High-speed industrial barcode scanners. Industrial barcode scanners: new technologies in AutoID

3D scanners widely used in various areas industry: quality control, reverse engineering, design. Many enterprises have so tightly integrated technology into production that they see no alternative to it.

Quality control. Industrial 3D scanners are used for non-contact inspection of products in mass production conditions. The technology provides measurement and subsequent comparison with the drawing of the linear and angular geometric parameters of the product.

Reverse engineering. In the absence of design documentation for the product, it is extremely difficult to relaunch it in mass production. Most effective solution 3D scanners have become a problem. They are widely implemented in the reverse engineering system for products with complex shapes. Unlike standard means, a 3D device allows you to obtain the surface of all components and elements of a part with an accuracy of microns.

Design. To create or upgrade any object, there is no longer a need to spend hundreds of hours developing drawings. It is enough to scan the item and convert it into a format convenient for processing. Design in modern CAD programs allows you to quickly obtain the required model based on the scanned original.

Scan objects

A three-dimensional scanner is a device that analyzes a physical object and, based on the data obtained, creates a 3D model of it. The scanner, depending on the modules used, allows you to perform the entire cycle of analysis of parts:

• diameters, position of centers, holes, roundings;
• angles between edges, faces;
• technological displacement of parts of forged and cast products associated with displacement of mold elements;
• determine the shift of the mold halves;
• perform screening according to given parameters geometry and specified tolerances (hole diameter, taper, rounding radii, etc.).

Industrial 3D scanners have already been implemented in all high-tech industries in the USA and Western Europe. IN Lately and Russian manufacturers are showing interest in the technology, which allows us to hope for an increase in the competitiveness of domestic enterprises.

Why is it beneficial?

The devices allow you not only to quickly analyze data about an object, but also to load the scanned model into the system computer-aided design, as well as speed up the production process of goods, obtaining the most accurate models. The use of 3D scanners will also be useful when scanning samples self made and creation exact copies parts for a single order.

Using 3D scanners for quality control can significantly improve the compliance of physical parts with specifications technical requirements. The devices make it possible to detect defects in tooling and diagnose operational problems in the early stages of production.

The MetraSCAN 3D 750 scanner is designed for high-speed scanning and precision measurements objects complex shape. The measurement volume without moving the tracker is 16.6 m 3 with an accuracy of 64 microns.

The system consists of a laser emitter and two cameras high resolution to analyze the curvature of laser lines projected onto the surface of an object. The position of the scanner in space is determined using the C-Track optical tracker. As a result of scanning, a polygonal 3D model of the object is obtained, which is used both for geometry control and for reverse engineering. The main advantage of MetraSCAN 3D 750 is its versatility. The scanner is wireless, lightweight, and ergonomic, which allows you to monitor hard-to-reach areas. The measurement volume without moving the tracker of 16.6 m 3 makes it possible to control both small and large objects with an accuracy of up to 64 microns.

Technologies

The MetraSCAN 3D 750 scanner consists of a laser emitter and two high-resolution cameras for analyzing the curvature of laser lines projected onto the surface of an object. The position of the scanner in space is determined using the C-Track optical tracker, which links the coordinate system to the measurement object by determining the reflectors placed on it. This allows you to freely move the tracker, scanner and the object itself in space during the scanning process. The combination of information about the shape of laser lines projected onto the surface of an object (MetraSCAN 3D 750 scanner) and the relative position of the scanner and the object under study (C-Track tracker) provides data about the surface of the object under study.

IR LEDs used in the tracker to illuminate the reflectors allow you to step away from external sources illumination in the visible range and neutralize their influence on scanning results.

As a result of scanning, a polygonal 3D model of the object is obtained, which is used both for geometry control and for reverse engineering.

Application

MetraSCAN 3D 750 laser scanning systems are used for high-precision digitization of medium- and large-sized objects, reverse engineering, and quality control of finished products. This equipment Widely used to control the geometry of castings in mechanical engineering and automotive manufacturing, repair plants and production of energy equipment. MetraSCAN 3D 750 can be used to inspect and reverse engineer large enclosures. Mobility and light weight allow the system to be moved directly to the test object. Time for unpacking and readiness for work is 5-10 minutes. The equipment is protected from exposure external environment, which makes it possible to carry out measurements in various climatic conditions.

A barcode scanner is a device that can read a manufacturer's label barcode. First, the scanner's reader reads the barcode labels, then it translates the black and white lines of the barcode into numbers and letters that make up, for example, an inventory number. After this, the scanner transmits the inventory number to the computer in the same way as if you had entered this number on the keyboard. Obviously, manually dialing numbers all day long will take too much time, and besides, the likelihood of errors in this case will be high, which is why barcode readers are considered an indispensable and reliable tool for retail trade.

The purpose of the scanner device is, first of all, to save time and increase accuracy when processing transactions. Barcodes will help you serve customers quickly and efficiently, reduce the number of errors in inventory and in settlements with customers, save employee time and reduce costs.

Types of barcode scanners

2D Barcode Scanners

2D scanners are a new type of barcode scanner. First, these scanners seem to capture the entire barcode, and only then recognize it. 2D scanners are not only faster and more accurate than laser scanners, they also offer more functionality. A 2D image scanner can read linear 1D barcodes, but can also read 2D barcodes, capture signatures, and scan data. They can read barcodes from any angle, work in bright sunlight and it is better to read damaged or Bad quality barcodes. Recently, 2D scanner technology has improved significantly to surpass the popularity of laser scanners. main reason This is because the cost of 2D scanner technology is gradually decreasing, which contributes to the spread of 2D barcodes in various industries (postal services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, etc.). (pictured: Cino A770 - 2D barcode scanner).

Modern gadgets such as smartphones and tablets are capable of reading and displaying 2D codes. These two-dimensional 2D codes, also known as QR codes, have become very popular as a marketing tool. The trend of using 2D barcodes in marketing includes digital coupons, gift cards, loyalty cards, games and competitions. And to use these marketing tools V retail trade It must be possible to scan 2D barcodes from a customer's smartphone, which in turn means that stores will need 2D image scanners.

The rise in popularity of 2D barcode scanners has helped make this technology more accessible to retailers.

CCD barcode scanners

CCD scanners are low cost scanners low level, which can read barcodes only at a distance of up to 10 centimeters. CCD scanners function as follows: they analyze the scattered light emitted from a bar code through a series of light sensors. Although a CCD scanner is less versatile and less reliable than a laser scanner, it can be smart choice for retail stores with low traffic on a limited budget. In addition, as a rule, CCD scanners are quite durable. (pictured - CCD scanner Champtek SD500)

Laser scanners

A laser scanner emits a beam of light onto a barcode and then reads the reflected light to determine the information contained in the barcode. Laser scanners have been specifically designed to read linear or 1D barcodes, are more efficient and reliable than CCD scanners, and can handle uneven surfaces. Laser scanners can read barcodes from long distances- up to 12 meters for special long-range scanners. Some laser scanners have a function automatic detection: They turn themselves on and off depending on whether the scanning object is in front of them or not. With these features, laser scanners cost slightly more than CCD scanners, although this can be significant for some applications. 1D laser scanners are still very popular, and dominated the market until the recent rise of 2D image scanners. (pictured: model V-1030, laser scanner from Scantech ID).

Omnidirectional scanners

Omnidirectional scanners is a type of laser scanner, its difference is that it directs 15 or 20 laser beams from several angles at once in order to scan a barcode from any angle. You usually see these scanners at supermarket checkout counters; they read codes from packages as they pass through a glass window. They can also be installed in some commercial and industrial conveyor type installations. An example of such a scanner is the Nova N-4070 scanner from Scantech ID (see image above).

How to choose a barcode scanner

Type of shell

When choosing a barcode scanner, its shape or housing type is of great importance, which determines the conditions of use. Here are examples of these forms:

• hand scanner;
• stationary scanner (installed on the wall, table, sometimes at the cash register);
• cash scanner (built directly at the cash register);
• industrial scanner (often used on conveyor belts);
• tablet or laptop (with built-in barcode reader or separate barcode scanner).

Barcode Symbols

Most scanners can automatically detect Various types barcodes. But it's still best to know in advance what types of barcodes you'll be using and make sure you choose a compatible scanner.

Connection

You should make sure that the barcode reader you choose will work with your POS system. Scanners can be connected via RS232, PS/2 or USB port on the computer. Check with your supplier software POS, what type of connection they support, and also make sure that these ports are free on your computer.

Volume of orders

Low customer volume may mean that speed of customer service is not as important to you and you may want to switch to budget options. On the contrary, high customer traffic most likely means that you are better off investing in laser or photo scanners. Depending on your level of client traffic, you may also want to consider automatic on/off models, or omnidirectional scanners.

Some other questions about the barcode scanner or where you want to use it you can discuss with your equipment supplier:

• choose hand scanners or with a fixed mount;
• wireless options;
• high density, or unusually small barcodes;
• the need for long-distance scanning;
• good review;
• uneven reading surfaces;
• bright sunlight;
• reading speed;
• equipment durability;
• price.

Anticipating your expectations, needs and environment for using the scanner, we can say that the right barcode scanner for you will certainly provide a good return on investment in it.