The SIMATIC MV320 is a wired industrial handheld code reader built for production and logistics environments where the same operator might need to read a 0.13 mm Data Matrix cell on a PCB in the morning and a 200 mm warehouse barcode in the afternoon. Its 1.3-megapixel CMOS imager covers a reading range of 20 mm to 375 mm, and the dual-wavelength illumination system — diffuse red and blue LEDs plus a dark field channel — handles codes on curved metal surfaces, glossy labels, and low-contrast direct-part marks that would frustrate a consumer-grade scanner. Powered entirely over USB, it eliminates battery swaps and charging docks from the workflow.

What code types does the MV320 read?

The MV320 supports the full industrial symbology set: Data Matrix (rectangle and inverse), QR Code, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Aztec, Maxicode, all major 1D barcode families (Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Codabar, UPC/EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5, GS1 DataBar variants), postal codes, and OCR fonts. It decodes damaged, partially obscured, and low-contrast codes using configurable image processing parameters that can be tuned per application via the optical parameterization interface or Siemens configuration software.

How does the MV320 compare to the cordless MV325?

The two models share the same optical engine and code-reading capability. The difference is in power and connectivity:

• MV320 (6GF3320-0HT01): USB cable connection for power and data. Continuous operation with no battery limits. Ideal for fixed workstations where the reader stays at one position.
• MV325 (cordless): Bluetooth connectivity with rechargeable battery — up to 50,000 scans per charge. Ideal for mobile inventory rounds and applications where the operator moves between stations.

Choose the MV320 when a cable is acceptable and you want zero battery logistics. Choose the MV325 when mobility matters more than uninterrupted runtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MV320 read codes etched or laser-marked directly on metal parts?

Yes. The dark field illumination channel is specifically designed for direct-part marks (DPM) on metal, plastic, and glass. For optimal reading of low-contrast DPM codes, minimum 35% print contrast at 650 nm is recommended. The reader can be configured with separate decode parameters for different code types and surface finishes.

Does the MV320 work with non-Siemens software?

Yes. The MV320 enumerates as a standard USB HID keyboard device — it outputs decoded data as keystrokes to any application that accepts keyboard input, including ERP systems, WMS software, Excel, and custom applications. For programmatic integration, the RS232 interface and Siemens configuration software provide structured data output with control over prefix, suffix, and data formatting.