The stationary optical code readers read various two-dimensional (2D) codes as well as one-dimensional (1D) barcodes. SIMATIC MV440 also features additional functions for measuring the marking quality (verification) for process control purposes, and for text recognition (optical character recognition, OCR) and object detection. All devices can be easily and flexibly integrated into the automation system thanks to standardized, industry-compatible interfaces and function blocks.

SIMATIC MV420

The SIMATIC MV420 series is particularly suitable for close-up to mid-range reading distances (approx. 10 mm to 400 mm).

The SIMATIC MV420 is an optical reader that has been specially designed for detecting and evaluating a variety of machine readable codes in the packaging industry (e.g. F&B, pharmaceuticals and tobacco) and industrial production (e.g. automotive, electronics and solar). The list of readable codes includes all standard matrix codes and barcodes which can be reliably detected - mostly independent of the printing technology applied and carrier medium used. One key feature of the unit is its ability to read data matrix codes (DMC). The SIMATIC MV420 device family is flexible, reliable and easy to use.

Besides this, two different lenses are available for the SIMATIC MV420 which can be adjusted to the required reading distances. In addition, various powerful integrated illumination systems are available. The models can be ordered as preconfigured or freely combinable. The particularly compact enclosures have the high degree of protection IP67.

SIMATIC MV440

The SIMATIC MV440 is an optical reader designed specifically for the recognition and evaluation of numerous machine-readable codes in industrial production. The SIMATIC MV440 device family is characterized by very high reading reliability, high-speed reading and flexible process interfacing. The product is also robust, has a high degree of protection, and is easy to use. The professional decoding software is suitable for almost all types of marking, especially sophisticated "direct part marking", on a wide range of different carrier materials.

With the "Veri-Genius" verification license, the optical MV440 readers are able to verify the marking quality of codes in accordance with the applicable standards. The device determines the quality of the applied code and helps you ensure the readability using the following process steps. Verification can be performed simultaneously with the other functions, e.g. reading of 1D and 2D codes.

With the "Text-Genius / Text-Genius Plus" text recognition licenses, the optical MV440 readers can be used for text recognition (OCR optical character recognition). Text recognition can be performed simultaneously with the other functions, e.g. reading of 1D and 2D codes.

With the "Pat-Genius" object recognition license, object recognition, position detection, presence checks, completeness checks and text recognition (contour-based) are all possible. Object recognition can also be combined with the other functions.

Major differences

Optical readers	SIMATIC MV420	SIMATIC MV440
Housing	Extremely compact design, IP67	Compact design, IP67
Sensor / resolution	CMOS 640 x 480 pixels 752 x 480 pixels	CCD 640 x 480 pixels 1024 x 768 pixels 1600 x 1200 pixels
Lens system	Freely selectable lenses (M12) Lens selection: http://www.siemens.com/tia-selection-tool	Freely selectable lenses due to C-Mount lens connection Lens selection: http://www.siemens.com/tia-selection-tool
Lighting	Integrated lighting	Integrated or external lighting
Commissioning and operation	Integrated web server Auto-optimizing of parameters Languages: English / German / French / Italian / Spanish / Chinese	Integrated web server Auto-optimizing of parameters Languages: English / German / French / Italian / Spanish / Chinese
Communication	PROFIBUS (via communication module; M16) PROFINET (on-board M12 or via communication module, various interfaces) Ethernet (onboard, M12) RS232 (onboard, M16)	PROFIBUS (via communication module, M12) PROFINET (on-board M12 or via communication module, various interfaces) Ethernet (onboard, M12) RS232 (onboard, M16)
Digital inputs/outputs	1 trigger 1 strobe 2 programmable inputs/outputs	1 trigger 1 strobe 4 programmable inputs/outputs
Optical character recognition	–	Polyfont (can be used without training) Freely trainable fonts
Object detection	–	Objects/shapes are freely trainable
Verification	–	ISO/IEC 29159:2011 (previously: AIM DPM-1-2006) ISO/IEC 16022:2000 ISO/IEC 15415:2004 AS9132 Rev A, 2005 ISO/IEC 15416:2000 ANSI X3.182-1990