X-Mode Technology
X-Mode technology helps eliminate no-reads of damaged or low-quality codes.
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Omron helps manufacturers drive down costs, automate critical manufacturing processes and increase yields through data acquisition and control solutions. We offer versatile decoding power within the world’s smallest industrial barcode readers. With the highest-performance imaging engine in its class, MicroHAWK readers offer flexible hardware configurations to optimize any decoding task.
The WebLink browser-based configuration and real-time viewing, PoE models, liquid lens autofocus, and X-Mode algorithms for consistent reading of damaged or difficult to read printed codes and direct part marks, ensure versatility in a wide range of industrial applications, under the harshest of conditions.
X-Mode technology helps eliminate no-reads of damaged or low-quality codes.
Interface provides simple, intuitive configuration and runtime viewing of MicroHAWK readers with no software needed.
Omron through its acquisition of Microscan benefits from over 100 technology patents and over 35 years of barcode reading excellence and experience.
By combining barcode reading and inspection tasks into a single device, the MicroHAWK platform offers manufacturers greater flexibility in production line layouts, cuts hardware-related costs and dramatically reduces wiring and maintenance work.
Answers to common questions about barcode scanners and readers.
Barcode scanners and barcode imagers are different in the technology they use to capture barcodes and other information. Barcode scanners use a laser to turn white and black 1D barcode stripes into binary information that can be decoded. Barcode imagers are cameras that can use a sensor, lens and external lighting to capture an image of 1D or 2D barcodes that can be decoded.
Barcode scanners use a laser to turn white and black 1D barcode stripes into binary information that can be decoded.
Barcode imagers are cameras that can use a sensor, lens and external lighting to capture an image of 1D or 2D barcodes that can be decoded.
There are many methods to directly mark objects. Selecting the best method for the application is critical to achieving success. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. Since each method has its own advantages and limitations, it is important to review and experiment with as many methods as possible before selecting the best one for your application.
The electrochemical etch process uses a low voltage current to mark the object surface. This is commonly used for low volume product runs.
Inkjet marking uses small, dots sprayed directly onto the surface. Ink jet produces high contrast marks. Inkjet is not considered a permanent marking method.
Lasers etch the symbol directly onto a surface. Clean, high-resolution marks are produced making laser-etch well-suited for automated environments and for making small size bar codes and alphanumeric characters. CO2 and fiber are common laser types.
Dot peen is a percussive marking method, using changes in depth to create marks. Dot peen machines require regular maintenance in order to maintain mark quality.
The FDA requires that any medical device intended for multiple uses and subject to reprocessing must bear a UDI directly marked on the device itself. Here you can arm yourself with knowledge about current UDI marking guidelines and methodologies from a presentation and Q&A with our experts.
UDI stands for Unique Device Identification system.
UDI must enable identification of medical devices throughout manufacture, distribution, and use regardless of handing, processing and use. A UDI is designed to protect consumers throughout the device lifecycle. Devices used only once before disposal or used multiple times by the same patient, do not require permanent UDI marks.
According to the FDA: "A device that must bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label must also bear a permanent marking providing the UDI on the device itself if the device is intended to be used more than once and intended to be reprocessed before each use." --- 21 CFR 801.45
Packaging and labeling may not stand the test of time. Permanent UDI marks ensure device information is always available, even when labels and packaging aren't.
UDI is the only method of effectively tracing a device to know:
UDI ensures adverse events (like product recalls) can be addressed quickly with minimal risk to the consumer. Remember: A direct part mark is typically the only identifier of your device after it is taken out of the package.
By Sept. 24, 2020 all Class I, Class II and Class III, and all other medical devices must have a permanently fixed UDI mark. The regulations were rolled out on this timeline:
Direct part marking (DPM) is a process of abrading a code directly on to a device service. Unlike labels, DPM codes are not easily discarded, obsured, wiped off or degraded. DPMs ensure the availability of encoded information throughout the device lifecycle.
Reprocessing is any process used to render a medical device fit for subsequent use. The process is used to remove blood, tissue, biological debris and other contaminants. Reprocessing is generally intended for devices that have repeated use on or by more than a single patient.
A direct part mark is made by altering a device surface to expose a pattern in a different reflectance or color. There are a variety of permanent direct part marking methods. The most common methods are: Laser etch, electromechanical etch and dot peen.
Choose the best marking method for your device, based on:
Non-intrusive marking methods should be used for balloons, catheters, or high-pressure and high-stress systems. Etching may be best in these cases.
It is more difficult to mark a curved surface than a flat surface. Laser may be best for curved surfaces.
Small devices require small marks. In most cases, when a 2D symbol (like QR code or data matrix) is used, the size of the device is irrelevant (codes can be reduced to below 1/4 inch square).
A mark must last as long as the device is used, withstanding the same environmental conditions. Dot peen is the most hardy marking method.
Highly-polished metal surfaces are highly-reflective causing glare that can “blind” the reader or verifier. Glossy surfaces should be lightly textured to reduce glare prior to marking. Texture should extend 1 symbol-width beyond the marked area.
Surface roughness should be limited to 8 micro-inches for dot peen marking. Laser systems are ideal for rougher surfaces because they first burn a "quiet zone" (smooth, blank area on the surface of the device where the symbol will be marked).
Surface thickness must be taken into account to prevent deformation or excessive weakening of the device. The marking depth should not exceed 1/10 the thickness of the device to avoid compromising the safety of the device.
Our comprehensive line of machine vision hardware includes smart cameras and PC-based GigE solutions that are scalable across software platforms for basic to advanced toolsets. Whether you require a compact form factor for tight spaces, high-speed imaging for fast-moving production lines, or high resolution for detailed inspection, Omron has a machine vision solution to meet your needs.