Machine vision camera enclosures

VA Imaging developed a series of machine vision camera enclosures. We have them available in industrial polymer in two different sizes (machine vision camera housing and XL machine vision camera housing) and the aluminium version (aluminium machine vision camera housing). Depending on the size of your lens, extra lens tubes can be added to fit your setup. The glass in the lens tube of the enclosure transmits frequencies between 400 and 1000 nm. 

Waterproof Camera housing

The housings are rated IP67, which means they give your industrial camera complete protection against dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This is especially useful in environments where the camera might be exposed to dust, rain, or accidental splashes of water. For example, in industrial settings, outdoor installations, or locations prone to heavy rainfall, these housings ensure the camera remains functional and protected.

However, it’s important to remember that while these housings can handle short-term water exposure, they aren’t designed for extended periods underwater. So, if your application involves the camera being submerged for longer than 30 minutes or at depths greater than 1 meter, you will need additional protective measures. This might include using specialized waterproof enclosures or placing the camera in a location where it won't be underwater for long durations.

Additionally, when using these housings outdoors, it is crucial to consider the temperature variations they might be exposed to. You can read more here.

In summary, IP67-rated housings are excellent for protecting your camera in challenging conditions involving dust and water. They provide peace of mind in knowing that brief water exposure won’t damage your equipment, but they should not be relied upon for long-term underwater use.

Choosing between regular and XL machine vision camera housing

The regular size machine vision housing fits industrial lenses with maximum diameter of 40mm. However, for lenses with more than 30mm, there is a chance that the screws to fix the lens aperture and focus rings are too large. In such case a flat screw set (also available as accessory on the product page – OT71) is required to replace the original lens screws.

For lenses bigger than 40mm diameter, we recommend using the XL machine vision camera housing. For the XL enclosure, the maximum lens diameter is 74mm.

The regular housing supports cameras up to 29x29mm, while the XL housing can accommodate cameras up to 44x44mm.

Here is a overview of maximum sizes for camera and lenses:

Regular camera enclosures (industrial polymer and aluminium)

XL camera enclosure

Download camera housings datasheet and mechanical drawings

Visit our Download Page for mechanical dimensions, 3D files, and datasheets for all machine vision housings. Login using your email address for instant access.

Checking if you need additional lens tubes for the camera enclosure

Both regular and XL camera enclosures come with a 20mm lens tube. The regular housing includes two 15mm extension tubes, while the XL housing includes four 15mm extension tubes. Additional extension tubes can be purchased separately. Use the tables below to check if extra lens tubes are required.
 

• Regular Housing

• XL Housing

Note: All measurements are from the front of the C-mount camera to the front of the lens, based on MER and MER2 camera series.

Enclosure for outdoor use: temperature considerations

- Higher Temperature: The housings are IP67, but they cannot be used outside in direct sunlight as the camera may overheat. While the camera can operate up to 45 degrees Celsius, it has been tested to function at 60 degrees Celsius, though this reduces its lifespan. At 80 degrees Celsius, the cameras failed to operate and some were damaged permanently.

- Freezing Conditions: If the camera is turned off in freezing conditions, it may not start again. However, if the camera is continuously running, the heat it generates might be sufficient to keep it operational even in freezing temperatures.

Camera enclosure cooling solutions

The IP67 tested camera enclosure features a two-piece sealing concept: for the body and the lens (lens tube). The polymer enclosure concept is based on 1 part aluminium and 1 part industrial polymer. The blue aluminium part of the machine vision housing serves as a heatsink. The heatsink ensures that the heat is dissipated from the camera.

For the aluminium version, the complete aluminium machine vision housing serves as a heatsink, this ensures that the heat is dissipated from the camera.

At ambient temperatures above 35 degrees, it's advised to attach the camera enclosure to a metal profile to further dissipate heat.

To maintain optimal operating temperatures, consider using the following cooling solutions with our waterproof housings:

- Cold Compressor Air: Cool the housing by passing cold compressor air past it. This may cause condensation, but the waterproof design of the enclosure will prevent any damage.

- Peltier Element: If compressor air is not an option, a peltier element can be mounted on the housing to cool the camera. These elements are not sold by us, but various options are available online.

Material and Environmental Suitability

- Food Industry: The housing's front is made of aluminosilicate hardened glass with anti-reflective and oleophobic layers, making it unsuitable for the food industry.

- Salty Environments: In environment with high salt and humidity there may be an issue with the screws. The screws are made from RVS and aluminium and run the risk of galvanization when exposed to a high levels of salt. After some time there may be signs of corrosion and it may be difficult to unmount the camera housing.

Enclosure for all machine vision cameras

The camera enclosures are designed to accommodate a wide range of machine vision cameras from various manufacturers. The regular enclosure supports 29x29mm cameras from brands like Allied Vision, FLIR, Basler, IDS, and Daheng Imaging. This includes popular models such as the Ace Classic, Ace U, Blackfly USB3 and GigE, Mako U and G, Alvium U, UI-xxxxCP, GV-xxxxCP, Go series, and CIC series Body type A. Additionally, Daheng cameras from the MER and MER2 series, including USB3, GigE, and GigE with PoE interfaces, are also supported.

For larger cameras up to 44x44mm, the XL housing is available, supporting models like Daheng's MER, MER2, and ME2P series; Allied Vision's Manta and Mako; Jai's Go and Go-X; FLIR's Blackfly-S V1 and Grasshopper3; and Basler's Classic, Ace U, and Ace L. This versatility ensures that most machine vision cameras can be effectively protected in harsh industrial environments.Adapter plates and specific mounting instructions are available for different models to ensure proper installation and stability. Contact us for customized adapter plate.

Buy now your machine vision housing

Our IP67-rated machine vision camera housings offer robust protection against dust and water, making them suitable for various industrial applications. For more information, visit the product pages or contact us via the form below.