Acquisition brings Data Matrix expertise

Pepperl+Fuchs has acquired Omnitron, a manufacturer of Data Matrix 2D optical barcode readers for product identification and online data capture.

Pepperl+Fuchs has acquired Omnitron, a manufacturer of Data Matrix 2D optical barcode readers for product identification and online data capture.

Data Matrix is an internationally standardised code symbology expected to replace many older codes, while extending the reach of identification systems into many new applications.

"The addition of 2D code readers is an excellent fit within our established product range and strengthens our offering by bridging the gap between 1D barcodes and RFID", said Bob Smith Head of Factory Automation at P+F.

Several factors are driving the active adoption of Data Matrix identification technology: the amount of data that needs to be stored will increase significantly over time; the area available to store information on products requiring tracking and identification will decrease, requiring greater data density; the significance of reliable identification will increase in importance; and the demand for a reduction in labelling costs.

During 2005 Pepperl+Fuchs will invest in R and D and introduce additional products to complement the current range of 2D readers.

John Gover, Omnitron Regional Director for Northern Europe states: "With the backing of Pepperl+Fuchs our Omnitron sales partners in the UK will see increased focus on product development and the benefit of dealing with a local sales office in Oldham".

"Interest in 2D barcode applications is increasing - especially within the aerospace and automotive industries".

"As a result of introductions by P+F UK late last year, the Omnitron MAH200 handheld reader is already being trialled successfully in two of the UK's largest automotive manufacturers".

With a possible feature size down to 0.25mm, and a theoretical limit of over 2000byte of storable information, Data Matrix allows detailed information to be carried on even the smallest of objects.

Read-reliability is significantly increased since the information is "scattered" over the entire data field, with 20 to 30% information redundancy.

Labelling costs can be greatly reduced by lasering or dot peening a Data Matrix symbol directly on the part.

Data Matrix symbols can be applied using nearly any printing process, including offset, thermal transfer, inkjet, laser and direct laser marking.

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