Explore answers to typical optical staging, contrast engineering, and lighting selection questions compiled by LuxMV application engineers.
Selection follows the observable condition, the optical setup, and the production constraint.
Select UV/Blue wavelengths (365nm - 450nm) to scatter light off micro-scratches and shallow surface defects.
Use coaxial illumination for flat mirror-like surfaces to control specular on-axis reflections.
Synchronize high-current LED pulse strobe (<5µs width) with camera shutter to freeze motion blur on fast lines.
Mount bandpass filters to isolate target wavelength and eliminate ambient factory light interference.
We recommend using a shorter wavelength (such as Blue Light, 450nm-470nm) combined with a Low-Angle Dark Field light. Short-wavelength blue light scatters easily off fine defects and scratches. Under low-angle illumination, these defects reflect light into the lens, appearing bright, while the flat reflective metal reflects light away, appearing dark. This creates the contrast needed for edge-detection algorithms.
Choose a Coaxial Light for flat, highly reflective surfaces (like silicon wafers, polished metal sheets, or glass panels) because it provides perpendicular, uniform illumination along the optical axis. For curved, embossed, or uneven reflective surfaces (like aluminum cans, metallic packaging, or rounded solder joints), choose a Dome Light. A dome light provides multi-angled diffuse illumination, eliminating hot spots and glare.
A bandpass filter mounted on the camera lens blocks ambient overhead factory lighting (such as fluorescent or sunlight) and only allows the specific wavelength of your LuxMV LED light source (e.g., 660nm Red) to pass through. This isolates the imaging system from external lighting changes, ensuring repeatable image contrast and preventing inspection failures due to shadows or shift changes.
Strobing (synchronizing high-current LED pulses with the camera shutter) offers two key advantages. First, it allows the LED to emit light up to 10x brighter than its continuous limit, freezing motion in high-speed inspection lines and preventing blur. Second, because the LED is off between frames, it reduces heat buildup, extending the LED's lifespan and preventing intensity degradation.
Standard diffuse backlights emit light in all directions, which causes light rays to bend around the edges of a 3D object, creating a slightly blurred silhouette. A Collimated Backlight uses specialized optics to emit parallel light rays. This creates extremely sharp silhouettes, eliminating edge-blur and enabling high-precision dimensional measurements of cylindrical or complex parts.
Yes! Sample staging or testing availability is evaluated case by case. You can send target images, drawings, or samples for an engineering discussion; the scope, method, and resulting recommendations depend on the application and agreed project conditions.
Environmental protection requirements can be confirmed for each product configuration. Share the washdown chemicals, temperature, humidity, enclosure, cable-entry, and cleaning-cycle requirements so LuxMV can discuss the appropriate housing and documentation.
A Ring Light is suitable for general PCB component placement and checking markings, as it provides direct, directional illumination from a medium angle. However, if you are inspecting solder fillets, reflective solder joints, or highly reflective pins, a ring light can cause bright glare spots. A Dome Light is often useful for more uniform diffuse lighting, allowing the camera to inspect the shape and quality of the solder joint with less glare.
MOQ and lead time can be confirmed from the selected model, configuration, customization scope, and current project requirements. Share the product family, quantity, wavelength, housing, cable, controller, and documentation needs so LuxMV can discuss the order path.
3D STEP or CAD files can be requested during mechanical integration discussion. Availability depends on the selected product family, configuration, and project documentation requirements.
