The DS3678-DP is a DS3600 series wireless scanner that reads DPM codes marked directly on parts. With no cable, it is carried to where the parts are and reads codes made by 7 methods: dot peen, laser etch, ink mark, chemical etch, inkjet mold, casting, and thermal spray.
Over Bluetooth, it works up to 100 m from the cradle in open space.
Illumination differences between the DS3678-DP and DPX
| Item | DS3678-DP | DS3678-DPX |
|---|---|---|
| Direct illumination | 2 warm white LEDs | 2 warm white LEDs |
| Diffuse (indirect) illumination | 634 nm red LED ring | None |
| Suitable codes | DPM in general regardless of size, surface, contrast, or density | Clean laser etching on matte surfaces |
| Aiming | 655 nm laser dot | 655 nm laser |
| Weight | Approx. 402 g | 402 g |
The difference in illumination is the red LED ring and built-in diffuser. The indirect light from the diffuser captures codes on glaring metal surfaces, and for codes marked on curved surfaces such as round shafts or pipes, it sends more light to the edges to bring out the image. Direct illumination at an angle is used to read low-contrast codes, such as on polished surfaces.
The DPX also reads the 7 marking types including dot peen, but it is tuned for clean laser etching on matte surfaces. For lines that mix in codes marked on shiny metal or curved surfaces, choose the DP, which also has diffuse illumination. The configuration for Korea and India is DS3678-DP2F003VZK, and the DPX (DS3678-DPXF003VZCN) is a China-only configuration.
Contrast and working range of marked codes
DPM codes have a smaller brightness difference between the code and the background than printed labels.
The reading distance is also short. Based on a printed 10 mil Data Matrix, it is from contact with the scan window out to 8.6 cm, so the scanner is held almost against the part. The technique of tilting the part 30° when scanning dot-peened codes with white illumination, and the DPM mode 1 and 2 settings, are covered on the DS3608-DP page.
Wireless DPM work moving between processes
When moving between equipment where a Bluetooth connection is hard to maintain, use the "Cradle Contact" method among the batch modes. Codes read after scanning the "Enter Batch Mode" barcode are collected on the scanner and sent all at once the moment the scanner is inserted into the cradle. If the scanner is removed during transfer, it pauses until reinserted.
The FLB cradle mounted on forklifts is rated IP65, so dust does not get in, and the charging contacts are rated for 250,000 insertions.
-20°C lower limit and drop conditions
The operating temperature is -20 to 50°C, a lower limit 10°C higher than the corded DS3608-DP (from -30°C). The drop rating to concrete is 2.4 m at -20 to 50°C and 3 m at room temperature.
For processes that handle only printed labels with no marked codes, the DS3678 (SR), which reads a 13 mil UPC out to 61.0 cm (the DP reaches 14.7 cm), gives a more comfortable working distance.
