ESD-safe barcode scanners for sensitive production areas

In work areas where electrostatic discharge (ESD) damages components, every device at the workstation must be dissipative - including the barcode scanner. An ordinary code reader with an insulating plastic housing can charge up and discharge on contact; the damage to the component is often invisible and only shows up in the field.

ESD-safe barcode scanners are built for this: housing and optical parts are dissipative or antistatically coated, and the device is grounded with the installation. They read 1D, 2D and DPM codes like their standard counterparts - just without the risk.

VISIONTECHNIK supplies ESD variants of fixed code readers as well as retrofittable ESD covers, and advises on the right choice for your line.

Discuss your application

Where ESD protection is mandatory for code reading

Electrostatic discharge causes billions in damage every year - mostly unnoticed, because the component fails later. Wherever assemblies are manufactured or handled in an EPA (ESD Protected Area), the code reader is part of the protection chain:

Electronics manufacturing and assembly (SMT, THT, test stations)
Semiconductor and wafer handling
Pharmaceutical and medical device production with electronic components
Repair and service workstations
Logistics and packaging of ESD-sensitive components

What makes a code reader ESD-safe

Dissipative housing: Plastic with a defined dissipation resistance instead of an insulating standard housing - charge drains in a controlled way instead of building up.
Antistatic optics: Windows, lenses and covers are coated so that the optical parts carry no charge either.
Grounding: The device is connected to the earth potential of the installation via bracket or cable - part of the EPA documentation.
Retrofittable ESD cover: On some series a standard device can be fitted with an ESD cover; on others the protection is built in.

Which devices we supply

Datalogic offers ESD variants for the fixed code readers of the Matrix family: the Matrix 120 is available as an ESD version with a permanently mounted cover (WVGA and 1.2 MP, serial/USB or Ethernet). The Matrix 220 XAI comes in DPM variants with ESD protection, and the Matrix 220 and Matrix 320 can be retrofitted with an ESD cover.

For manual workstations in the EPA we advise on ESD-suitable handheld scanners and matching accessories - brackets, cables and covers are listed under accessories.

Datalogic Matrix 120 ESD - compact code reader with built-in ESD cover
Datalogic Matrix 220 XAI DPM ESD - for direct part marks on PCBs and components
ESD covers for Matrix 220 and Matrix 320 for retrofitting
Handheld scanners for ESD areas on request

What matters technically

Code type: 1D, 2D (Data Matrix, QR) or DPM - lasered and dot-peened codes on PCBs need a DPM-capable reader with suitable illumination.
Field of view and distance: How large is the code, how far away is it, is it moving? Resolution and focal length follow from this.
Interface: Ethernet (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), serial or USB - matching the controller and the MES.
Protection rating and mounting: IP rating, mounting position, grounding point and documentation according to the ESD standard (IEC 61340-5-1).

Suitable product groups

Which ESD model fits your line?

Built-in ESD variant or retrofitted cover, 1D label or DPM on the PCB: together we narrow down which code reader reads your codes reliably and fits into your EPA.

Send us a photo of the code, the reading distance and the required interface - we will propose the right model.

Request advice

Frequently asked questions

Is an ESD cover enough, or does the scanner itself have to be ESD-safe?

An ESD cover encapsulates housing and optics dissipatively and is the intended solution for the Matrix 220 and 320. Where the reader is touched frequently or works directly on the component, a variant with built-in ESD protection is the simpler choice - nothing can be forgotten.

Do ESD variants read as well as standard devices?

Yes. Optics, sensor and decoder are identical; the ESD version differs in housing material and in the coating of the windows.

Are there ESD-safe handheld scanners?

Yes, several manufacturers offer handheld scanners with dissipative housings. We advise on request - the right choice depends on code type, range and connectivity.

What has to be considered when mounting in the EPA?

The reader is connected to earth potential via bracket or grounding cable and included in the workstation's ESD documentation. We supply the manufacturer's specifications and matching accessories.