Barcode Readers support filters for reflective surfaces.
Press Release Summary:
MicroHAWK® ID-30 and ID-40, designed for tough industrial environments, support polarizer and diffuser optical filter accessories that extend applicability within specific integration environments. Optional, field-upgradable accessories specifically optimize performance in applications where barcodes are placed on highly reflective surfaces. By blocking out unwanted light, filters allow only light needed for inspection to pass in order to enhance contrast and resolution.
Original Press Release:
New MicroHAWK Accessories Enable Barcode Reading on Highly-Reflective Surfaces
RENTON, WA – Microscan, a global manufacturer and pioneer of auto ID solutions from the world’s first laser diode barcode scanner to the Data Matrix symbol, announces the availability of new Polarizer and Diffuser optical filter accessories for the MicroHAWK® Barcode Reader platform.
The MicroHAWK ID-30 and ID-40 barcode readers are designed for tough industrial environments and offer incredible decoding power and speed, coupled with extremely compact and durable housing. Users can further extend the application of MicroHAWK readers for specific integration environments by adding optional, field-upgradable accessories to these devices. New Diffuser and Polarizer optical filter accessories optimize the performance of MicroHAWK readers in specific applications where barcodes are placed on highly-reflective surfaces. By simply replacing the standard front window of the device with the Diffuser or Polarizer window, the selected optical filter will block out unwanted light, passing only the light needed for inspection while enhancing contrast and resolution.
In applications where a barcode is marked on a reflective surface, such as a Data Matrix symbol abraded onto a shiny metal part, specular reflections from the metal can ”blind” the barcode reader and impede decoding. The Diffuser accessory, which uses a diffusion filter, softens and flattens the background light around the barcode and helps minimize noise and reflections. The Diffuser filter is useful when the reader needs to be mounted perpendicular (90 degrees) to the part, where direct specular reflection is most likely.
The Polarizer accessory, which uses a polarizing filter, is ideal for managing reflections from other highlyreflective, transparent or lucid materials such as cellophane or glass test tubes. The Polarizer eliminates “hot spots” caused by reflections by allowing one linear light polarization to be used for the outgoing scanning beam, while the other perpendicular light polarization will return to the scanner, pass through the polarizer, and be detected.
New MicroHAWK accessories, including the Polarizer and Diffuser, are now in stock and available for purchase.
Microscan is dedicated to providing solutions to the most demanding barcode reading applications. Paired with new Polarizer and Diffuser accessories, MicroHAWK barcode readers are poised to take on any barcode reading challenge. For more information about the MicroHAWK readers and Microscan, please visit www.microscan.com/microhawk.
About Microscan
Microscan is a global leader in barcode reading, machine vision, and verification technology serving a wide range of automation and OEM applications. Founded in 1982, Microscan has a strong history of technology innovation that includes the invention of the first laser diode barcode scanner and the 2D symbology, Data Matrix. Today, Microscan remains a leader in automatic identification and inspection with extensive solutions ranging from barcode reading, tracking, and traceability up to complex machine vision measurement, guidance, code verification, and print quality grading.
As an ISO 9001:2008 certified company recognized for quality leadership in the U.S., Microscan is known and trusted by customers worldwide as a provider of quality, high precision products. Microscan is a part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company.
Microscan Contact
Corporate Headquarters, U.S.
Shaina Warner, Marketing Communications Manager
+1 425-203-4963; swarner@microscan.com
European Headquarters, The Netherlands
Mrs. Kirsi Rolf, Marketing Manager EMEA
+31 6 100 74598; KRolf@microscan.com
