On-Axis Lights illuminate flat, reflective surfaces.

Press Release Summary:



On-axis lights provide even, diffused illumination of flat, reflective surfaces in challenging vision sensing applications. Available in standard sizes of 100 x 100 mm or 50 x 50 mm and various specialty sizes, products deliver collimated illumination with continuous or strobed operation (via dedicated input line) along same axis as camera using IR, red, green, white, or blue LEDs. Units are placed between vision sensor and inspected part.



Original Press Release:



Banner On-Axis Lights Provide Even, Diffused Illumination of Flat, Reflective Surfaces



Minneapolis, MN-October 23, 2007-Banner Engineering Corp. introduces on-axis lights to its extensive line of lighting accessories for challenging vision sensing applications. On-axis lights provide optimal illumination of an inspected part by delivering collimated illumination in the same optical path as camera. These lights provide even, diffused illumination of flat, reflective surfaces perpendicular to the camera.

On-axis lights are available in standard sizes of 100 x 100 mm or 50 x 50 mm and a variety of specialty sizes. Models are available with infrared or visible red, green, white or blue LEDs, and all models offer continuous or strobed operation through a dedicated input line. In addition, on-axis lights are available with glass dust covers for protection in dirty, dusty plant environments. List price starts at $695 for a 50 mm and $995 for a 100 mm light.

"On-axis lights are placed between the vision sensor and the inspected part, and a beam splitter is used to direct light rays along the same axis as the camera lens, illuminating reflective surfaces of a target object which are perpendicular to the camera," said Dan Holste, director for Banner vision sensors. "Surfaces at an angle to the camera and non-reflective surfaces appear dark." Holste adds, "With this sophisticated design, on-axis lights provide a unique approach to lighting reflective surfaces otherwise difficult to illuminate."

Applications. Banner on-axis lights provide optimal illumination for challenging vision sensing and inspection applications where reflective materials are used, including food, pharmaceutical, electronic and automotive applications. Examples of applications include:
Automotive handle color inspection and verification
Code verification on reflective materials
Detection of markings on brushed metal surfaces
Bottling rim inspection before capping

In addition, several features of on-axis lights make them particularly easy to set up and use:
Internally regulates current for constant intensity
Evenly illuminates flat, reflective surfaces
Delivers collimated illumination in the same optical path as camera
Offers standard sizes of 100 x 100 mm or 50 x 50 mm, and a variety of specialty sizes
Uses solid-state LEDs for a minimum life cycle of 10,000 to 60,000 hours without intensity degradation, depending on model
Offers choice of models with infrared or visible red, green, white or blue LEDs
Features continuous or strobed operation
Models available with optical glass dust covers
Connects directly to PresencePLUS® vision sensors or a 24V dc external power supply

A family of affordable vision sensors. Banner's extensive line of PresencePLUS vision sensors includes standard-resolution and high-resolution, single-purpose and multi-purpose vision sensors, as well as lighting, lenses, brackets and other accessories. One reason Banner's PresencePLUS vision sensor products are so successful is because they share a user interface considered the most intuitive on the market today. It is available in nine languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. With the PresencePLUS's intuitive interface, even operators with only basic computer skills can easily set up an inspection.

About Banner. Banner Engineering is the world's leading manufacturer of vision sensors, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, electronic machine guarding systems, wireless networks, fiber optic assemblies and precision measurement systems.

For further information, contact Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55441. PH: 888.373.6767 (Toll-free North America), or 001.763.544.3164 (International). FAX: 763.544.3213. Email: sensors@bannerengineering.com. E-commerce: www.buybanneronline.com Web: www.bannerengineering.com

Proper lighting provides the best possible contrast, creating repeatable illumination for an application. To learn more about choosing the best lighting solution for your vision inspection application, try Banner's helpful iKnow® online tutorial "Choosing Lighting" or read FAQs answered by a Banner applications engineer.

For example,
Q: Why is lighting important?
A: Lighting is important because the vision sensor does "computerized light measurement." Lighting helps you create an image that is consistent enough for your sensor to make repeatable judgments about it.

To learn more about Banner on-axis lights, view

Download the Banner Vision Sensors and Lighting brochure, request a printed copy or call 1.888.373.6767.

For the entire selection of Banner sensing products, 2006-2007 Sensor Products catalogs are available free of charge. Download or request a catalog online at www.bannerengineering.com or call 1.888.373.6767.

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