High Intensity, Absolute Consistency, Proven Reliability

The VLX2 series are not recommended for new projects and OEM installations having been effectively superceded by the VLX2+ range. However, they are still available to order if a direct replacement for an existing unit is absolutely essential.

The VLX2 series liquid cooled LED Line Lights provide ultra-bright, uniform lighting which can be focused to a narrow beam or used to generate a wider beam. These lights are ideally suited to Line Scan and CIS (Contact Image Sensor) applications for Surface Inspection and Web Inspection (including transmitted lighting) and have been field proven with installations still in use after over seven years operation.

The limiting factor in many Line Scan systems is the intensity of the Line Light being used. Inadequate lighting intensity can lead to limited line rates and/or image resolution. Using VLX2 LED lighting the Line Scan acquisition can run faster than with conventional air-cooled LED lights allowing even the highest performance line scan cameras to be pushed their limits.

Inspection systems requiring light to be transmitted through the inspected product typically require much higher illumination levels. The new VLX2+ series are available for these applications.

Just specifying LEDs for the illumination source doesn't guarantee high intensity and long life. The VLX2 series LED line lights are designed to thermally manage the LEDs ensuring maximum lifetime of the light whist gaining maximum emission from the LEDs. This thermal management allows these liquid cooled lights to achieve line intensities of up to 2.3 Million Lux with maximum reliability.

All the drive and control electronics are built into these "smart" light units – nothing other than a suitable DC power supply is required to drive them. The built in RS232 communications port allows full control of the line intensity and access to diagnostic information. In addition, the RS232 port also gives you the ability to change the intensity profile the light - the LEDs are controlled in sections which can be individually adjusted and even turned on or off, especially useful if the inspected product width can change. For example, if your application requires flat field correction, you can increase the light intensity at each end of the light offering you true flat field correction rather than compromising with software adjustment by the camera/grabber.

There are two options for the optics; short working distance optics (37mm) or long working distance (adjustable between 90-150mm) which will give you a highly homogeneous line 3mm wide at the subject. For highly reflective or specular surfaces, an additional holographic diffuser film can be added to the optics to further enhance line profile.

Liquid cooling is achieved in a number of ways depending on the application and available resources at the installation. All liquid cooling fittings are valved and can be connected and disconnected with just a couple of drops of liquid being lost.

In the simplest case, if there is already a source of cooled/chilled liquid available at the installation site, this can be used within a couple of required limitations. Please see the "Liquid Cooling Options" (hyperlink here) webpage for details.

In the absence of this either a cooler or chiller can be supplied or recommended depending on the length of the line and the environmental conditions around the installation. Please see the "Liquid Cooling Options" (hyperlink here) webpage for more information.

Available for "legacy" applications the VLX2 series of lights is available in a standard range of lengths and wavelengths, and is compatible with all Line Scan cameras including Dalsa, Basler, E2V,Jai, DataLogic, Lord, TVI Vision, ISG, Tattile and Contact Image Sensors (CIS) including Stemmer/Mitsubishi and Tichawa.

If your application requires something outside the standard form factor or performance, we recommend the new VLX2+ series lights.units can also be custom designed to match specific OEM requirements e.g. extra environmental protection, custom housings, special optics, alternative comms interface (Ethernet), etc. Please contact Drew Lear Tech to discuss your requirements.