Cognex Corporation announced its DataMan 50L bar code reader for 1-D oriented bar code reading, It measures just 23.5mm x 27mm x 43.5mm and features an IP65-rated housing. The company says it is ideal for mounting in very tight spaces on production lines and in machinery.

The DataMan 50L is equipped with Hotbars, a proprietary image analysis technology that Cognex says delivers the highest read rates in the industry.

"This product is ideal for customers who want to improve read rates, especially if they have bar codes printed on reflective or pliable surfaces or damaged barcodes," said Carl Gerst, business unit manager for ID Products. Gerst added, "The DataMan 50L is designed for 1-D-oriented bar code reading, and it delivers read rates that can surpass 99 percent."

The DataMan 50L includes:
• Hotbars, which provides the highest read rates of 1-D linear barcodes, including those that are damaged, distorted, blurred, scratched, low height or low contrast.
• The ability to analyze "no reads" by letting the user see what the reader sees, either live on a monitor or through image archiving.
• Designed with no moving parts that can become worn out and require replacement.