start! Those little numbers there are really special. Why?
'Coz they're printed with magnetic ink!
The Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, or MICR for short, is a character recognition system that can read and make use of these special ink and characters.
The magnetic ink provides extra protection for the bank, you, and your money. Only a specially designed scanner can read this type of ink and the information it conceals.
This type of scanner magnetizes the ink
and translates this magnetic information into characters that people in the bank can understand.
However, printing MICR is a very demanding. MICR line printing needs to be accurate to better than 1 part in 1,000! Your magnetic toner must stay on the paper under adverse conditions and have a specific signal strength. All this for better protection and easier tracking methods.
So next time you hold a check (whether you are receiving it or giving it away) take a moment to appreciate that small magnetic wonder that keeps your banking info safe. :D
Sources:
http://www.elfring.com/what.htm
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/MICR.html
Accessed on August 4, 2009, 2:30pm
http://www.integritywebsolutions.com/typehaus/micrdimm.htm
http://www.provantage.com/addmaster-mj4000~7ADMT019.htm
Accessed on August 6, 2009, 2:10pm
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