Zebra’s New Ultra-Rugged 3600 Series Barcode Scanners
Zebra has announced the release of their new 3600 Ultra-Rugged series of scanners. They are purpose-built to exceed industry standards for durability, scan performance and manageability in demanding industrial environments such as warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing shop floors and do-it-yourself (DIY) retail stores.
1D and 2D versions of the 3600 series are available with corded and cordless options for fast, accurate performance in picking, packing, shipping, receiving, work in progress (WIP), inventory tracking, track and trace, cross docking and point of sale (POS) applications. Built to perform in extreme conditions, the ultra-rugged scanner series offers the industry’s highest drop, tumble and sealing specifications in its class and is the industry’s first IP67-rated scanner capable of enduring complete water immersion for up to 30 minutes.
Direct Part Marking (DPM) Explained
While most barcodes you come across are printed on a label or paper-packaging of a product, in the manufacturing world and work-in-process applications many parts or components need to be marked with a barcode directly. Direct Part Marking is a process that allows users to mark a barcode directly on an item instead of printing the barcode on a label.
There are 3 main technologies available for DPM: laser or chemical etching, dot peening and ink jet printing. Each of these has specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, cost and ease of reading. The main advantages of codes with DPM technology are that the code is permanently marked on a surface and will survive for a long time (ideally forever), regardless of the stress the part is passing through during its’ life cycle. The main reasons to choose codes with DPM technology are:
- Items that need to pass through harsh testing processes (chemicals agents, thermal cycles, oil, moisture, etc.)
- Items that need to be tracked during their entire life cycle
- Very small items (difficult to label)
DPM technology was first adopted mainly by the automotive and general mechanical industries. Currently, the popularity of codes using DPM technology has spread into different sectors including electronics, chemicals and healthcare industries.
Datalogic’s New PowerScan PBT9500-DPM EVO Rugged Imager
Datalogic has recently announced that the PowerScan PBT9500-DPM Evo rugged handheld imager is now available.
The PowerScan DPM family is relying on the new enhanced Datalogic DPM decoding software and new electronics for improved results when scanning standard barcodes as well as bar codes marked with DPM (Direct Part Marking) technology.
Direct Part Marking is a process that allows users to imprint a bar code directly on an item instead of printing the code on a paper label. Different technologies are available to directly mark objects: laser/chemical etching, dot peening and ink jet printing. Each of these methods has specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, cost and ease of reading. The PowerScan PBT9500-DPM Evo reader is a cordless rugged handheld area imager specifically addressed and capable of reading codes marked with DPM.
Code Introduces the New CR6000 Industrial DPM Scanner
Code has announced the release of the Code Reader 6000 (CR6000), an industrial grade direct part mark (DPM) reader that enhances data collection with the latest advancements in barcode reading.
The CR6000 employs Code’s latest imaging technology to achieve consistent first pass read rates of dot peen and laser-etched barcodes, regardless of surface type. Combining advanced illumination control and patented anti-glare technology with a propriety decoding platform, the CR6000 excels in reading low-contrast, hard-to-read barcodes, even those that are damaged by every day wear and tear.
Code Releases New CR3600 DPM Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Code has announced the availability of the Code Reader 3600 Direct Part Mark (CR3600 DPM). This new addition to Code’s product line provides an option for the CR3600 to read DPM barcodes.
Designed for applications that require process controls, component tracking, work-in-process (WIP) and assembly line monitoring, the CR3600 DPM handles barcode reading needs in Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceutical, DOD, and Semiconductor industries.
With an IP54 rating, the CR3600 DPM is rugged and durable for the most demanding of environments. Available in portable wireless palm and handled configurations, the CR3600 DPM reliably transmits barcoded data to a host device via a secure Bluetooth connection. With the capability of direct data input from its keypad the CR3600 DPM provides instant visibility of stored data on its brightly colored screen, making the CR3600 DPM the ideal mobile barcode reading solution for deployment where integration and versatility are required.
Cognex Software Update Expands Options for DataMan Readers
Cognex announced its DataMan 5.2 software release with expanded tuning and scripting capability as well as a new test mode for its popular DataMan 300 and 503 series of barcode readers. The new software significantly increases read rates by decoding lower resolution 1-D codes and extending intelligent tuning capabilities to all symbologies, including Aztec, MaxiCode and PDF417. The software release includes the high-performance Hotbars algorithm, which handles both 1-D and PDF417 barcodes.
Cognex DataMan 8050 Provides High Performance Scanning at an Affordable Cost
New DataMan 8050 Handheld Barcode Readers Expand the Applications for DataMan
Cognex, the world’s leader in machine vision, has announced the release of its fastest and most economical industrial handheld readers yet, the DataMan 8050 Series. Designed with a ruggedized housing to handle harsh factory floor conditions and equipped with Cognex’s world-class barcode reading algorithms, the DataMan 8050 Series can read even challenging barcodes quickly and easily.
High-speed performance, even with the most challenging barcodes
The patent-pending DataMan 8050 and 8050X are ideal for applications in many manufacturing environments, such as automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and packaging. The DataMan 8050 and 8050X utilize Cognex’s patented 1DMax+ with Hotbars algorithms to provide high-speed reading performance even with damaged, low contrast or direct inkjet barcodes. Our industry-leading 2-D algorithms allow the 8050 to rapidly decode a variety of 2-D symbologies, including DataMatrix, QR, PDF417 and Aztec codes.
DPM Software Update for the 70-Series & CK3X Computers
Intermec has released a software update providing Direct Part Marking (DPM) capability is now available for 70 Series and CK3X mobile computers that are configured with the EA30 scan engine and V1.50 system software.
What is DPM?
DPM puts a lifetime identification mark permanently into an item. The ID is typically a serial number or other information that uniquely identifies that item, paving the way for total lifecycle traceability. DPM with a Data Matrix or other barcode symbology makes it practical to identify almost anything, including small, hard-to-label items. DPM also makes it practical to instantly access essential information about the item throughout its life cycle and throughout the supply chain— even in challenging environments where traditional barcode systems won’t work.
HS-51 and HS-51X: New Wireless Barcode Readers From Microscan
Microscan has announced two new wireless handheld imager additions to their extensive product offering. The HS-51 and HS-51X handhelds are ideal portable reading solutions for almost any 1D/2D symbol, with a compact and durable design to withstand multiple drops from 6 feet. They combine advanced decode algorithms and dual field optics with user-friendly features and the convenience of Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The HS-51 and HS-51X imagers are equipped with a 1.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and dual field optics to provide reliable reading of codes ranging from large 1D barcodes to tiny high density 2D symbols. The HS-51 is an excellent portable solution for decoding 1D/2D symbols in common applications such as high-contrast, black and white labels. The HS-51X additionally includes Microscan’s industry-leading X-Mode decode algorithms and innovative bright field lighting for reading difficult, low-contrast codes, including direct part marks (DPM) such as dot peen and laser/chemical etch.
Introducing Datalogic’s Powerscan DPM Imagers – PD9530-DPM and PD8590-DPM
Datalogic has introduced a new family of handheld area imagers specifically designed for applications based on codes printed with Direct Part Marking (DPM) technology. This new PowerScan family is a blend of the Datalogic experience with optical systems, hardware architecture, mechanical design and decoding software. Two different models are available allowing the customers to choose the best price/performance combination for their specific needs.
The PD9530-DPM imager has a standard illumination system and bases its reading capability on the decoding software. This imager offers great performance on a wide set of bar code types, but does not cover all DPM situations.
The PD8590-DPM imager is a highly specialized scanner with a multi-axis illumination system specifically designed for reading DPM technology. The reading performance relies on the combination of the decoding software and the illumination system. This imager can read all types of bar codes printed with DPM technology regardless of the type of surface involved.
Aim. trigger. decode: it’s that simple!
