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Evaluation & Lab Service

Sample Testing and Machine Vision Lighting Selection

Start a machine vision lighting comparison either by sending representative good and bad parts with your camera setup so LuxMV can test candidate geometries, or by requesting an evaluation light for on-site verification. Every test documents both the geometry that separates the defect and the boundary where contrast fails.

Send the part Ask about an evaluation light Read the geometry answer first
Catalog photograph of a metal surface beside the bar-lit result with scratches visible
Catalog example: metal surface and the bar-lit result from a LuxMV application sheet, used to compare scratch contrast.
Selection references

Visual references for selection

These photographs show the shop or the catalog comparison. Send the part to match a series.

SMT placement line in the LuxMV production area
Reference 01SMT placement line for lighting boards.Send the part or the images with this condition.
Temperature chamber in the LuxMV facility
Reference 02Temperature chamber used when lighting stability over temperature is part of the discussion.Send the part or the images with this condition.
PCB glue point and component inspection sample image for lighting selection
Reference 03Sample evidence connects a lighting setup to a visible defect or feature condition.Send the part or the images with this condition.

Selection considerations

Open the matching series, then send the part or the images.

Which of the two paths applies?

Path A: send good and bad parts, or images when the parts stay on your line. Include material, finish, the feature to separate, field of view, working distance, camera, lens, and whether the part moves. LuxMV returns the geometry that separated the feature and the candidate series.

Technical considerations
  • Path B: ask for an evaluation light at your camera. Name the candidate family and the same geometry inputs. LuxMV confirms the unit for that project and writes the terms on the quotation.

What factors define the inspection target?

**Clear target definitions dictate the entire optical setup.** Record material, surface finish, defect type, pass/fail examples, minimum visible feature, FOV, working distance, and available mounting space.

Technical considerations
  • Good and bad samples, or clear images showing the defect, feature, or measurement target.

How do you build a candidate lighting set?

**Proper candidate selection isolates the defect mechanism.** Compare ring, bar, coaxial, dome, backlight, line-scan, low-angle, UV, IR, SWIR, fiber, or custom structures according to the defect mechanism.

Technical considerations
  • Test point light with coaxial or telecentric-style illumination for hidden circuits or flat reflective marks.

Which optical variables must be tested?

**Systematic variable testing reveals the optimal contrast.** Change angle, distance, wavelength, diffuser, filter, polarizer, aperture, exposure, gain, and camera position one variable at a time where practical.

Technical considerations
  • Choose continuous, analog, digital, strobe, overdrive, time-sharing strobe, or constant-current control based on exposure and heat limits.

How do you document the final decision?

**Structured documentation ensures accurate RFQ processing.** Recommended light family, candidate model path, or custom-light direction.

Technical considerations
  • Geometry, wavelength, filter, diffuser, polarizer, controller mode, and camera/lens notes that produced useful contrast.
  • RFQ-ready integration notes for housing, cable, trigger, controller channel count, and mounting requirements.

Questions for the engineering discussion.

What information helps with a machine vision lighting sample test?

Send representative good and bad samples or images, part material and finish, target feature, camera and lens details, field of view, working distance, exposure, speed, trigger mode, and mounting constraints when known.

What can sample testing help compare?

Sample testing can compare lighting geometry, wavelength, filters, controller mode, and imaging settings with the supplied condition. Final suitability still depends on the real production variation and integration constraints.

What can remain open after sample testing?

The comparison returns the geometry that separated the feature on the parts you sent, plus the candidate series. Quotation, documentation, and the next build are written from that result.

Should I send the part, or ask for an evaluation light?

Send the part when LuxMV should compare geometries on your sample. Ask for an evaluation light when the test runs on your camera. The quotation names the unit and the terms.

What sample testing inputs assist RFQ preparation?

Send the same inputs with the part. Material, field of view, working distance, camera, and the feature to separate go into the comparison and the quotation.

Machine vision lighting sample-test inputs
Input groupWhat to provideSelection value
Samples or imagesGood and bad parts, defect photos, drawings, or short production videosShows whether a lighting setup separates the target condition from acceptable variation.
Inspection geometryField of view, working distance, camera, lens, exposure, and available spaceControls light size, angle, intensity, focus, and fixture clearance.
Surface behaviorReflective, matte, transparent, curved, coated, oily, textured, or moving materialDetermines whether to compare dark-field, coaxial, dome, backlight, polarization, or wavelength response.
Motion and controlLine speed, frame rate, trigger timing, strobe mode, controller channel count, and thermal limitsDetermines whether continuous, strobe, overdrive, or synchronized lighting is practical.
Decision boundaryWhat must be detected, measured, rejected, or escalated for engineering reviewPrevents sample testing from being treated as a universal production approval.
Quote requirements checklistBuild an RFQ lighting briefCustom lighting engineeringReflective metal sample case

Which application examples are worth testing?

Testing representative defects across specular, transparent, and moving surfaces clarifies optical trade-offs early. Expand each case below to see typical candidate geometries.

Coaxial or low-angle darkfield illumination isolates directional scratch reflections while suppressing specular reflection from the polished base metal.

Engineering Inquiry & Selection Support

Select your request type below. Our optical engineering and sales team can discuss technical feedback, quotation, and available sample evaluation options.

For confidential drawings or sample images, please arrange an NDA before sharing them.
Add technical context (optional, helps speed evaluation)

For drawings or sample images, include a secure download link or email them with your inquiry reference. Agree confidentiality terms before sharing sensitive material.

Sample evaluation options and any confidentiality terms are confirmed with our team before testing.
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