Line Lights for Machine Vision Applications collection

Line Lights for Machine Vision Applications

Reliable line scan lighting is essential when a vision system needs to inspect moving products at production speed. Unlike an area scan system, a line scan camera records one narrow line at a time, so the quality of the final image depends on consistent illumination throughout the complete scan.

VA Imaging supplies line lights for UK machine vision applications ranging from web and print inspection to quality control on glass, metals, electronics, packaging and continuous materials.

The range includes the VA-LLS5 standard line light and VA-LLHB2 high-brightness series, with emitting lengths from 100 to 1500 mm. Dedicated United Kingdom support is available when you need help matching the light to the camera, working distance or production requirements.

Line Light products

How Does Line Scan Illumination Work?

Line scan illumination concentrates light onto the narrow area being captured by the camera.

As the product moves, the camera records successive lines and combines them into a complete image. The lighting therefore needs to remain strong and consistent from one captured line to the next.

This approach is particularly effective for:

  • Continuous webs and rolls
  • Long manufactured parts
  • Fast conveyor systems
  • Printed materials
  • Glass and sheet products
  • Textiles
  • Electronics
  • Surfaces requiring high-resolution defect inspection

Rather than illuminating a large scene unnecessarily, the line light directs its output towards the active inspection area.

VA-LLS5 or VA-LLHB2: Which Series Should You Choose?

The most suitable line light depends on what the vision system needs to reveal.

Moving Webs, Film and Continuous Materials

Web inspection requires even illumination across the full material width as it moves through the production process.

Applications can include paper, plastic film, foil, textiles and other continuous products. Consistent light across the width helps prevent brightness variation from being interpreted as a change in the material itself.

Print and Packaging Inspection

Print inspection depends on clear contrast between printed information and its background.

Line scan lighting can support inspection of characters, patterns, labels, registration marks and other printed features while packaging or material moves through the production line.

Surface and Defect Inspection

Scratches, dents, marks and changes in texture can be difficult to detect if the lighting angle is unsuitable.

For reflective or textured materials, the position of the line light is therefore just as important as its intensity.

Glass and Transparent Materials

Transparent and reflective materials require careful control of illumination geometry.

Glass may both transmit and reflect light, so camera position, working distance and light angle should be determined around the particular defect or feature the system needs to detect.

Electronics and PCB Inspection

Line scan lighting can also be used where electronic assemblies or PCBs move through an automated inspection process.

The lighting should be configured around the component, surface or printed detail that needs to remain visible to the camera.

VA-LLS5 or VA-LLHB2: Which Series Should You Choose?

VA Imaging offers two line light ranges for different levels of illumination.

Specification VA-LLS5 Standard Line Light VA-LLHB2 High-Brightness Line Light
Type Standard line light High-brightness line light
Emitting lengths 100–1500 mm 100–1500 mm
Emitting width 25 mm 25 mm
Power 29–432 W* 52–750 W*
Cable 4 or 6 poles* 4 or 6 poles*
Supply 48 V current-controlled 48 V current-controlled
Typical selection General line scan inspection High-speed or higher-intensity requirements

*Varies by model.

VA-LLS5

The VA-LLS5 is a practical choice for general industrial line scan systems where stable, focused illumination is required across the field of view.

VA-LLHB2

The VA-LLHB2 is intended for applications that demand greater illumination intensity, particularly when the inspection runs at a high line rate or the camera has only a short exposure period.

Selection tip: Brightness alone should not determine the choice. The correct series depends on the camera, lens, line speed, working distance and material being inspected.

Performance Factors to Check Before Selecting a Line Light

A reliable line scan image depends on several factors working together.

Line Rate and Exposure

A higher line rate gives the sensor less time to collect light.

Where exposure times become very short, the illumination needs to deliver sufficient intensity during each captured line. Increasing camera gain alone is not always an ideal substitute, as it can also affect image quality.

Illumination Across the Scan Width

The light should cover the complete area viewed by the camera.

If illumination drops towards one side of the inspection width, the final image may show unwanted variation that makes automated evaluation less reliable.

Stability Over Time

A line scan image is constructed from many sequential exposures.

If light output varies between those exposures, the variation can appear as repeated bright and dark bands. Stable illumination and a suitable power supply therefore contribute directly to repeatable inspection.

Working Distance and Position

The mounting distance influences both light intensity and the area being illuminated.

Line light position should be considered alongside the lens field of view, inspection width and available installation space.

Surface Finish

Glossy metal, matte plastic, glass, printed material and textiles all interact with illumination differently.

The light angle and wavelength should therefore be selected according to the surface and the defect or feature that needs to become visible.

Colour and Wavelength Selection

Changing the wavelength can improve the contrast between a feature and its background.

White illumination is a useful starting point for many general inspection systems. Depending on the application and configuration, Red, Green, Blue, UV and IR options can also be considered.

A different wavelength may be useful when:

  • Two colours need stronger separation
  • Printed detail has poor contrast
  • A surface reacts strongly to visible illumination
  • UV-responsive features need to be detected
  • IR provides better material differentiation
  • Ambient light needs to be controlled more effectively

The camera sensor also needs to be sufficiently sensitive to the selected wavelength.

Electrical and Mechanical Integration

The line light needs to be integrated correctly into the wider machine vision system.

Both VA-LLS5 and VA-LLHB2 line lights use a stable, current-controlled 48 V supply. Compatible VA-PS4-CD power supplies should be selected according to the electrical requirement of the chosen model.

Depending on model size and power, a 4-pole or 6-pole cable connection is required.

Before installation, verify:

  • Light model and power consumption
  • Compatible supply
  • Cable configuration
  • Cooling requirements
  • Mechanical clearance
  • Working distance
  • Camera position
  • Machine control requirements

Checking these requirements early can prevent unnecessary changes during installation or commissioning.

Before Specifying a Line Scan Light

The following information is useful when comparing lighting options:

Question Why it matters
How wide is the inspection area? Determines the required light length
How fast is the product moving? Influences line rate and available exposure
What exposure time is available? Influences the required illumination intensity
What is the working distance? Affects brightness and illumination coverage
What material is being inspected? Influences reflection and the required lighting angle
What feature must be detected? Determines the contrast the lighting needs to create
Which camera and lens are being used? Defines the imaging geometry and field of view
Is a specific wavelength needed? Can improve separation between the feature and background
How much installation space is available? Affects mounting position and lighting geometry
Selection tip: This application-led approach is more reliable than choosing a line light solely from its mechanical dimensions.

Common Line Scan Lighting Problems

The image is too dark at production speed

Check the exposure time, working distance and available light output. A high-brightness line light may be required when exposure times are particularly short.

One side of the image is darker

Check whether the complete field of view is covered and whether the line light is correctly aligned.

Bands appear across the finished image

Repeated bright or dark bands can indicate instability in the lighting or power configuration.

Reflective surfaces hide defects

Adjust the lighting angle so direct reflections do not dominate the image. The best position depends on the surface and defect being inspected.

The feature is visible but contrast is poor

Consider changing the light angle, exposure or wavelength rather than simply increasing brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Line Scan Lighting

Line scan lighting is concentrated industrial illumination designed for the narrow area captured by a line scan camera as a product or material moves past the imaging system.

Strong lighting is important because high line rates can require very short exposure times, leaving the sensor less time to collect light.

The light should provide usable illumination across the complete field of view. The required emitting length therefore depends on inspection width, working distance and installation geometry.

No. The VA-LLHB2 provides higher light output, but the most suitable series depends on the application. A standard VA-LLS5 may already provide sufficient illumination for many line scan systems.

Yes. A suitable visible, UV or IR wavelength can sometimes improve contrast between the feature being inspected and the surrounding material.

Yes. VA Imaging provides dedicated United Kingdom support for machine vision cameras, lenses, lighting, housings and other industrial imaging components.

Yes. Provide the camera, inspection width, working distance, line speed, material and inspection objective, and the VA Imaging team can help evaluate the line scan lighting requirements.

Discuss Your Line Scan Application with Our UK Team

A successful line scan system depends on the camera and illumination working together under real production conditions.

If you are specifying lighting for a new inspection system or improving an existing production line, contact the VA Imaging UK support team with your camera, inspection width, working distance, line speed and material details. We can help you evaluate the most appropriate line lighting setup for the application.

Ask Our UK Machine Vision Team

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
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    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
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  • 8
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  • 9
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  • 10
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  • 8.5
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  • 10
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    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.

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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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.

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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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  • 9
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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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