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Choosing the Right Industrial Barcode Scanner FAQ

2 min read

FAQs

Why would I need a keypad with my industrial barcode scanner?

Built-in keypads are highly beneficial when operators need to input manual data alongside a scan (such as entering quantities), change bin locations or confirm damaged packages. For workflows that only require point-and-shoot data collection, a standard trigger-only scanner minimizes weight and reduces potential entry errors.

What is an IP Rating?

IP ratings denote a device’s protection against solids and liquids. It is a two-digit system where the first digit denotes the protection against solids and the second digit denotes the protection against liquids.

What IP rating is required for dusty warehouses vs. washdown facilities?

  • Dusty warehouses: An IP65 rating is generally sufficient. It prevents fine particulate matter from crossing the exterior shell and disrupting the internal components. Brady industrial barcode scanners all have an IP65 rating.
  • Washdown facilities: Food processing, pharmaceutical and chemical cleanrooms require an IP67 or IP69K rating. These ratings ensure the scanner housing can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature sanitization sprays without internal condensation.

Why are there drop-to-concrete resistance measurements as well as tumble and crush ratings?

Industrial environments present different kinds of potential impact damage for barcode scanners.

  • Drop ratings measure sudden, intense contact with the ground
  • Crush resistance describes how well the unit withstands pressure
  • Tumble resistance details the unit’s ability to withstand ongoing jostling and repetitive stress

All Brady industrial barcode scanners are rated for multiple 8-foot drops, 250 pounds of crush resistance and 2,500 meters of tumble resistance.

How do low-temperature environments (like freezers) affect scanners?

Standard batteries experience rapid voltage drops in freezing conditions, and optical lenses can fog up instantly when moving between varying temperature zones. Cold-storage models utilize specialized low-temperature batteries and frost-free seals to preserve functionality down to -4°F (-20°C).

How long should the battery last on my wireless industrial barcode scanner?

You generally want your barcode scanner to last through an entire shift. If you need the scanner to last through multiple shift changes, consider an scanner that has a swappable battery.

What are DPM (Direct Part Marking) codes and why do they require special optics?

DPM codes are etched, laser-engraved or dot-peened directly into the surface of materials like metals, plastics, wood, glass or ceramics rather than printed on paper labels. Because these surfaces are often highly reflective or low-contrast, standard scanners cannot easily read them.

DPM-optimized scanners utilize specialized multi-axis lighting arrays and advanced decoding software to diffuse reflections and clearly isolate the marked code. Some scanners can be configured to read DPM codes in different lighting conditions.