Fiberoptic Panels Aid Machine Vision Apps

New fiber optic panels provide high-brightness illumination for front and back lighting of imaging systems used in machine vision applications such as sorting, counting, measurement and inspection. Patented technology enables these woven fiberoptic panels to efficiently and economically emit uniform, diffuse and shadow-free light over large surface areas, the company says. The panels can be driven by LEDs for long life at very low power or by more powerful (up to 150W) halogen sources for maximum brightness. Off-the-shelf panels are available with lit areas of 2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4", 4" x 6", and 7" x 8", with the fiber optics illuminated by the company's 150W quartz halogen light source. Pricing ranges from $9 each/1,000 for a 2" x 2" size LED driven panel to $235 each/5 for a 4" x 6" size driven by a 150W halogen source. The company also offers custom sizes and configurations. LUMITEX INC., Strongsville, OH. (800) 969-5483.