Scanning codes on product lids

On production lines for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, reading the 2D codes printed on individual products is essential for ensuring traceability. However, when reading workpieces flowing at high speed in multiple rows on a conveyor, it was conventionally necessary to install multiple barcode readers, which led to major issues of increased equipment costs and complicated setup and adjustments.

This image shows an application that uses image processing technology integrated into an FA (factory automation) system to read codes printed on the lids of cup noodles being transported in multiple rows all at once. The KEYENCE SR-L Series code reader for moving objects and labels plays a key role here. Its main feature is an ultra-wide field of view that can cover a wide area with a single unit, simplifying the reading of multi-row workpieces that previously required multiple code readers or complex mechanisms. This significantly reduces equipment installation costs and setup time. It also delivers stable reading performance on high-speed production lines, contributing to reliable quality control and productivity improvement. With built-in lighting and autofocus functions, changing settings for product changeovers is also easy, minimizing downtime. This is a solution that achieves both efficiency and cost reduction in traceability management for packaging processes.