Understanding Vision System Lighting in Life Sciences

Understanding Vision System Lighting in Life SciencesLighting is a critical part of any vision system. It helps introduce consistency into the imaging environment to eliminate any variability caused by the surrounding production or laboratory space. The reliable performance of vision systems depends on the quality of light provided.

In life science applications, there are many different types of light sources an end user can choose from in order to ensure proper vision performance, but there are several considerations to make before choosing one. 

Unique Lighting Considerations for Life Science Applications

For life science end users, the reliability of vision lighting can be even more important than in the industrial sector. Often, the health and safety of consumers depends on the consistency and quality of the product, whether it’s a type of drug product or agricultural product. This is far different than a vision system that ensures labels are straight, for example. Life science users of vision lighting need to closely control the lighting spectrum to get exactly the desired wavelength, and produce the correct amount of light over time, to ensure proper lighting consistency. 

The consistency and longevity of lighting in life sciences applications is a top consideration, not just because of the risks to the health and safety of the public, but because expected product lifetimes in life sciences can be 15 years or even longer. During this time span, there are very few opportunities to update or change production methods, so implementing a consistent lighting system that will last for several years is vital for protecting product quality and minimizing downtime. 

How are Lighting Systems Advancing for Life Sciences Applications?

Generally speaking, lighting systems are becoming smaller, faster, and cheaper, in part because of the products they’re integrated into, as well as the work spaces they’re involved in, are shrinking. Plus, end users are consistently demanding more light be presented in an area at a lower cost and with higher performance.

Manufacturers of lighting systems are racing to keep up with these demands and innovative new products are being put out all the time. For example, illumination with multiple color LEDs is a rapidly growing application – hospitals have demanded robust lighting solutions after finding a need to automate color checking processes. 

Lighting in life science applications requires unique considerations. It’s a vital part of a vision system’s ability to accurately capture images or stream video, and the demands of end users are constantly driving innovation in this space. 

For those in the market for lighting systems in life science applications, be sure to understand the unique considerations of the life science sector and the way that vision lighting is advancing. 

To learn more, stay tuned for the launch of our educational Vision in Life Sciences section of the website! This section will be dedicated to the use of vision in life science applications, as well as cover the emerging market of life sciences. Be sure to check back for more updates!

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