New Balluff code reader offers IO-Link

26/04/2023

Balluff claims that its new Ident sensors stand out from the crowded market of code readers with the inclusion of IO-Link. This allows users to integrate code reading without separate Ethernet drops and IP addresses for every reader.

The Ident sensors reliably read both 1D and 2D barcodes and direct part-marked codes while providing several other innovative features, including built-in condition monitoring capabilities.

In addition to code-reading functions, the sensors can provide visibility into the environment of the machine and/or application. They are capable of monitoring temperature, vibration, humidity, inclination, signal quality and operating time, data that can save operators time and money by minimising downtime and increasing maintenance efficiency. Condition data is transmitted every 60 seconds and operators can view the data via a dashboard using a standard web browser; no added software is needed.

These stationary sensors use the MVTec HALCON algorithm, while integrated code quality metrics allow it to provide a code quality grade in addition to the code data. Users can select from multiple process and data interfaces to meet their needs with support of the representational state transfer application programming interface (REST API) and message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), as well as the IO-Link and transmission control protocol (TCP)/user datagram protocol (UDP) interfaces.

The company claims that the fast reading speeds and a working distance of 50 mm to 600 mm make the Ident sensors a solid choice for production processes and logistics applications across a wide range of industries, with an IP67 rating that makes them a suitable choice for packaging, food and beverage applications.

Versions are available with white and red light or white and infrared light. A standard M12 connection and a teach button make for easy set-up.

This new vision-based code reader delivers next-level capabilities for the future of manufacturing.

Features include:

• Reliable code reading with the simplest operation
• IO-Link as process and data interface or, alternatively, TCP or UDP
• Part of the Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS)
• Additional Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data interfaces: MQTT and REST API
• Additional condition monitoring information for production optimisation.

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