Kickstart Your IP67 Machine Vision System
Building an IP67 machine vision system can quickly become a compatibility exercise. The camera may be suitable for the inspection, but the lens still needs protection, cable entries need to remain sealed and the lighting may need to withstand the same environment. Instead of treating these as separate components, it is better to build the complete vision system around the actual imaging requirement. This guide explains how to combine the camera, lens, enclosure, cabling and lighting into a protected machine vision setup for dusty, wet or otherwise demanding industrial environments.
What is an IP67 machine vision system?
An IP67 machine vision system protects imaging equipment against dust and temporary water exposure.
The first digit in IP67 refers to protection against solids. A rating of 6 means the enclosure is protected against dust ingress. The second digit refers to water protection, with 7 covering temporary immersion under defined test conditions.
This means that, the components rated for IP67 setup is completely dustproof and can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
In machine vision, this type of protection can be useful when cameras are installed around dusty production lines, near processes involving water, in humid environments or in outdoor installations.
IP67 should not, however, automatically be interpreted as suitable for high-pressure washdown, aggressive chemicals or every outdoor application. Those conditions can require additional protection.
Dust protection: Complete protection against dust ingress.
Water protection: Temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
When do you need IP67 protection?
IP67 protection is important when machine vision systems operate in environments where dust, moisture or water exposure could affect the performance and reliability of standard industrial cameras and lenses.
For example, cameras installed along dusty production lines or conveyor belts may require protection against airborne particles, while systems operating near washing or rinsing processes may be exposed to water splashes. Outdoor installations can introduce further challenges, including rain, humidity and fluctuating temperatures.
Choosing the right level of protection starts with understanding the environmental conditions of the application. However, environmental protection should not limit the imaging requirements. The camera and lens must still be selected based on factors such as resolution, field of view, working distance and inspection speed, with a suitable enclosure providing the necessary protection.
Integrated IP67 camera or protective enclosure?
Integrated IP67 camera & lens
- Compact, ready-to-install solution.
- Suitable when the sensor, resolution, interface and other specifications meet the application requirements.
- Cables and connectors must provide the required environmental protection to maintain the IP67 rating of the complete setup.
Protective enclosure
- Greater flexibility in camera and lens selection.
- Allows you to select imaging components based on the inspection task rather than being limited to cameras with built-in environmental protection.
- VA-MVEC enclosures support several Daheng Imaging cameras, a wide range of third-party cameras, VA lenses and various third-party lenses.
- Compatibility depends on camera dimensions, lens configuration and cabling requirements.
Choose the right enclosure for the camera and lens
Once the camera and lens are selected, choose an enclosure that fits the complete optical setup. VA Imaging offers compact, aluminum, XL and fixed-length VA-MVEC options for different camera sizes and installation requirements.
| Enclosure | Housing Concept | Material | Front Window | Max. Camera Size | Max. Lens Diameter | Max. Lens Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA-MVEC-167-IP | Compact, Modular | Industrial Polymer | Gorilla Glass | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 105 mm (with 6 ext. rings) |
| VA-MVEC-167-ALU | Compact, Modular | Aluminum | Gorilla Glass | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 105 mm (with 6 ext. rings) |
| VA-MVEC-267-IP | Larger (XL), Modular | Industrial Polymer | Gorilla Glass | 44 × 44 mm | 74 mm | 108 mm (with 6 extension rings) |
| VA-MVEC-367-ALU | Compact, Fixed Length | Aluminum | PMMA (Acrylic) | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
The compact VA-MVEC models support cameras up to 29 × 29 mm, while the XL model accommodates cameras up to 44 × 44 mm. Modular versions can also be extended for longer lenses.
| Requirement | Recommended Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Compact camera and standard lens | VA-MVEC-167-IP |
| Compact aluminium configuration | VA-MVEC-167-ALU |
| Larger camera or lens | VA-MVEC-267-IP |
| Fixed compact configuration | VA-MVEC-367-ALU |
- IP67 Protection – Protects cameras and lenses against dust and water ingress.
- Temperature Control – Helps maintain suitable operating temperatures for reliable camera performance.
- Mounting & Alignment – Enables secure installation and accurate positioning, with modular and fixed-length options.
- Multi-brand Compatibility – Compatible with a wide range of camera brands and lenses.
- OEM Friendly – Unbranded design to meet OEM requirements.
Maintain IP67 protection through the cabling
The protection of the system does not stop at the enclosure body. Camera connections can include GigE, USB3, power, trigger and I/O cabling. These cables need to pass through the enclosure without compromising its sealing. Cable diameter, connector dimensions and bend radius should therefore be considered as part of the enclosure selection.
This is particularly important when using third-party cables. An enclosure may be rated for IP67 under a defined tested configuration, but changing cables or sealing components can affect the protection of the complete installation.
Add IP67 machine vision lighting
A protected camera is only one part of the system. If the lighting is installed in the same exposed area, environmental protection needs to continue beyond the camera enclosure.
For a compact setup around the camera, the VA-RLVA-110-70-W-DIF provides a strong starting point. The VA-RLVA ring light provides diffused white illumination around the camera axis. This makes it particularly useful for applications such as surface inspection, character inspection, component inspection and object positioning.
Because the light surrounds the camera, the VA-RLVA can create a compact camera-and-lighting configuration without requiring the illumination to be mounted elsewhere around the machine. An optional polarizer can also be used where reflection control is required.
When is a VA-SL spot light a better option?
Not every inspection benefits from frontal ring illumination. Where the light needs to reach the object from an angle or where the working distance is greater, an IP67 VA-SL spot light provides a more directional alternative.
The VA-SL-90x80-W IP67 spot light can be positioned independently from the camera and uses interchangeable optics to modify the beam angle. This makes the VA-SL useful when the lighting direction itself is part of the inspection strategy. Angled illumination can, for example, make edges, surface features or defects more visible than frontal illumination.
The decision between VA-RLVA and VA-SL should therefore be based on the image that needs to be created rather than simply on which light is easiest to mount.
What do you need for a complete IP67 vision system?
A protected machine vision installation typically consists of more than an enclosure.
A practical configuration looks like this:
Thinking about these components together helps prevent common integration problems such as insufficient lens clearance, unsuitable cable entry, incompatible lighting or unexpected mounting limitations.
It also allows the imaging components to be selected based on the inspection task before environmental protection is added around them.
Frequently asked questions about IP67 machine vision systems
Kickstart your IP67 machine vision system
Building an IP67 machine vision system?
Share your camera, lens and application requirements with our team. We can help you check enclosure compatibility, cabling and lighting for the complete setup.
Discuss Your IP67 Vision System