A Guide to Laser Markers: How to Select the Right Laser Marker

Want to make sure your barcode scanner can efficiently read laser-etched barcodes? From the scanner's performance parameters, to the barcode's material, to the compatibility of the environment, we'll teach you how to choose a barcode and scanner that are compatible with each other, so that you can avoid barcode-reading failures caused by hardware incompatibility and improve work efficiency.

Why do the scanner and laser marking machine need to be matched?

Many friends think that "you can just buy any barcode scanner and it will scan all QR codes," but when they actually use them they find that the recognition is slow and there are many errors.In fact, the material, size, and contrast of a QR code all affect the effectiveness of scanning.For example, a QR code printed on a reflective metal surface may be unreadable by a regular red-light scanner, but a laser scanner can quickly capture the details.Choosing the right equipment is the key to making the workflow run smoothly.

Three key points in choosing a bar code scanner.

Take the technology of the barcode scanners.

There are three main types of scanner on the market, laser, red light, and imaging.Laser guns are suitable for high-reflectivity materials such as metal and glass, while red light guns are better suited to ordinary paper and plastic.If the working environment is complex, then the image scanner can be used. It can "remember" an entire image, and is more tolerant of errors.

The size and accuracy of the QR codes.

If the lines in a laser-engraved QR code are too fine (less than 0.3 mm), then ordinary scanners may not be able to read them.At this point, a high-resolution device, such as a barcode scanner with a 5-mil resolution, is needed.The length of the side of the code should be greater than the shortest distance at which the scanner can read it to avoid having it too close to be read.

Consider the impact of the environment.

Oil, grease, and strong light can all cause barcode scanners to malfunction.Select devices with an IP65 or higher protection rating, and use a laser scanner in bright light environments (which are less susceptible to interference).

Avoiding pitfalls in practical applications.

They first tested the product, then purchased it in bulk.

Don't rush to place an order! Ask the supplier to let you borrow some equipment to do some on-site testing. Scan different angles and different degrees of wear, and observe the speed and success rate of identification.In particular, the researchers are paying attention to whether QR codes with blurred edges or missing parts can still be read.

Regularly maintain the barcode scanner and barcode.

Dust on the lens or oxidation of the QR code surface can both lower the recognition rate.We recommend that the window of the scanner be cleaned monthly. The QR code printed with a laser can be coated with a transparent protective layer (such as satin varnish) to prevent wear from long-term use.

Don't forget about compatibility.

Have you ever had a barcode gun that could read a barcode, but the system couldn't? Perhaps the output format was incorrect.They should confirm in advance that their equipment supports UTF-8 and GS1 encoding formats and that they have tested the integration of their ERP and MES systems.

Answers to common questions.

Can a laser-engraved QR code be scanned with a mobile phone?

Most mobile phone cameras can scan, but the requirements are more stringent.The QR code should be at least 2 × 2 cm in size, with a high contrast (dark background with light code). Avoid reflective materials.

What do you do when the barcode reader keeps telling you, "Decoding failed"?

First check that the QR code is intact and undamaged, and then adjust the distance between the scanner and the code (usually 5-30cm is best).If the problem persists, it may be that the scanner 's decoding ability is insufficient, and we recommend upgrading the firmware or replacing the equipment.