Machine Vision Cameras in the Automotive Industry
Max Reijngoudt
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, machine vision cameras in the automotive industry are playing a vital role in advancing quality control and inspection. From detecting microscope defects to verifying paint application, these systems help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency and reduce material waste. This article explores how a Near Infrared (NIR)-based machine vision setup featuring VA Imaging’s high-performance components was successfully implemented for inspecting automotive parts with unmatched precision.
Inspecting Automotive Defects with NIR Imaging
In the automotive industry, machine vision and NIR (Near-Infrared) imaging are transforming the way manufacturers detect and analyze defects. These technologies allow inspection systems to see beyond visible light, revealing cracks, coating inconsistencies, and surface irregularities that traditional lighting often misses.
By integrating NIR lighting and industrial cameras, manufacturers can achieve greater accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in quality control processes. Ensuring that even the smallest imperfections are identified before parts reach assembly.
Machine Vision Cameras for Automotive Defects
The industrial camera is key to detecting small defects, such as 1.3 mm features, across large fields of view and moving components.
High-resolution NIR imaging highlights surface flaws invisible under standard lighting, while global shutters reduce motion blur.
Proper resolution and frame rates ensure accurate, consistent inspection, forming the core of a reliable NIR machine vision system for automotive quality control.
Technical Specifications
| Interface | USB3 Vision |
| Resolution | 2592x2048 |
| Shutter type | Global Shutter |
| Color/Monochrome | Mono |
| Part Number | ME2P-530-72U3M-NIR |
Industrial Lens Selection for NIR Defect Detection
For the automotive inspection setup, the VA-LCM-25MP-08MM-F2.8-110 lens was selected based on the required Field of View at a 651mm working distance.
The machine vision lens enabled the detection of defects as small as 1.3mm while maintaining a sharp, distortion-free image, demonstrating the importance of proper lens choice in NIR-based automotive inspection.
Technical Specifications
| Resolution (megapixel) | 25 |
| Focal length (mm) | 8 |
| Image format/circle | 1.1" |
| Minimum object distance (MOD) - Max | 100mm - Infinity |
| Mount | C |
NIR LED Lighting for Automotive Machine Vision
Using the IR Spot Light, the system improved detection of cracks, surface defects, and hidden coating issues, including uneven paint and incorrect layers. NIR LED spots increased accuracy and consistency, making it highly effective for automotive quality control and surface inspection.
Key Features of the VA-SL-90x80-IR NIR LED Spots:
- Lighting Type: Near-Infrared (NIR) LED
- Spot Size: 90 × 80 mm
- Application: Automotive parts inspection, defect detection
- Advantages: Improved contrast, better penetration of coatings, enhanced paint/coating inspection
- Ideal For: Cracks, contaminations, structural irregularities, coating inconsistencies
Daheng Imaging SDK for NIR Machine Vision Defect Detection
For the software side of the inspection system, the Daheng Imaging Software Development Kit (SDK) was used to manage camera control and system integration. This SDK provides a flexible platform that enables engineers to easily configure key parameters, such as exposure time, frame rate, and image processing settings, ensuring consistent, precise image acquisition.
Because the Daheng Imaging SDK supports multiple programming languages, including Python, it provides seamless integration with the application’s existing software environment. This made it possible to integrate the machine vision setup efficiently while maintaining full control over performance and functionality.
NIR Vision for Accurate Inspection
To better illustrate how the system performed in an automotive manufacturing environment, this section highlights the main inspection objectives and outcomes achieved using the NIR-based machine vision setup.
The system was designed to:
- Detect uneven paint application, helping identify variations in gloss and coating thickness.
- Identify surface contaminants that could affect product finish and quality.
- Reveal micro-cracks and surface irregularities that are often invisible under standard lighting conditions.
By implementing an NIR machine vision solution combining high-resolution imaging and infrared lighting, the manufacturer achieved faster defect detection, greater inspection accuracy, and a significant reduction in material waste during production.
NIR Setup Usage in Other Automotive Industry Applications
Apart from inspecting cracks, paint, and coating, this type of setup can be used in various other automotive applications, such as:
With a well-advised machine vision setup, a lot of issues can be resolved in the automotive industry while also gaining an upper hand in efficiency.
Need Help with Choosing a Machine Vision Solution?
Looking to implement machine vision in automotive inspection?
Our experts help you choose industrial cameras, lenses, and lighting to build a high-performance, reliable system. Get personalized guidance for accurate, efficient automotive quality control.
