Cognex barcode readers speed up packaging lines at Kraft Foods

In order to prevent labeling mix-ups that may result in allergic reactions for consumers, Kraft Foods Canada in Saint-Laurent, Québec has installed Cognex image-based Dataman 300 barcode readers on their barbecue sauce packaging lines.

Prior to installing the barcode readers, laser scanners were used to inspect the company’s barbecue sauce products, which led to a number of failures, particularly when changing over to a new product with the label in a different location, according to a case study. Technicians rushed to the line to adjust the position of the barcode scanner to re-center the label into the laser path or the scanner would not read the label. With Dataman 300 barcode readers, any label within a 5" x 5" field of view can be read without adjustment.

Dataman 300 models feature a number of pixel sizes, including an 800 x 600, a 1280 x 1024, and a 1600 x 1200. The readers feature a 1/1.8" CMOS image sensor and various algorithms for barcode reading, including:

• 1DMax+ with Hotbars technology: Designed to handle difficult linear barcode-reading applications on high speed lines.
• IDQuick: Enables reading of 2D barcodes
• 2DMax+: Designed to handle damaged codes at high lines rates, and poorly marked or damaged codes.

Dataman 300 readers feature either a frame rate of 60 fps or 40 fps, depending on the model, as well as a C-Mount, S-Mount, and various focus liquid lens options.

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