Choosing the right illumination technology is crucial for achieving sharp, high-contrast images in industrial image processing. Therefore, an specialist for machine vision offers a broad portfolio of LED technologies, optics, housing shapes and diffusers. This includes the latest illumination methods such as a mini bar light and a dome light.

In industrial image processing, illumination focuses on two challenges: creating shadow-free images on complex surfaces and illuminating shiny objects with strong reflections. A key component here is the dome light, which uses homogeneous, diffuse LED illumination. A modular ring light directs light upwards to illuminate the inner surface of the dome, scattering it onto the target plate. This minimizes shadows, even on complicated or irregular surfaces, making it particularly suitable for inspecting metallic or shiny objects.

With the LMDX multi-UV dome light and the LBT mini bar light, Wenglor has released two innovative solutions which feature a compact, flexible adjustment of the illumination angle, and reliable performance in changing ambient conditions.

Mini Bar Light for Confined Industrial Environments

The LBT series addresses a key challenge in industrial image processing: limited space. Its slim design allows integration into tight environments without compromising performance. This opens up new possibilities for near- and long-range applications previously limited by spatial constraints. It is important to ensure that the light is evenly distributed over the entire field of vision, especially at greater distances. The LBT mini bar light masters this task with high luminosity and homogeneous light distribution, ensuring clear vision even in the farthest parts of the visual field. Optional angle changers simplify this process and enable individual illumination to meet the specific requirements. Thanks to its robust aluminum housing and integrated ventilation membrane, the mini bar light offers resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent performance and durability. It can be used either continuously with high intensity or synchronously with the machine vision camera in strobe mode with increased brightness (overdrive). The combination of angle changers and polarization filters guarantees precise illumination even on reflective surfaces, ensuring clear and interference-free images. Easy to mount and flexible to connect, the LBT mini bar light facilitates integration into existing systems. Its flexibility, performance and reliability make it ideal for code reading, quality control, component inspection, label and packaging inspection, and robotics.

Counterfeit Protection of Brands

UV light has broad applications in medical, industrial and commercial areas, especially for combating brand counterfeiting via QR codes, barcodes, alphanumeric codes, images and graphics. These UV-fluorescent security markings ensure product authenticity and traceability in the supply chain. However, UV fluorescence depends on the ink type. Some inks fluoresce over a broad spectrum of UV wavelengths, while others reflect at more specific wavelengths. Traditional systems often fail to provide consistent illumination across the entire field of vision, leading to varying results and costly errors. The special dome shape of the LMDX multi-UV dome light completes this task by ensuring even light distribution. From simple code scanners to high-end smart cameras, illumination solutions need to integrate seamlessly in a variety of devices. The LMDX multi-UV dome light addresses this challenge with an integrated long-pass filter that blocks UV rays on their way to the camera. This filter can be combined with bandpass filters to increase contrast. From flash mode to continuous light mode, it offers the flexibility needed for various industrial image processing applications. This adaptability allows users to use a single product for both UV and white light illumination, saving time and resources. As direct UV radiation can be harmful to health, the special dome shape of the LMDX shields direct UV radiation, ensuring a safe working environment.

Conclusion

Wenglor’s latest illumination methods show how specialized illumination technologies can overcome challenges while increasing efficiency and precision. Whether in confined spaces or inspecting shiny materials: The LBT mini bar light and the LMDX multi-UV dome light offer flexible, robust and high-quality solutions for diverse industrial image processing needs.

Author
Nina Schmeh, Online Content Manager