Industrial Backlights for Machine Vision collection

Industrial Backlights for Machine Vision

Backlights are crucial in machine vision systems for creating silhouette effects or highlighting object contours. They are perfect for applications such as object detection, shape recognition, and separating objects from their background. Commonly used in dimension measurement, robot pick and place, inspection of translucent objects, and contour defect detection, these lights provide steady, high-contrast illumination.

Our bottom-lit backlights come in White, Red, Green, and Blue, with UV and IR options available upon request. Available in various sizes, we also offer custom solutions to meet your specific requirements.

With quick delivery and immediate shipping from local stock, we provide the flexibility you need for any machine vision application.

Backlight products

How Does a Machine Vision Backlight Work?

A machine vision backlight illuminates the object from behind, creating a bright background while the object blocks part of the light. The resulting silhouette gives the camera a clearly defined transition between the object and the illuminated area.

Because the inspection is based mainly on the object's outline rather than its surface appearance, backlight illumination is particularly useful when the vision system needs to analyse:

  • External dimensions
  • Object contours
  • Edges
  • Holes and openings
  • Gaps
  • Part position
  • Presence or absence
  • Shape deviations

This makes backlighting an effective solution for inspection tasks where repeatable edge detection is more important than inspecting surface texture or colour.

For a broader explanation of when backlighting or another illumination geometry is appropriate, use our machine vision lighting selection flowchart.

Machine Vision Backlights for Measurement and Edge Detection

Machine vision backlights are particularly suitable for dimensional measurement and edge detection because they create a strong difference between the object and background.

Typical applications include measuring the width, height or diameter of components, detecting contour defects, checking hole dimensions, verifying gaps and confirming that a component is positioned correctly.

Backlighting can also reduce the influence of surface colour and texture on the captured image. Instead of trying to illuminate surface features, the system analyses the object's silhouette.

For demanding measurement applications, the lighting should be considered together with the camera, lens and required field of view. A telecentric lens can be particularly useful when dimensional accuracy and reduced perspective error are important.

Types of Industrial Backlights

VA Imaging offers several types of industrial backlights so the illumination can be matched to the inspection geometry and accuracy requirements.

Backlight type Best suited for
Bottom-lit backlight General silhouette imaging, dimensional inspection, contour detection and presence checks
Bottom-lit collimated backlight Applications requiring more controlled light direction and defined edges
Side-lit backlight Thin-format illumination and applications where the light needs to be integrated from the side
Side-lit collimated backlight Controlled side-lit illumination for more defined contours
Direct side backlight Applications requiring stronger direct illumination from a side-lit design
Telecentric backlight Precision measurement, gap inspection, edge detection and use with telecentric optics

The current VA Imaging range includes the VA-BLBL2, VA-BLBL2-COL, VA-BLSL2, VA-BLSL2-COL, VA-BLSLH2 and VA-TCB series.

Bottom-Lit Backlights

Bottom-lit backlights are positioned directly behind or underneath the inspected object. They provide an illuminated background that makes the object's shape easy to separate from the surrounding image.

They are a practical choice for general-purpose applications such as:

  • Part measurement
  • Shape recognition
  • Robot pick and place
  • Presence inspection
  • Contour defect detection
  • Inspection of translucent components

The VA-BLBL2 series is available in multiple emitting-area sizes and standard white, red, green and blue versions. UV and IR variants can also be supplied on request.

Collimated Backlights

A collimated backlight controls the direction of the emitted light more closely than a conventional diffuse backlight. This can produce more clearly defined object boundaries and is useful when edge quality has a direct influence on measurement performance.

VA Imaging offers both bottom-lit and side-lit collimated backlight configurations for applications where more controlled illumination is required.

Telecentric Backlights

Telecentric backlights are designed for precision imaging applications where highly controlled illumination is needed. They are commonly combined with telecentric lenses for applications such as:

  • Outer-dimension measurement
  • Gap inspection
  • Thickness measurement
  • Edge detection
  • Inspection of stamped components

The VA-TCB series is available with multiple beam diameters and in white, red, green and blue versions.

Machine Vision Backlight Colours and Sizes

VA Imaging's industrial backlights are available in different dimensions and standard light colours including white, red, green and blue. Selected series can also be supplied with UV or IR illumination on request. 

The best wavelength depends on the inspected material, camera sensitivity and the contrast required by the application. For silhouette inspection of opaque components, the primary requirement is usually creating a stable distinction between the object and illuminated background. For translucent materials, wavelength selection can have a greater influence on how much light passes through the object.

Different sizes are available to match compact components as well as larger inspection areas. If a standard configuration does not fit the application, custom dimensions or illumination configurations can also be considered.

Complete Your Machine Vision Lighting Setup

A backlight is only one part of the imaging system. Reliable image acquisition also depends on selecting the correct camera, lens, working distance, exposure settings and lighting control.

VA Imaging provides lighting accessories, including power supplies, cables and lighting controllers for integrating illumination into industrial machine vision systems.

For projects where a standard backlight does not match the required dimensions, wavelength or configuration, customised machine vision lighting is also possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Vision Backlights

A machine vision backlight is an industrial light positioned behind an object so the camera captures a high-contrast silhouette. It is commonly used for dimensional measurement, edge detection, presence checks and contour inspection.

Use a backlight when the inspection focuses primarily on the object's shape, edge, position, holes or external dimensions rather than surface details.

A standard backlight provides broad, uniform illumination, while a collimated backlight directs the light more parallel to the viewing axis. Collimated illumination can create more clearly defined edges for applications with higher measurement requirements.


A telecentric backlight is used for precision measurement and edge inspection where controlled, near-parallel illumination is required. It is commonly paired with telecentric optics for dimensional inspection.

The illuminated area should cover the complete field required for the inspection and provide consistent illumination behind the object. The required size therefore depends on the object dimensions, field of view and possible movement of the part.

Reviews VA Imaging

  • 10
    Absolutely thrilled

    I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements... I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements. Installation was straightforward. VA-Imaging's customer service was also outstanding. They were very helpful in answering my questions and delivered the camera quickly and securely.

  • 8
    Cameras are a great value for money

    The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features. The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features.

  • 10
    Easy to deal with

    Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality pr... Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality products.

  • 10
    embedded camera

    We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a mini... We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a minimum. We selected a VEN-161 boardlevel camera. It was easy to integrate and USB3 Vision interface allowed our software team to get started quickly. The sales guy was very helpful with selecting the hardware for us. We are happy that we selected the USB3 board-level camera instead of a Mipi embedded vision camera as we didn't require now the additional driver development.

  • 10
    Excellent

    It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks

  • 10
    Excellent quality material and attentive and reliable supplier

    In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs. In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs.

  • 10
    Fast cable delivery

    I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast. I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast.

  • 8
    Fast delivery

    Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium

  • 9
    Fast Delivery and good quality!

    A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！ A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！

  • 10
    Fast service

    Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you! Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you!

  • 8.5
    Good Experience

    Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition. Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition.

  • 10
    Good products and services

    Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the... Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the will to find solutions.

  • 8
    Good quality and fast delivery

    So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available. So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available.

  • 10
    Great

    These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-d... These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-delivery service at the highest level.

  • 9
    Great customer service, fast delivery.

    Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query. Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query.

  • 10
    Great customer support, products and prices

    I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :) I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :)

  • 9
    Great prices, great service, everything great

    Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice. Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice.

  • 10
    Great products. Excellent support.

    GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not exper... GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not experienced with machine vision but the installation worked out fine. After installation on our laboratory we were surprised again of the high quality of the photos and the versatility of this system. (options in Galaxy viewer and integration in Python. Recently we had an issue with the software and the customer support was able to give us the relevant information to fix it within one day. The next time we need a camera we will not be looking to other suppliers but contact GeT Cameras immediately.

  • 10
    Great service

    I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged. I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged.

  • 10
    Great support and inhouse knowledge of the cameras

    First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap cam... First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap camera. I called them and Caspar was providing great support. He even advised a cheaper camera than I had in mind. I was just surprised by the inhouse knowledge of get cameras about machine vision. Never expected this from a webshop. The image an built quality of the camera is also great. The camera feels and operates the same as our Basler cameras.

  • 10
    Great support by email

    I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They ... I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They advise a lens and provided additional technical information. Unfortunately they don't offer a loan service, but I decided to try it. I had the cameras in house within 2 weeks and connection was easy. The SDK looks like the SDK from Basler so I felt directly comfortable with it. The camera and lens was a perfect match and now I'm able to read small DMC codes on large products with just a single camera.

  • 10
    Great support while selecting a lens

    We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We receive... We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We received everything on time.

  • 10
    High quality

    High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend. High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend.

  • 10
    I like the quality and price of the camera

    I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great. I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great.

  • 10
    It is important to have a skilled and efficient team of workers to get the goods efficiently.

    Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item. Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item.

  • 10
    Just great

    Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service

  • 9
    Outstanding products and customer service

    The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 10
    Outstanding products and customer service

    Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled u... Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled us to continue with the project and the company was extremely supportive of us overall. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 8
    Perfect customer interaction

    Good site and perfect customer interaction. Good site and perfect customer interaction.

  • 10
    Products delivered sooner than promised

    Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab). Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab).

  • 10
    Professional support, fast delivery and good product.

    I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for. I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for.

  • 10
    Prompt responses to many questions

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy regularly.

  • 10
    Prompt shipment

    Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it. Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it.

  • 10
    Quick responses and good selection of cameras

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy from Get-Cameras regularly.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Really nice products

    i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They... i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They recommended the cheapest camera they had, but it's perfect for detecting the defects on my products.

  • 9
    Suitable product for us

    We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer. We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer.

  • 10
    The German-speaking customer service team is very attentive to our needs.

    We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute ch... We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute changes. Thanks to their support and flexibility, we have always been able to implement our projects quickly and smoothly. Thank you for the excellent collaboration!

  • 8
    Very good service

    We are very happy with the quality of goods and services. We are very happy with the quality of goods and services.

  • 10
    Very good value for money

    The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours p... The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours programming).

  • 10
    Very happy with the support

    I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days.... I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days. It took me half a day to implement their SDK into my software so it was relative easy.

  • 10
    Very helpful customer service

    We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how ... We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how to quickly install the camera and set the most important parameters. it was very helpfull and within half an hour we had a good live view image. We have also ordered the lens they advised. It provides a nice and sharp image.

  • 10
    Very pleasant contact, quick response

    My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future! My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future!

  • 10
    Very smooth transaction

    Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast. Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast.

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Vision & Automation Resources

VA Imaging stands at the intersection of creativity and practical applications, delivering image-processing products designed for use in advanced machines. We provide you with machine vision products that enable you to bring your ideas to life in innovative ways. With our cameras, lenses, and lighting, your creativity takes concrete form in the world of Vision & Automation Imaging.

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