Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Core Function: Deliver high-resolution, low-distortion imaging for fast, accurate barcode decoding in industrial automation.
- Key Parameters: Focal length (8mm~100mm), resolution (5MP/8MP/10MP), distortion rate (<0.02%~<1%), aperture (F1.4~F32), C-Mount compatibility.
- Main Types: Short/medium/long focal length lenses for short/medium/long-distance scanning scenarios.
- Application Fields: Logistics, automotive manufacturing, electronics, food & beverage, pharmaceutical tracing.
- Selection Tips: Match focal length to scanning distance; prioritize resolution and distortion rate based on barcode type.
Introduction
Industrial automation relies on seamless data collection to drive traceability, inventory management, and process optimization—and barcode scanning is the backbone of this workflow. A high-performance Industrial automation barcode scanning lens is non-negotiable for ensuring reliable decoding, even in harsh industrial environments (e.g., low light, high speed, varying distances). TOWIN’s low-distortion, high-resolution C-Mount lenses are engineered specifically for industrial automation, combining precision optics with robust design to meet the demands of machine vision and barcode scanning applications. Whether you’re scanning small electronic components or distant warehouse labels, TOWIN offers tailored lens solutions to boost efficiency and reduce decoding errors.
Core Functions and Working Principles of Industrial Automation Barcode Scanning Lenses
Core Functions
- High-Resolution Imaging: 5MP/8MP/10MP resolution captures fine barcode details, ensuring accurate decoding of 1D (UPC) and 2D (QR/Data Matrix) barcodes.
- Ultra-Low Distortion: Distortion rates as low as <0.02% preserve barcode shape, eliminating decoding failures caused by stretching or deformation.
- Manual Adjustment (Iris/Focus/Zoom): Flexible control over light intake and focus adapts to fixed industrial environments (stable distance, consistent lighting).
- Wide Aperture Range: F1.4~F32 handles low-light factories and glare-prone settings (e.g., reflective packaging).
- Universal C-Mount: Compatible with most industrial cameras (Sony, Basler, Keyence), simplifying integration.
Working Principle
- 1. The lens focuses light onto the camera’s sensor, capturing a clear, undistorted image of the barcode.
- 2. High resolution ensures even small or damaged barcodes are rendered with sharp details.
- 3. The camera transmits the image to a barcode decoder.
- 4. The decoder processes the distortion-free image to extract data, enabling real-time integration with automation systems.
Analysis of Key Technical Parameters of Industrial Automation Barcode Scanning Lens
Understanding technical parameters is critical for selecting the right lens. Below is a detailed comparison of TOWIN’s industrial barcode scanning lenses, followed by parameter breakdowns:
| Lens Model | Focal Length | Image Format | Resolution | Distortion Rate | Aperture Range | Mount Type | M.O.D. (Min. Object Distance) | T.T.L. (mm) |
| C0823014M5 | 8mm | 2/3″ | 5MP | <1% | F1.4~16 | C-Mount | – | 44.9 |
| C0823028M10 | 8mm | 2/3″ | 10MP | <1% | F2.8~16 | C-Mount | – | 32.9 |
| C1211820M5 | 12mm | 1/1.8″ | 5MP | <0.3% | F2.0~C | C-Mount | 0.1m | 27.05 |
| CCL2316MMPC | 16mm | 2/3″ | 5MP | <1% | F1.6~16 | C-Mount | 0.1m | 44.9 |
| C252328M10 | 25mm | 2/3″ | 10MP | <0.1% | F2.8~16 | C-Mount | 0.1m | 33.39 |
| C10001035M8 | 100mm | 2/3″ | 8MP | <0.02% | F3.5~32 | C-Mount | 0.8m | 65.1 |
Parameter Explanations
- Focal Length: Determines field of view (F.O.V.) and scanning distance. Shorter lengths (8mm) = wider F.O.V. for short distances; longer lengths (100mm) = narrow F.O.V. for long distances.
- Resolution: 5MP (basic 1D barcodes), 8MP (high-accuracy 2D barcodes), 10MP (ultra-fine 2D barcodes).
- Distortion Rate: Critical for decoding—lower rates (<0.02%~<0.3%) prevent barcode deformation.
- Aperture Range: Controls light intake. Wide apertures (F1.4/F1.6) = low-light performance; narrow apertures (F16/F32) = reduce glare.
- M.O.D.: Shortest distance the lens can focus on (0.1m is ideal for close-range scanning).
- T.T.L. (Total Track Length): Lens length, important for space-constrained automation setups.
Main Types and Applicable Scenarios of Industrial Automation Barcode Scanning Lens
Lenses are categorized by focal length, each optimized for specific scanning distances and environments:
| Lens Category | Focal Length | Key F.O.V. (Horizontal/Vertical) | Scanning Distance | Suitable Scenarios |
| Short Focal Length | 8mm | 56.5°~57.5°(H)/44°(V) | 0.1m~2m | Fast conveyor belts, small parts (electronics), close-range packaging scanning |
| Medium Focal Length | 12mm/16mm | 31°~33°(H)/23°~24.3°(V) | 0.5m~5m | Warehouse shelving, assembly lines, food/beverage packaging tracing |
| Long Focal Length | 25mm/100mm | 5°~20°(H)/3.9°~15°(V) | 1m~10m | Distant warehouse racks, large machinery parts, high-altitude conveyor scanning |
Key Application Fields in Industrial Automation
Barcode scanning lenses are integral to streamlining processes across industries:
Logistics & Warehousing:
- Package sorting, inventory tracking, shipping label scanning.
- Recommended lenses: C0823014M5 (8mm, low-light) + CCL2316MMPC (16mm, medium-distance).
Automotive Manufacturing:
- Component traceability (engine parts, chassis, electronics).
- Recommended lenses: C252328M10 (25mm, low distortion) + C10001035M8 (100mm, long-distance).
Electronics Production:
- PCB board tracing, small component labeling, 2D barcode scanning.
- Recommended lenses: C0823028M10 (10MP, high-res) + C1211820M5 (12mm, short M.O.D.).
Food & Beverage:
- Expiry date scanning, batch tracing, reflective packaging.
- Recommended lens: C0823014M5 (F1.4, low-light) + CCL2316MMPC (anti-glare).
Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Drug batch tracing (compliant with FDA/EU GMP), small barcode scanning.
- Recommended lenses: C252328M10 (<0.1% distortion) + C10001035M8 (<0.02% ultra-low distortion).

CCTV FA lens 16mm
TOWIN Industrial Automation Barcode Scanning Lens
TOWIN’s lenses are optimized for industrial barcode scanning, with targeted solutions for every use case:
1. Short-Distance Scanning (0.1m~2m)
- C0823014M5: 8mm, 5MP, <1% distortion, F1.4~16
- Key advantage: F1.4 large aperture for low-light factories; wide F.O.V. for high-speed conveyors.
- Best for: Electronics packaging, small part tracing.
- C0823028M10: 8mm, 10MP, <1% distortion, F2.8~16
- Key advantage: 10MP ultra-high resolution for 2D barcodes (QR/Data Matrix).
- Best for: Precision electronics, high-accuracy packaging scanning.
2. Medium-Distance Scanning (0.5m~5m)
- C1211820M5: 12mm, 5MP, <0.3% distortion, M.O.D. 0.1m
- Key advantage: Low distortion + short M.O.D. for close-to-medium range versatility.
- Best for: Warehouse shelving, food assembly lines.
- CCL2316MMPC: 16mm, 5MP, <1% distortion, F1.6~16
- Key advantage: Balanced focal length + wide aperture for mixed light conditions.
- Best for: Machine vision, automotive component mid-range tracing.
3. Long-Distance Scanning (1m~10m)
- C252328M10: 25mm, 10MP, <0.1% distortion, M.O.D. 0.1m
- Key advantage: 10MP resolution + ultra-low distortion for distant high-accuracy scanning.
- Best for: Heavy machinery parts, high-altitude conveyors.
- C10001035M8: 100mm, 8MP, <0.02% distortion, F3.5~32
- Key advantage: Industry-leading <0.02% distortion for extreme long-distance decoding.
- Best for: Distant warehouse racks, large equipment barcode reading.
Selection Guide: Key Parameters to Match Automation Needs
Follow this step-by-step guide to select the perfect lens for your workflow:
1: Define Scanning Distance & F.O.V.
Use the table below to match distance to focal length:
| Scanning Distance | Recommended Focal Length |
| <2m | 8mm |
| 0.5m~5m | 12mm/16mm |
| >5m | 25mm/100mm |
2: Choose Resolution Based on Barcode Type
- 1D barcodes (UPC/EAN): 5MP (C0823014M5/CCL2316MMPC)
- 2D barcodes (QR/Data Matrix): 8MP/10MP (C0823028M10/C252328M10/C10001035M8)
3: Prioritize Distortion Rate for Critical Applications
- High-precision (pharmaceuticals/electronics): <0.02%~<0.1% (C252328M10/C10001035M8)
- General use (logistics/packaging): <0.3%~<1% (C1211820M5/C0823014M5)
4: Adapt to Ambient Light
- Low-light environments: F1.4~F2.0 (C0823014M5/C1211820M5)
- Bright/glare-prone: F16~F32 (C10001035M8)
5: Verify Compatibility & Space
- Ensure C-Mount compatibility with your camera.
- Check T.T.L. for space-constrained setups (e.g., 32.9mm for C0823028M10).
FAQs
Q1: Why is low distortion more important than resolution for barcode scanning?
A1: Barcode decoders rely on precise shape recognition. Even high-resolution images with distortion will fail to decode—low distortion ensures barcode integrity, reducing errors in automation.
Q2: Can TOWIN lenses work with my existing industrial camera?
A2: Yes. All recommended lenses use C-Mount, the industry standard for industrial cameras (Sony, Basler, Keyence, etc.). Contact our team for model-specific verification.
Q3: What is the difference between F1.4 and F2.8 apertures?
A3: F1.4 is a wider aperture, allowing 4x more light than F2.8—ideal for dark factories. F2.8 offers better depth of field, suitable for bright or high-speed environments.
Q4: Do I need a 10MP lens for basic barcode scanning?
A4: No. 5MP is sufficient for standard 1D barcodes. Opt for 10MP only if scanning small/dense 2D barcodes (e.g., electronics components).
Q5: What is M.O.D., and why does it matter?
A5: M.O.D. (Minimum Object Distance) is the shortest distance the lens can focus on. For close-range scanning (e.g., 0.1m), choose lenses with M.O.D. ≤0.1m (C1211820M5/CCL2316MMPC/C252328M10).
Conclusion
Industrial automation barcode scanning demands precision, reliability, and adaptability—and TOWIN’s lenses deliver on all fronts. With ultra-low distortion, high resolution, and universal C-Mount compatibility, our Industrial automation barcode scanning lens are engineered to meet the unique challenges of logistics, manufacturing, electronics, and more. Whether you need short-distance high-speed scanning or long-distance precision decoding, TOWIN has a tailored solution to boost your automation efficiency.