2d barcode reader Archives - AUTOMATION INSIGHTS

Ensuring reliable traceability of products and assembly is critical in industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Code readers are essential in achieving this, with stationary and mobile handheld readers being the two most popular options. In what situations is it more appropriate to use one type over the other?

Stationary optical ID sensors

Stationary optical ID sensors offer simple and reliable code reading, making them an excellent option for ensuring traceability. They can read various codes, including barcodes, 2D codes, and DMC codes, and are permanently installed in the plant. Additionally, with their standardized automation and IT interfaces, the information readout can be passed on to the PLC or IT systems. Some variants also come with an IO-Link interface for extremely simple integration. The modern solution offers additional condition monitoring information, such as vibration, temperature, code quality, and operating time, making them a unique multi-talent within optical identification.

Portable code readers

Portable code readers provide maximum freedom of movement and can quickly and reliably read common 1D, 2D, and stacked barcodes on documents and directly on items. Various applications use them for controlling supply processes, production control, component tracking, quality control, and inventory. The wireless variants of handheld code readers with Bluetooth technology allow users to move around freely within a range of up to 100 meters around the base station. They also have a reliable read confirmation system via acoustic signal, LEDs, and a light spot projected onto the read code. Furthermore, the ergonomic design and highly visible laser marking frames ensure fatigue-free work.

Both stationary and mobile handheld barcode readers play an essential role in ensuring reliable traceability of products and assembly in various industries. Choosing the right type of barcode reader for your application is crucial to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. While stationary code readers are ideal for constant scanning in production lines, mobile handheld readers offer flexibility and reliability for various applications. Regardless of your choice, both devices offer simple operation and standardized automation and IT interfaces, making them essential tools for businesses that rely on efficient code reading.

As many industries trend towards the adoption and use of two-dimensional barcodes and readers, the growth in popularity, acceptance of use, and positive track record of these 2D code readers offer a better way to track data. Vision-sensing code readers have many benefits, such as higher read rate performance, multi-directional code detection, simultaneous multiple codes reads, and more information storage.

While traditional red line laser scanners or cameras with decoding and positioning software are commonly used to read barcodes, there are three main types of barcodes: 1D, 2D, and QR codes. Each type has different attributes and ways of reading.

1D barcodes are the traditional ladder line barcodes typically seen in grocery stores and on merchandise and packaging. On the other hand, 2D Data Matrix codes are smaller than 1D barcodes but can hold quite a bit more information with built-in redundancy in case of scratches or defacement. QR codes, which were initially developed for the automotive industry, can hold even more information than Data Matrix codes, were initially developed for the automotive industry to track parts during vehicle manufacturing and are now widely used in business and advertising.

There are various types of vision sensors for reading different types of barcodes. QR codes are often used in business and advertising, while micro QR codes are typically seen in industrial applications such as camshafts, crankshafts, pistons, and circuit boards. Deciphering micro QR codes typically require an industrial sensor.

The need to easily track products and collect information about their whereabouts has been a long-standing problem in manufacturing and industrial automation. While one-dimensional barcodes have been the traditional solution, advances in one-dimensional code reading continue to improve. New hardware, code readers, and symbology, however, have made an emergence, and new image-based scanners are becoming a popular alternative for data capture solutions.

In summary, vision sensors are becoming increasingly important in 1D and 2D barcode reading applications due to their higher read rate performance, multi-directional code detection, simultaneous multiple codes read, and more information storage. As the need for tracking products and collecting information about their whereabouts continues to grow, industries will benefit from the use of vision sensors to improve efficiency and accuracy.