Microscan’s All-In-One Solutions for Inline or Offline Barcode Quality Verification
Microscan’s new barcode verification kits bundle complete tools for ensuring the readability and compliance of printed 1D/2D symbols or direct part marks. Engineered to meet ISO and AIM quality standards and designed with the ideal lens and lighting configurations, each kit includes a Vision HAWK smart camera, NERLITE Smart Series industrial lighting, and AutoVISION machine vision software in the most convenient, all-in-one packages for inline or offline verification.
- Three kits for common verification needs:
- Large Linear Verification Kit
- 1D/2D Label Verification Kit
- Dot Peen Verification Kit
- Verify to ISO 15415, ISO 15416, AIM DPM
- Includes compliant camera, lens, lighting, mounting hardware, and software
- Inline or offline verification
For more details on any of the verification kits or help finding the best Microscan solution for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
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.
Microscan Imagers Ensure 2D Code Readability and Increase Efficiency During Manufacturing of Miniature Identifiers
The Challenge
A leading supplier of electrical and fiber optic interconnects, switches and application tooling, manufactures miniature identifier chips that provide unique product traceability of work-in-progress (WIP) printed circuit boards (PCBs) in medium to high-volume electronics assembly processes.
The pad measures only 2.80mm by 1.80mm, and is just 0.30mm thick, requiring minimal space on a PCB. Each pad is laser etched with data using a Data Matrix 2D code that provides explicit identification for 1 billion unique combinations. This is particularly important for customers that have multiple surface-mount technology (SMT) lines or multiple contract manufacturers. Every single board remains unique, providing traceability to the production equipment and/or supplier used for a particular board. It also results in very significant cost savings as all of the infrastructure required is already in place on the customers’ SMT lines.
Microscan’s New Miniature Industrial Imagers – MS-4Xi and MINI Hawk Xi
Microscan introduces the 2 newest additions to their mini series with the MS-4Xi and MINI Hawk Xi industrial imagers.
The MS-4Xi and MINI Hawk Xi imagers combine today’s most popular industrial automation features in our patented mini design. Advanced imaging capabilities are supported by the industry’s easiest and most functional setup utility, ESP, setting the bar for zero-hassle decoding of even the most challenging 1D/2D codes printed or marked. Fully-integrated with embedded Ethernet, the MS-4Xi and MINI Hawk Xi are the perfect fit for any industrial decoding application. Continue reading »
Evaluating Barcode Reading Technologies: Laser vs. Imager
Choosing the right barcode reading technology is fundamental to achieving optimal performance from a data collection solution. As new symbologies and technologies are developed, the choices are more varied than ever. There has been much debate on the merits of laser-based and camera-based barcode readers, and in fact, some have asserted that only image-based readers should be considered for new automation applications.
Should laser barcode scanners be considered “obsolete” technology and are imagers (camera-based readers) the only viable technology for today’s applications? While imagers have seen increased use due to the growing adoption of 2D symbols such as Data Matrix, laser scanners still set the standard for accurate, high speed barcode reading in many applications. The optimal barcode reading solution will be dictated by the specific requirements of an application.
Microscan Now Certified as a US GS1 Solution Partner
Microscan has announced their recent certification as a U.S. GS1 Solutions Provider. The designation reinforces Microscan’s commitment to providing manufacturers with expert solutions and services that address barcode verification applications and compliance with GS1 standards.
GS1 is an international association dedicated to the development and promotion of global standards and solutions in a broad range of industries, including barcode and identification tools. With 30 years of Auto ID experience, Microscan can offer guidance and support to companies implementing GS1 Standards, and employs certified GS1 Barcode Professionals on its staff with the knowledge and experience to successfully implement barcode verification solutions in industries ranging from electronics assembly to pharmaceuticals to food and beverage packaging.
Technical Considerations for Controlling ESD in Electronics Manufacturing
Mastering ESD control has always been critical to achieving high production yields, and it will become even more important in the next few years. While the industry has a solid understanding of ESD safety in manual operations involving personnel, there is room for improvement in automated applications. To be effective, ESD control programs must ensure that automated handling equipment is capable of handling tomorrow’s highly sensitive devices.
The Cost of ESD
ESD impacts productivity and product reliability in virtually every aspect of electronic environment. Despite the effort made over the past decade, ESD still costs the electronics industry billions of dollars every year. Industry experts attribute an estimated 8 to 33% of all product losses to be caused by ESD. The individual cost of these devices themselves range from a few cents for a simple diode to several hundred dollars for complex hybrids. However, ESD damage affects more than just the loss of devices. It affects production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality and reliability, customer relationships, and ultimately, profitability.
New Mini Hawk ESD Safe Fixed-Mount Imager from Microscan
The MINI Hawk ESD Safe imager is the smallest complete solution for reading 1D/2D codes in static-sensitive and clean room environments. Aggressive X-Mode algorithms allow decoding of even the most difficult direct part marks (DPM) safely and at close proximity on static-sensitive electronics components and assemblies. The MINI Hawk’s unique nickel plating and ESD safe labels & cabling make it the only ESD safe solution certified for use in ISO Class 3 clean rooms.
Features:
- ESD-safe nickel plating
- ESD-safe labels and cabling
- Certified for ISO Class 3 clean rooms
- X-Mode decode algorithms
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- Available in High-Resolution and High-Speed models
- Close-range decoding (1.3 in / 33 mm)
- Out-of-the-box calibration
- Autofocus capability
For help finding the right scanner for your ESD sensitive environment, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Microscan Announces AutoVISION 2.0 – Simplified Machine Vision Software
Microscan announced the availability of AutoVISION 2.0, its latest generation of machine vision software for their Vision Mini and Vision Hawk products. AutoVISION 2.0 combines a simplified user interface with a powerful toolset for inspection, error proofing, and identification applications.
AutoVISION 2.0 maintains the same intuitive interface as the initial AutoVISION release, but provides additional capabilities, including Verification and OCV (Optical Character Verification) Tools to validate print quality, a Logic Tool for building pass/fail criteria, and support for automated job changeover. AutoVISION 2.0 also features Microscan LINK for easy connectivity to PLCs and other industrial control systems.
Microscan’s C-Mount QX Hawk Imager Wins 2012 Ringier Technology Innovation Award for Packaging Industry
Microscan announcd that its C-mount design QX Hawk barcode imager has won a 2012 Ringier Technology Innovation Award in the Packaging Industry category. Microscan’s Weijiang Song accepted the award during a ceremony in Shanghai. This event was coorganized by Ringier Trade Media and its magazine International Packaging News for China, together with ProPak China 2012. Following a strict selection process by an independent judge panel, with reference to online voting results, 21 winning companies were selected for their innovative products and technologies across 5 categories, including Package Converting, Packaging Application, Packaging Materials, Package Printing and Green Packaging. The overall aim of the award is to commend the contributions of companies promoting the development of packaging industry.
At the beginning of this year, Microscan introduced a new C-mount lens configuration for two of its products: the popular QX Hawk imager and the Vision HAWK smart camera. The QX Hawk imager is ideal for industrial track and trace applications, with powerful algorithms for reading virtually all linear and 2D barcodes. The rugged Vision HAWK smart camera combines the same decode capability with a complete vision toolset to enable a broad range of inspection and identification tasks. Both products can now be used with interchangeable lenses to address more application needs, such as high magnification and wide fields of view.
