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The ICR 850 2-D reader checks whether the product and wrappers match
SICK insight 2/2004
2-D reading devices check medical products Applications 21
Checking 2-D batch numbers with the ICR 850 data matrix reader
Seamless identification of sutures
ICR 850 data matrix readers at medical product manufacturer Ethicon,
in Norderstedt, ensure that the wrappers match the products and that
there are no product mix-ups.
>> Ethicon, a 100% subsidiary of the
US Johnson & Johnson Group, employs
about 2,100 personnel. Every year, in
addition to 150 million surgical needles,
they also produce 130 m. metres
of surgical sutures on the modern production
plant – that’s three times the
length of the Equator. Safety aspects,
quality requirements, and the tracking
of every production batch necessitate
100% checking of the sutures during
the packaging process on the foil lines.
Batch numbers in data
matrix code
During packing, the suture material
is laid in a cavity – a type of shell.
Before the wrapper with the product information
is attached, ICR 850 units
read the data matrix code on the prod-
uct. The coding contains part of the
batch number that is now compared
with the current order code. If the two
codes match, the wrapper with the
product information is attached. This
check ensures that any product mix-up
on the packing line is detected in good
time and reliably prevents use of the
wrong wrapper.
Matchcode, Profibus,
visualisation
The ICR 850 is not just a reliable solution
here, but also a particularly userfriendly
one. For example, at the start
of a packing order the appropriate order
matchcode is automatically taughtin
at the code reader – the ICR 850
is thus promptly ready for operation
with maximum flexibility. The devices
are connected to the machine PLC via
CDM 420 fieldbus gateways with
Profibus. The use of this proven functional
module ensures smooth data exchange
right from the start. During
operation, a wide variety of ICR 850
read and process information is displayed
on an industrial PC. Teach-in,
matchcodes, read codes, no reads,
error messages and numerous evaluations
can be read by the machine
operator in situ.
The ICR 850 – the “seamless” identification
solution that is not just for surgical
suture material.
insightLINK
You can obtain further product information
with the attached card under:
INFO 210
or on the Internet at:
www.sick.de/insight/en
More about the customer:
www.ethicon.com