Baumer has introduced LX series cameras with 10 GigE, which includes control of autofocus liquid lenses for instant and flexible focusing at varying working distances or object heights. Combined with advanced features like shading correction and IEEE 1588 capability, they easily apply themselves to new applications in measurement technology, logistics and the pharmaceutical industry and flexibly adapt to individual application requirements. A firmware update to easily upgrade previous LXT models will be available in the first quarter of 2019.
Electrically focusable Corning Varioptic liquid lenses excel in applications with quickly changing object distances that require fast autofocusing e.g. in 2D code inspections on packages of different heights. The autofocus lenses are powered and controlled via the camera connector. The image processing system focuses within fractions of a second, even between largely varying working distances and without mechanical movement or compromise to image quality or speed. This simplifies and speeds up many applications within a production line.
The 10 GigE LX cameras have many new powerful functions: auto features to adapt exposure times and lighting to the prevailing light conditions, sensor multi ROI to increase frame rates and reduce the amount of data transmitted, as well as shading correction to correct lens and lighting artifacts. In addition, the cameras support IEEE 1588 for precise time synchronization in multi-camera systems and RS232 for communication with external serial devices.
The LX series includes more than 40 models with Dual GigE, Camera Link or 10 GigE interface and cutting-edge global shutter CMOS sensors by ams, ON Semiconductor and Sony. With resolutions of up to 48 megapixel and frame rates of up to 337 fps, they are the ideal choice for inspection tasks with demanding requirements on image detail and throughput.
QX series
The Baumer QX series 10 GigE cameras feature 8 GB internal image memory and extended functionalities. Process monitoring applications benefit from inspection times increased by a factor of 4 as well as flexible usage of the memory. The new function package is available by a firmware update starting the 1st quarter of 2019.
With the expansion of the internal image memory from 2 to 8 GB, more images can be stored, which significantly increases the recording time: 2 s at a frame rate of 335 fps with 12 MP resolution. Flexible memory management, for example 2 MP resolution in a ROI (Region of Interest) nearly provides more than 4 s recording time at a rate of 1000 fps. Two further image buffer modes added to Burst Mode enable even more memory flexibility. According to the application requirements, the image memory can be used for a single writing cycle or continuous overwriting like a ring buffer. Further to image buffering, the image preview function simplifies process monitoring – without an HDMI camera interface.
The QX series cameras utilize a 10 GigE Vision-compliant interface at 1.1 GB/s bandwidth for fast transmission of buffered images and reduced evaluation time. 10 times faster than GigE Vision and 35% faster than Camera Link Full makes them ideal where short sequences require very high frame rates, e.g. process analysis in industrial applications, live cell diagnostics in the medical industry, scientific research or motion analysis in sports.
CX.I cameras
Finally, with the specially developed IP 65/67 and IP 69K housing accessories, Baumer CX.I cameras can now be used to cover applications in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, which set high standards regarding cleaning media or surface roughness in the splash or product contact zone. In thermal terms, the accessories are ideal matches for the cameras and turn them into IP 65/67 or IP 69K cameras in no time at all. This flexibility means that the right version is available for every field of application, with an optimum price-performance ratio. Series production begins in the 1th quarter of 2019.
The IP 65/67 housing was developed in accordance with EHEDG guidelines. Thanks to its round shape, liquids flow off quickly without forming dirt pockets. The hard anodized surface also resists intensive cleaning processes. The washdown design of the EHEDG-compliant, IP 69K, stainless steel housing, eliminates the possibility of product residue adhesion, facilitates residue-free cleaning and prevents the formation of bacteria. With a surface roughness of less than 0.8 µm and food-grade, hard-wearing seals, it is also suitable for splash and food zones in which oils and greases or chemically aggressive cleaning media are used. The housing kits are supplemented by an extensive range of tubes to meet the various application requirements. Tubes are available with different cover glass materials such as acrylic glass or chemically strengthened alumino-silicate glass with high scratch, impact and fracture resistance as laminated safety glass for a long service life.
The CX.I cameras with resolutions of up to 12 megapixels and up to 148 fps can withstand shocks of up to 100 g, vibrations of up to 10g, and have 4 power outputs with pulse width modulation and a power output of up to 120 W (max. 48 V / 2.5 A) to control lighting directly without an external controller. Models with an extended operating temperature range from -40 °C to 70 °C also allow for use in extremely demanding ambient conditions.
