USB shells: keep surface marks separate from bright edge reflections
Two source examples show reflective USB-related shells under the same white adjustable four-sided light. Their bright edges and darker faces explain why a scratch trial needs control of reflection direction before adding more pixels.
Control the reflection before deciding which surface lines are defects.
Real camera capture
- Light in sourceLS-ROS78 · white
- EvidenceReal application-lab image
- Imaging kitCamera, lens and fixture proposed
- AcceptanceValidate on representative parts
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
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.
The challenge
The edge of a formed shell can reflect much more strongly than a shallow mark on its broad face.
Normal forming lines, dust and acceptable finish changes must not become false rejects.
How it was solved
The catalog identifies the white 78 mm four-sided light in a scratch example and a separate USB example. Both are retained as independent source captures.
Use the narrower proposed macro field for a local shell trial and compare illumination directions on known marks. The source gives neither a minimum scratch size nor a standard connector dimension.
Why it works
- 1
Changing the reflected direction can make a local surface-slope change stand out from the surrounding finish.
- 2
A line visible in the image is an appearance signal, not proof of scratch depth or connector functionality.
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
Evidence you can inspect
Bright formed edges and faint face detail are visible on the two shells.
The source labels one example surface-scratch inspection and the other USB inspection, using the same white light model.
Independent source samples. No matched lighting comparison, scratch dimensions, detection percentage or electrical test is supplied.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Rotate known surface marks
Include marks at different orientations and locations on the formed shell.
- 02
Collect acceptable finish
Test forming lines, texture, dust and permitted handling marks.
- 03
Record the operating recipe
Lock per-side angles and outputs, then validate contrast and false calls at final exposure.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-ROS78
Four-side adjustable bar light (LS-ROS78)
White LS-ROS78 explicitly named in both source examples. Printed outer size 78 × 78 × 25 mm and 0–90° adjustment per side. The proposed 35 mm macro lens uses its printed 0.25x / 150 mm point.
$79.00
In proposed setup
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
5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera proposed for a contrast trial. Confirm field, sampling, exposure and algorithm on the actual application.
$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)
Proposed 35 mm C-mount macro lens at its printed 0.25x magnification / 150 mm working-distance pair. The proposed 2448 × 2048 sensor with 3.45 µm pixels gives a derived 33.7824 × 28.2624 mm field; confirm focus, coverage and residual distortion on the real sample.
$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, XZ adjustment, glass tray and two lighting holders as listed. Proposed bench fixture; confirm loads, travel and camera/lens clamps.
$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
| Tested light | LS-ROS78, white |
|---|---|
| Source camera / lens | Not specified in the source image caption; proposed parts below |
| Proposed lens point | 0.25x at 150 mm, printed lens pair |
| Derived proposed field | 33.7824 × 28.2624 mm = sensor dimensions / 0.25x; not a source test field |
| Light envelope (printed) | 78 × 78 × 25 mm |
| Illustrated field | 33.7824 × 28.2624 mm, derived for the proposed local shell view |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045; 600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm base, glass tray and two included lighting holders |
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. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence. The specimen and lighting angle are representative, not dimensions or settings recovered from the source capture.
Electronics and devices
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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.