Home INDUSTRY APPLICATION The Frontline Workstation Barcode Reading Solution

The Frontline Workstation Barcode Reading Solution

The Frontline Workstation Barcode Reading Solution

The rapid updates in electronic products have led to a massive demand for PCBs. In pursuit of higher production volumes, many manufacturers have relaxed their quality control measures, often adopting batch-based management systems. If a problem arises with a board, the entire batch of products must be recalled for inspection, which not only wastes the company's human and material resources but also causes significant harm to both the enterprise and consumers. To address this issue, the PCB traceability system has emerged, deeply integrating into the PCB industry. It ensures product safety through internal quality control and external circulation traceability, safeguarding every link in the chain

Industry Demand

The PCB manufacturer needs to track and associate solder paste printing quality pre-reflow component placement quality and post-reflow soldering quality with the PCB throughout production at different stages—solder paste printing AOI pre-reflow AOI and post-reflow AOI.
The barcode scanning module must accurately read QR codes on the PCB. Key requirements include:
High-speed high-accuracy decoding to ensure efficient production.
Fully automated operation with no manual intervention.
Non-contact recognition to avoid contamination and ensure stable ive results.
Supported code types: 2D codes (QR codes and Data Matrix codes).
Code size: Typically within 10mm×10mm.
Maximum scanning field of view: 65mm×50mm.
Dynamic decoding capability: Must scan and decode while PCBs are in motion at speeds ≥50mm/s.
Working distance: 80–100mm.


Customer Pain Points:
When attempting to read multiple small codes within a large field of view, occasional issues occur including slow reading speed and failed reads. Since the codes on components are not coplanar (on the same flat surface), reading codes on one plane often results in failure to recognize codes on another plane. Dynamic recognition capability is required.

Project Challenges:

Challenges in Achieving Accurate and Stable Code Reading During PCB Production:

1.Large Scanning Field with Small, Varied-Size 2D Codes  

The PCB's large scanning area contains numerous small 2D codes of inconsistent sizes, significantly increasing reading difficulty.  

2.Component-Obstructed Codes 

Some QR codes are partially or fully blocked by mounted components, requiring advanced imaging solutions.  

3. Multi-Plane Code Recognition

Codes distributed across different height planes demand high depth-of-field reading capabilities.


Solution

AI-powered decoding algorithm, specifically optimized for reading minimal-size codes, enables stable long-range scanning of low-resolution barcodes.

High-precision AI recognition reliably decodes complex barcodes that are currently challenging to scan.

Equipped with a high-speed liquid lens to resolve focus issues caused by non-planar QR code surfaces.

Model Selection:

The barcode reader is mounted above the conveyor belt at the pre-furnace station. When the PCB reaches the "recognition" position, a trigger signal activates the reader, which then scans all QR codes on the PCB. The results are uploaded to the management system and cross-referenced with data from barcode readers in adjacent workstations.

Recommended Model:R-5350 (Quantity: 1 unit)


Advantages:

Wide Field of View: Designed for high-density barcode/QR code applications, enabling large-area scanning of multiple codes simultaneously.

Dedicated Industry Software: Features networked code reading and data fusion, ensuring higher flexibility and seamless integration with customer systems.

Liquid Lens Technology: Delivers rapid autofocus for codes at varying heights or distances, achieving higher efficiency, precision, and image clarity.