CCD Barcode Scanner or Laser Barcode Scanner?

Barcode scanners are devices that can read and decode the information contained in barcodes. They are widely used in various industries and applications, such as retail, inventory management, warehouse automation, healthcare, transportation and logistics. Barcode scanners can be classified into different types based on the technology they use to scan the barcodes. Two common types of barcode scanners are laser barcode scanners and CCD barcode scanners. Laser barcode scanners use a laser beam as a light source and typically employ oscillating mirrors or rotating prisms to scan the laser beam back and forth across the barcode. CCD barcode scanners use hundreds of tiny LED lights arranged in one long row that capture a digital image of the barcode. Both types of scanners have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will compare below:

Advantages of Laser Barcode Scanners

Laser barcode scanners have some operational benefits that make them suitable for certain applications. Some of the advantages of laser barcode scanners are: 

• Long reading distance: Laser barcode scanners can read 1D barcodes from relatively long distances with the use of special optics. This can be useful for scanning barcodes that are out of reach or on high shelves.
• Fast scanning speed: Laser barcode scanners can quickly scan barcodes from a distance, making them ideal for high-volume scanning environments.
• High accuracy: Laser barcode scanners can read 1D barcodes with high accuracy and precision, as they use a collimated beam of light that does not diverge no matter how far the light travels from the source.

Disadvantages of Laser Barcode Scanners

Laser barcode scanners also have some limitations that may affect their performance and usability in some situations. Some of the disadvantages of laser barcode scanners are:

• Sensitive to poor quality or damaged codes: Laser barcode scanners have trouble with 1D barcodes that are poorly printed, low-contrast, distorted, or damaged. Because the environment for code reading is rarely perfect, the number of misreads and no-reads are typically too high.
• Affected by reflective surfaces or bright lights: The combination of highly reflective parts and light sources often create hotspots that confound laser barcode scanners. This can result in false readings or no readings at all. And, it cannot support screen scanning.
• Dependent on code orientation: Code position is also critical to laser barcode scanners because, with few exceptions, 1D codes must be scanned from left to right. This can require additional fixturing or mechanical systems to make sure an object’s barcode is consistently oriented in a single direction.
• Prone to mechanical failure: Laser barcode scanners have an oscillating mirror or a rotating prism, which are moving parts that can break or wear out over time. This can result in additional costs and time required to repair or replace the scanner.
• Require eye safety precautions: Due to eye safety concerns, laser barcode scanners must be shielded to protect nearby workers from accidental exposure to the laser beam.
• Cannot read 2D codes: Laser scanners cannot read 2D codes, such as QR codes or Data Matrix codes, which are becoming increasingly more prevalent in various industries and applications. 2D codes can store more information and data than 1D codes, and can also be read from any orientation.

Advantages of CCD Barcode Scanners

CCD barcode scanners have some features that make them attractive for certain applications. Some of the advantages of CCD barcode scanners are:

• Less sensitive to poor quality or damaged codes: CCD barcode scanners can read 1D barcodes that are poorly printed, low-contrast, distorted, or damaged, as they use an image processing algorithm to decode the barcode. This can reduce the number of misreads and no-reads.
• Not affected by reflective surfaces or bright lights: CCD barcode scanners are not affected by highly reflective parts or light sources, as they use their own LED lights to illuminate the barcode. This can improve the reliability and consistency of scanning operations.
• Not dependent on code orientation: CCD barcode scanners can read 1D barcodes from any orientation, as they capture a digital image of the barcode. This can eliminate the need for additional fixturing or mechanical systems to orient the barcode in a specific direction.
• No moving parts: CCD barcode scanners have no moving parts inside them, which makes them more durable and less prone to mechanical
• A CCD barcode scanner is less expensive than a laser barcode scanner.

Disadvantages of CCD Barcode Scanners

CCD barcode scanners also have some drawbacks that may limit their performance and usability in some situations. Some of the disadvantages of CCD barcode scanners are: 

• Short reading distance: CCD barcode scanners have a very short reading distance, usually less than 3 inches, compared to laser scanners. This can be a problem for scanning barcodes that are far away or on large objects.
• High power consumption: CCD barcode scanners use hundreds of tiny LED lights to illuminate the barcode, which consume more power than a laser beam. This can affect the battery life and operation time of wireless CCD barcode scanners.

 How to choose between a laser and CCD barcode scanner?

Laser barcode scanners and CCD barcode scanners are two common types of barcode scanners that use different technologies to scan and decode barcodes. Both types of scanners have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the users. Laser barcode scanners are ideal for high-volume scanning environments that require fast and accurate scanning from a distance and scanning barcodes on paper only, while CCD scanners are a cost-effective option for smaller businesses or applications that require scanning barcodes on both paper and electronic screens, a more durable and safe option but with limited range and flexibility. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to the specific needs and requirements of the application or business. Both of these barcode-scanning types are efficient and help reduce human error in tracking of goods and equipment.

Find out more information about NUMA CCD Barcode Scanners, please visit NUMA website https://www.numa-tech.com/en/product/category/Cabled-Scanner?barcode=1 for cabled type and https://www.numa-tech.com/en/product/category/Wireless-Scanner?barcode=1 for wireless type. Or please send your inquiry to sales@numa-tech.com for proposal and quote.