How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens

How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens – Manufacturing and industrial processes have come a long way powered by technology and advancement for making precision and quality control their main goal. Cameras and camera lenses have emerged as crucial components to achieve that perfection in the field of industrial automation. These tools are led by modern technology and play a very pivotal role in ensuring quality, accuracy, and efficiency throughout manufacturing operations. So, it is very important to choose the most accurate and appropriate camera lenses. Following this blog we have mentioned a complete guide regarding “How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens”. So, stay tuned. 

Camera lenses are a very essential front-end equipment for industrial cameras and they function by converting the optical signal into the ordered electrical signal of the small-size high-definition industrial camera. These lenses usually capture high-resolution images and videos, which aids in monitoring, inspection, analysis, quality control, and decision-making processes. 

Industrial Camera lenses are very important components of machine vision systems and work equivalently to the eyes of human beings. These lenses are quite versatile in the precise examination of products and components, and in detecting even the smallest defects to ensure the highest quality standards. For this reason, these tools are experiencing a huge demand all over the world. According to some recent statistical studies covering over 23 countries, the global industrial camera market was valued to be US$1.9 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to reach US$ 4.7 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. 

How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens

Industrial camera lens plays a very important role in various manufacturing processes. The quality of these camera lenses directly affects the entire performance of the visual system. So, it is very important to choose the right camera lens depending on clarity, depth of field, resolution, etc. Without any further delay, let’s learn about “How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens”.

Sensor Type – 

There are two main sensor types namely CMOS and CCD. these two types are not that different. CCD types are known to have higher image quality, greater noise performance, better light sensitivity, and an ideal global shutter. Whereas CMOS are renowned for their high speed, on-chip system integration, and low cost of manufacturing. 

Resolution –

Lens resolution power is a very important factor when selecting the right industrial camera lens. Resolution defines the lens’s ability to reproduce the details of the subject in the most clear and precise manner. Checking the pixel size of the sensor and then comparing it to the resolution specified for the lens is another important factor while choosing the lens. 

Let’s imagine the resolution ratio of a certain lens is 120lp/mm. Then the resolution ratio defines the number of pairs of black and white lines which are usually distinguished within 1mm on the imaging plane. Here d is the line width, with a resolution ratio of 1/(2d), and the unit is “line pairs/mm”. 

Working Distance –

It is the distance from the first surface of the lens to the object to be imaged. The desired working distance can be defined with the help of object size and the opening angle of the lens. 

Focal Lenth – 

After understanding what focal length you need, you can clearly select the right camera lens. Focal length is usually defined as the distance between the focal point of the imaging surface and the optical center of the lens. Focal length is one of the most important performance indicators of the lens and usually determines the working distance, imaging size, field of view, and depth of field for shooting. This focal length is usually fixed and varies as 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm. 

Monochrome camera or color camera –

The lens should also be chosen depending on the type of camera installed in the machine vision system. These two camera types vary depending on colored images, processing time, resolution, accuracy, power consumption, and cost. 

Image size and Image quality – 

The image size produced by the industrial camera lens should be compatible with the photo surface size of the industrial camera. The industrial camera photo surface should not exceed the image size indicated by the lens, otherwise, the image quality of the margin field of view will not be guaranteed. Image quality is necessary to focus on MTF( Modulation Transfer function)  and distortion. 

Spectral Range – 

The Spectral range of the industrial camera lens defines the transmission capability in the wavelength you want to work at. 

Size –

Make sure that the selected industrial camera lens fits in the space you have for your application.

Robustness –

Make sure to select a ruggedized version of the lens, so that it can withstand any shock and vibration.  

Aperture –

The aperture factor mainly impacts the brightness of the image surface. Other factors that define image brightness include camera grain, integral time, light source, and others. 

Cost and technology proficiency –

The cost and the technology proficiency of the lens should also be considered while choosing the right type. 

 

Conclusion 

We hope that through this comprehensive guide on “How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens”, we were able to resolve all your doubts regarding the topic. Industrial camera lenses are the key component of the mission vision system and play a crucial role in monitoring, inspection, and quality control processes. 

FAQs regarding “How to Choose the Right Industrial Camera Lens”

Question 1. What are the various applications of industrial camera lenses?

Answer 1.  Camera lenses are used in various industrial applications including.

• Aerial imaging 
• Laser profiling 
• Surveillance 
• Research and development 
• Precision quality control 
• Integration with automation 

Question 2. What are the various types of industrial camera lenses? 

Answer 2. Industrial camera lenses can be divided into various types and categories as mentioned below. 

• Fixed focus lens
• Line scanning lens
• Telecentric lens 
• Zoom lens 

Question 3.  What is the usual cost of an industrial camera lens in India?

Answer 3. The price of an industrial camera lens usually depends on various factors including the type and their clarity, depth of field, resolution, etc. The cost can range between INR 1,000 to 5,000 or more. 

Question 4. What are the factors that are driving the market of industrial camera lenses?

Answer 4. The industrial camera lens market holds a huge scope and future possibilities driven by factors like technological advancement, increasing consumer demand, government initiative support, raising disposable income, and strategic partnerships. 

Question 5. Which is the best company to buy high-quality industrial camera lenses? 

Answer 5. Unseen Era offers a premium range of high-quality and accurate camera lenses, making them a game changer in the industrial automation industry. Their range of camera lenses is highly advanced, highly precise, and durable and is tailored to the specific requirements of their customers. Their camera lenses are used in various industries like pharma, educational, science, ISRO, and food & beverage industries, for detecting, capturing high-quality images, and checking sizes purposes.