Machine vision lighting, chosen for the defect.
Lighting decides whether a vision system is reliable. We select, set up and supply inspection lighting for vision systems across Ireland.
Why lighting comes first
A camera can only measure what the light shows it. Good lighting makes the feature you care about stand out from everything else, the same way on every part and every shift. Bad lighting asks the software to repair the image, and it rarely can.
Choose the light first, then the camera and the software. That order saves the most time on the line.
The lights we choose from
Backlight
Silhouettes. Measuring outlines, checking holes and edges, seeing into clear parts.
No surface detail. For precise gauging, pair it with a telecentric lens.
Ring light
Even, general-purpose light on matt parts: presence checks and reading printed marks.
Glare, and a bright ring reflection, on shiny flat surfaces.
Bar light
Directional light for edges and surface texture on long or wide parts. The angle is adjustable.
Shadows and uneven light across the part. Two bars, one on each side, balance it.
Dome light
Soft, shadow-free light for curved, shiny or dented parts. It takes the glare away.
The part has to sit close to the dome, and the dome is bulky.
Coaxial light
Light sent down the lens axis. On flat shiny surfaces, scratches, dents and marks show up dark against a bright background.
Only works on flat, reflective surfaces, and covers a small field of view.
Dark-field light
Light from a low angle. Engravings, scratches and dust on a smooth surface light up against a dark background.
Needs a short working distance, and the result changes with how the part is turned.
Structured light and laser line
A projected pattern or line for 3D: height, volume and shape. The basis of 3D vision and robot guidance.
Shiny and very dark surfaces can be hard to scan, and ambient light matters.
3D cameras often bring their own light. For example, Keyence's new CG-R series has a built-in near-infrared light: read our article on it.
Colour matters too
- Light of the same colour as the part makes it look brighter. The opposite colour on the colour wheel makes it look darker. Use that to separate a feature from its background.
- Infrared light is hard for people to see and easy to filter, so it copes better with ambient light.
- Ultraviolet light makes fluorescent marks and adhesives glow.
Four questions that pick the light
- 01
What is the surface?
Matt, shiny, transparent or curved. This decides between soft, diffuse light and direct light.
- 02
What has to stand out?
An outline, a mark, a scratch or a height. Each one wants a different angle.
- 03
How fast is the part moving?
Fast lines usually need a strobed light: a short, bright flash that freezes the motion.
- 04
What is around the camera?
Ambient light, dust, washdown and the space available all limit the options.
Common questions
Can't we just use the room light?
Room light changes with the time of day, open doors and other machines. A vision system needs the same image every time, so it needs its own light, often with a shield around it.
Ring light or bar light?
A ring light is the easy first choice on matt parts. A bar light gives you control over the angle, which helps with edges and texture. On shiny parts both can cause glare, so look at a dome or a coaxial light.
Do I need a strobe?
If the part is moving fast, or the exposure has to be very short, a strobed light gives a bright, sharp image. For slow or stationary parts, a continuous light is usually enough.
Do you supply the lights?
Yes. We select, set up and supply inspection lighting, together with the cameras and software. Send us the part and the check you need.
Send us the part and the defect.
We'll suggest the lighting, and the camera and software to go with it.