Multi-code reader applications

Standalone verification applications

Identification and verification of text
(with new firmware version as of 05/30/2022)

The logic integrated in the ifm VisionAssistant compares the code contents received from a "read"  and evaluates them as "OK" or "not OK". The production step is checked by comparing the serial number with a specification.

Using an image as an anchor, the device always reads the correct text line regardless of the product orientation.

Typical applications include

• Detection and type designation
• Serial numbers of components
• Expiry date and/or production date
• Product identification

Use the free firmware update to equip your existing devices with this new function.

Code presence

Ensure traceability of raw material and minimize actionable lot sizes produced. Set up using one-button teach or Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Verify content of code.
• Verify presence of specific code

Code placement

During initial manufacturing steps and when unitizing a load for shipment, codes are often applied manually. Automated logistics systems require consistent location and orientation of codes for seamless and efficient shipping. Set up using Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Verify code location.
• Verify code orientation.

Packaging verification

Prevent mixed lots of products without programming in the PLC. Set up using Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Compare detected code to expected code.
• Powerful for food packaging lines and flexible manufacturing.

Code quality

Monitor trending of internal quality checks to ensure your code is readable. Set up using Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Axial conformity
• Contrast
• Print growth
• Error correction

IIoT solutions / higher-level integration

Mixed lot prevention

Effective flexible manufacturing requires the correct component for the product being produced. Set up using Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Only the expected code string must be supplied to a PCIC container from a PLC.
• Code evaluation can be handled internally, reserving PLC memory and processing power for other tasks.

Traceability in manufacturing

Traceability of raw materials and food production processes is required for transparency of production lots. Tracking returnable assets also enhances effiency and sustainability. Data from the O2I code reader can be transmitted easily to a higher-level system. Set up using Vision Assistant configuration software.

• Graphical manipulation of the communication string meshes seamlessly with your existing software platforms.
• Less time and effort is required to make that data available to your tracking and tracing software.

Workpiece identification and Work-in-Progress (WIP)

Image-based identification is ideal for WIP carriers and subassemblies exposed to extreme temperature swings.

• Capture codes on racks of components as they leave heat-treatment or chemical bath processes.
• Use in areas where RF signals produced by RFID may interfere with manufacturing processes, such as electronics assembly.

Raw material tracking

Effective traceability starts with serialization of raw materials.

• Tracking materials at the infeed of a production line increases reliability of your inventory.
• Utilize supplier-serialized information for ingredients for food production, lot numbers of steel billets, etc. to satisfy traceability requirements.

Conveyor tracking and identification

Code reading applications in distribution centers can pose several challenges.

• Conveyor speed -- the O2I5 family can acquire, evaluate, and output codes within 25 ms, making it ideal for conveyor applications in warehouses.
• Environmental conditions – a single application for the O2I can adjust to changes in ambient lighting and programmed for thousands of code models and types. For details, please refer to Technology (link to Technology section).
• Low profile mounting – the O2I family includes internal code mirroring correction, so low profile mounting is possible. This reduces the potential for misalignment issues due to impact.