Metal-column edges: trade brightness for a cleaner silhouette boundary
The real side-by-side source image shows a softer boundary under an ordinary backlight and a sharper-looking edge under a collimated panel. The collimated background is dimmer; more brightness is not automatically a better gauging image.
Choose the backlight for edge stability rather than brightness alone.
Real camera capture
- Proposed light housing (spec)84 × 84 × 19 mm
- EvidenceReal application-lab captures
- Camera (proposed)2448 × 2048 monochrome
- Field (derived proposal)33.78 × 28.26 mm derived from printed 0.25x magnification
Lighting application-lab image sheet
What the camera saw
Cropped from the source test sheet; original test annotations are retained. Captures are not generated or enhanced. Drag a comparison slider, or open any image full size.
Collimated backlight: Original collimated-panel side: dimmer background and a more distinct outline boundary.
The challenge
A thick round part can collect stray light around its edge. That apparent border can shift the edge selected by a measurement algorithm.
How it was solved
The source compares white LS-4FT7070 with white LS-4PFT7070 on a metal-column diameter application. The latter is the proposed light.
The source gives no camera, image scale or measurement method. The camera, macro lens and station below are a new bench proposal, with a local outline region rather than a guaranteed diameter tolerance.
Why it works
- 1
A more directional transmitted field can reduce light wrapping around the boundary of a thick part.
- 2
The source reports less virtual border but supplies no numerical accuracy. A sharper-looking edge must still be calibrated and tested across real height, focus and part variation.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
Evidence you can inspect
The collimated-light side shows a more distinct boundary while its background is dimmer.
The source describes reduced virtual border in a column-diameter application, without measured uncertainty or a numerical accuracy result.
An application-lab lighting demonstration, not a customer deployment or a qualified production inspection. Proposed camera, lens, fixture and scene spacing require a fresh trial. Source observations do not establish a defect-size limit, accuracy guarantee or production false-call rate.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Define the physical edge
Set the diameter datum and edge-fitting rule before comparing apparent borders.
- 02
Calibrate and reload
Use a reference artefact and repeat loading, focus and allowed height variation.
- 03
Compare usable contrast
Adjust exposure without saturation and quantify edge stability, not background brightness alone.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-4PFT7070
Collimated back light, 84 x 84 x 19 mm (LS-4PFT7070)
Exact white source collimated panel;84 × 84 × 19 mm housing and 70 × 70 mm emitting area.
$99.00
In proposed setup
LightTested
LS-4FT7070
Back light, 84 x 84 x 17 mm (LS-4FT7070)
Ordinary white backlight named in the source comparison; excluded from the proposed kit.
$99.00
Separate test / alternative
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE)
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE) 5 MP GigE area scan camera, IMX264, Gen 2 basic version, Mono, Without PoE
Proposed 5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera, 2448 × 2048 pixels at 3.45 µm, C-mount. The source camera is unidentified. This NPOE model requires separate power and does not support PoE.
$819.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-KF3528M-ML
35mm, F2.8, 1.1", C-mount, Macro lens (59 mm (-0.7X) to 150 mm (-0.25X)) (LS-KF3528M-ML)
35 mm C-mount macro lens. Its printed 0.25x / 150 mm working-distance pair gives a derived 33.78 × 28.26 mm field on the proposed camera. Confirm focus, coverage and the actual part plane.
$339.00
In proposed setup
Camera test stationOur pick
LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045
Camera stand with XZ adjustment and glass tray, height 600 mm (LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045)
600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm breadboard, glass tray and two lighting holders. Proposed bench fixture; actual load, travel, clamps, mounting fasteners and light clearance must be confirmed.
$359.00
In proposed setup
"Tested" identifies the part named in the source. "Our pick" is a proposed alternative or supporting part. Confirm colour, optics, controllers, power supplies, cables and mounting before ordering.
The set-up
| Source camera | Not identified in the source sheet |
|---|---|
| Camera and lens | Proposed catalog components |
| Proposed field | 33.78 × 28.26 mm derived from printed 0.25x magnification |
| Lens-to-part in proposed scene | 150 mm; printed working-distance pair |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045 · catalog test station with two lighting holders |
| Coverage of proposed field | Local silhouette-edge window; whole-column dimensions and coverage are not asserted |
Mount the optics with intent
The station is an optical test bench, with its two lighting holders included in the catalog listing. The 3D column and base follow the published height and footprint. Carriages, clamps and part supports are schematic: confirm camera screw pattern, lens support, light fasteners, permissible load and actual travel before ordering.
Complete the electrical system
Select a controller against the exact light voltage, drive mode and power, then confirm camera data/power/I/O cables and a suitable PC. These are not silently added to the proposed optical kit.
Build this system
Start from this setup, adapt it to your part.
The configurator opens with this study's camera, lens, light and station picked. Swap any part, check fit and price, then buy or ask for a quote.
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Light envelopes and the station base/height use printed dimensions. Part shapes, brackets, holders, shielding and spacing are illustrative; they are not reconstructions of a source part or a complete mechanically validated assembly. Light paths explain the proposed arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. The proposed field is derived from the printed camera pixel dimensions and the stated lens magnification/working-distance pair, not measured from the source capture. The camera shows a local silhouette-edge window, not the complete cylinder. The source does not supply the actual part dimensions.
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Make the next trial specific.
Tell us the part size, smallest defect or tolerance, available working distance, material and line speed. Include what a good part and a reject look like.
About this case study: the photos and camera images come from the application laboratory of the maker of the lighting and optics we sell, imaged on the parts shown; your results depend on your part, camera and set-up. This is an application-lab study, not a LumaSpec customer deployment. Source figures are reported results; proposed components require a fresh trial. The 3D scene illustrates the arrangement and does not simulate imaging performance.