The Keyence BL-185SO (7031) is a compact, high-performance barcode reader designed with a side-reading configuration to address the needs of modern industrial environments. By utilising an LED light source paired with a CCD image sensor, this model delivers reliable scanning performance across a broad range of bar widths and label sizes, making it highly versatile for automated production, logistics, and quality control applications.

A distinctive advantage of the BL-185SO is its side-reading capability, which allows the unit to scan barcodes laterally rather than head-on. This feature is particularly beneficial for conveyor-based systems or equipment layouts where direct front-facing scanning is impractical. The side-reading design reduces installation limitations, enabling seamless integration into production lines where efficiency and compactness are critical.

Equipped with an LED/CCD imaging system, the BL-185SO combines powerful illumination with sensitive image capture to ensure accurate barcode recognition. Unlike traditional laser scanners, this imaging approach offers enhanced stability when dealing with low-contrast codes, worn labels, or varying surface conditions. The result is consistent readability, even under challenging factory environments where label quality may not always be ideal.

The unit’s reading distance of 33 ±10 mm (1.30″ ±0.39″) provides a practical operating window that balances flexibility with precision. This range ensures dependable performance across different mounting positions, accommodating variations in product placement without sacrificing accuracy. The ability to maintain reliable reads within this window reduces downtime and minimises errors, both of which are essential for maintaining smooth workflow in high-throughput settings.

In terms of barcode adaptability, the BL-185SO demonstrates impressive coverage of both narrow and wide codes. It can reliably read bar widths as small as 0.125 mm (0.005″) and as large as 1.0 mm (0.039″). Additionally, it supports label widths up to 80 mm (3.15″) when narrow bars of at least 0.19 mm (0.007″) are used. This broad capability makes it suitable for diverse applications, from compact product labels in electronics or pharmaceuticals to larger labels used in packaging and distribution.

The robust construction and intelligent optical design of the BL-185SO ensure long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements. Its compact housing supports installation in tight equipment spaces, while its reliable performance allows manufacturers to consolidate barcode reading tasks into a single device, improving efficiency and lowering operational costs.

In conclusion, the Keyence BL-185SO (7031) is a versatile side-reading barcode scanner that combines imaging technology, flexible reading distances, and wide barcode adaptability in a compact, durable form. Ideal for industries requiring consistent, high-speed code recognition in constrained layouts, it provides a dependable solution to streamline identification and traceability processes.