Siemens Industry Automation Division has launched the Simatic MV440 1D/2D code readers. The systems are suited to reading data matrix codes, such as direct part marks (DPMs) on objects under difficult ambient conditions. Flexible lighting options means the system can be adapted to the application. Typical uses are product tracing, process control and checking the quality of marking in a variety of applications in the automotive, packaging, pharmaceutical, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, and food and beverages industries.
Several versions of the code reading system are available: with integrated lighting for working at a distance of up to 80cm; with external lighting and a working distance of up to 3m; with and without verification; as well as with a resolution of 640 x 480 or 1024 x 768 pixels. The Simatic MV440 reads up to 80 codes per second, reliably detecting up to fifteen types of code that have previously been stored in the device.
The multi-code reading feature allows up to 50 codes to be decoded every time an image is recorded. This is advantageous for bulk-reading of several objects that are stacked one on top of the other, for example.
The auto trigger function enables the code reader to record images permanently at maximum speed and, at the same time, to evaluate them. The reading device looks for codes in a sequence of images of any length, without the need for any external triggering signals – from a light barrier for example. This function is particularly suitable for slow-moving objects and in applications where precise triggering by a light barrier is difficult to implement. The Simatic MV440 verifier versions, can also measure the quality of the code.
The system uses a web-based user interface to provide operator control and visualisation functions. Diverse diagnostic, logging and evaluation functions are also provided. For example, time stamps, fault profiles and result values can be archived in database systems to generate trend analyses or statistics.
