Vision sensors now read dot-peen bar codes

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Apr 25, 2006

Two of vision sensors now read dot-peen bar codes made by making a permanent indent, or dot, in malleable material surfaces, and which are used in automotive and aerospace industries.

Banner Engineering announces that two of its vision sensors - the PresencePLUS P4 OMNI with bar code and P4 BCR - now read dot-peen bar codes.

Made by creating a permanent indent, or dot, in the surface of any malleable material, dot-peen bar codes are frequently used in the automotive and aerospace industries and for government UID applications.

"With a dot-peened data matrix bar code applied directly to a part, manufacturers need not worry about a paper label falling off and can thus reliably track a part throughout the production process," said Brent Evanger, application engineer for Banner.

"The P4 OMNI with bar code and P4 BCR offer a great combination of extraordinary performance and ease of use.

The sensors, including standard and high-resolution 1.3 megapixel models, read even partially damaged bar codes and read virtually any surface when used with the appropriate lighting.

Evanger added, "And starting at only US$1995, they are priced at almost half the cost of comparable stationary bar code readers.

Dot-peen bar code reading works best when used with on-axis or low-angle lights.

The P4 OMNI with bar code and P4 BCR come in compact and durable self-contained housings with either in-line or right-angle lens positions, making them ideal for a variety of inspection applications for error proofing and traceability.

The P4 OMNI with bar code and P4 BCR operate without a PC.

Remote 'TEACH' allows the sensors to learn new features, and built-in live video output allows for real-time inspections.

The sensors also interface to machinery or factory networks through a built-in 10/100 Ethernet connection or RS-232 serial input/outputs.