Cognex barcode readers improve Bosch parts code reading efficiency

Bosch Automotive Components (Changsha) Co., Ltd. is a wholly foreign-owned company invested and established by Robert Bosch and Bosch (China) Investment Co., Ltd. It mainly engages in the production, research and development, application and sales of automotive components and automotive electronic equipment systems. Its main products include automotive starters, generators, evaporator fans and condenser fans, wiper motors, window motors, seat adjustment systems, anti-lock braking systems, etc. Let's learn about the relevant content with the editor of Industrial Control.

In order to achieve product traceability, each product needs to be scanned after it is produced, but due to the characteristics of the parts, many problems were encountered in the scanning process. Since the surface of the parts has concave and convex surfaces, the QR code just happens to be printed on the textured surface, so there has been no good solution to successfully read the QR code, which affects product traceability. Other barcode readers have been used before, but the success rate of code reading was not high, which affected production efficiency. After using Cognex's DataMan barcode reader, the previous problem of low reading rate and even inability to read QR codes was solved, and the problem of code reading failure was almost eliminated, thereby improving the traceability and output of the production line and meeting the customer's production requirements.

Multiple factors make code reading more difficult

Since many auto parts have textures, the surface of the workpiece is uneven, and the code is directly marked on the texture with unclear contrast, the code reading background is somewhat complex, seriously interfered, and difficult to read, which poses a huge challenge in obtaining a good image and the algorithms of lighting and code readers. Many QR codes are on curved surfaces, which causes the QR codes to be slightly deformed and reflective, which increases the difficulty of lighting and code reader algorithms, making it difficult to read the code accurately. In addition, due to the restrictions of the on-site installation environment, the installation station must be at the bottom of the equipment, so the installation position and installation distance as well as the coordination with the mechanical fixture are somewhat difficult. Ethernet communication is required in the production process to communicate with Siemens PLC300 and connect to the configuration network, which also poses a challenge to accurate code reading.

Cognex DataMan barcode reader performance

Cognex barcode readers have superior algorithms, especially in the DPM code reading of automotive parts. The DataMan 300 series is the most versatile fixed-mount barcode reader from Cognex, providing multiple integrated light sources and lens options, intelligent automatic adjustment functions, and multiple models to choose from. The DataMan 300/360 series can handle the most difficult-to-read direct part identification codes, tricky one-dimensional barcodes, and two-dimensional DMatrix codes.

Cognex's 1DMax® with Hotbars II™ technology can decode damaged or poorly printed 1D barcodes with an accuracy of up to 0.8 pixels per module (PPM). 2DMax® provides reliable 2D barcode reading performance, regardless of code quality, printing method or code surface condition, and uses patent-pending PowerGrid™ technology to locate and read severely damaged 2D codes, regardless of aimer mode and clock mode or quiet zone conditions.

Integrated controllable modular lighting and optics configurations enable selection of the right lens based on working distance and field of view, including variable focus liquid lens technology. Users can create optimal lighting conditions for their workpieces using field-replaceable controllable lighting modules to ensure the highest read rates. Liquid lenses can also be adjusted via software or serial commands without contacting the reader, refocusing in milliseconds, and without any moving parts.

Improve code reading success rate and improve product traceability

Bosch Automotive Components has been using Cognex products for a long time. Smart cameras and visual sensors have been used for a long time, so the Cognex brand has long been deeply rooted in Bosch. When Bosch encounters problems based on visual inspection and code reading, it will think of Cognex and find Cognex.

After using Cognex barcode readers, the previous problem of low reading rate or even failure to read 2D codes was successfully solved. DataMan barcode readers provide the industry's best 2D decoding algorithm, which can handle a variety of codes and provide the most suitable lighting effect for the environment at the time based on different light source combinations, and can remove the impact of curved surface reflections. The new barcode reader almost eliminates the problem of code reading failure, thereby improving the traceability and output of Bosch's production line.

After using Cognex barcode readers, Bosch's production efficiency has been significantly improved. First of all, the return on investment is high. After using Cognex barcode readers, a large amount of labor and defective products are reduced, the product warranty period is long, and the equipment that is returned under warranty can be provided quickly, which guarantees the customer's investment; secondly, it is easy to install. The product is small in size and light in weight. Even if the customer's product placement position changes, it is easy to find a suitable position to re-fix the equipment, reducing the time for installation and debugging; thirdly, the product performance is excellent and the failure rate is low. There are basically no reader failures during customer use, which greatly reduces downtime; finally, the configuration is simple and convenient. The technicians do not need to debug and configure on site. They only need to download the set files to the equipment, and it will take effect immediately.

We believe that more customers in the automotive manufacturing industry and other industries will adopt Cognex products and benefit from them.

DataMan barcode readers read the 2D code on the rotor before it enters assembly

The above is an introduction to how Cognex barcode readers improve the barcode reading efficiency of Bosch components in industrial control. If you want to know more relevant information, please pay more attention to eeworld. eeworld Electronic Engineering will provide you with more complete, detailed and updated information.