In the field of precision manufacturing, ‘internal wall defects’ and ‘sidewall blind spots’ have long been persistent challenges in the quality inspection process. Due to their limited field of view, traditional lenses often require multiple set-ups and shots from various angles to complete a comprehensive inspection of a cylindrical or hollow workpiece, resulting in low efficiency and a high risk of errors arising from re-positioning.

The advent of the 360° inspection lens has provided a direct solution to this challenge. Its core optical design utilises a refractive-reflective prism system, which is capable of capturing a complete, unfolded image of an object’s outer surface in a single shot, without moving either the camera or the workpiece. This means that operators need not programme complex multi-axis motion paths, nor apply image stitching algorithms; with a single trigger, they can obtain continuous, distortion-free panoramic surface data.

This technology is used in the following scenarios:

• Thread and gear inspection: Clearly displays the flank angle, pitch and minute burrs on the tooth surface, resolving the challenge posed by traditional inspection methods where side lighting cannot be directed perpendicularly.

• Medical catheters and medication containers: For transparent or translucent materials, the lens can simultaneously perform 360° screening for scratches and air bubbles on both the inner and outer walls, significantly improving yield control for intravenous infusion products.

• Precision automotive shaft components: For shaft pins with small diameters but considerable lengths, the 360° lens effectively eliminates the risk of secondary surface scratches caused by roller rotation.

From the perspective of automation integration, the lens’s compact mechanical structure and standard C-mount design enable it to be rapidly integrated into existing vision inspection stations. In practical applications, when used in conjunction with a coaxial or ring light, it eliminates interference from central reflections, yielding high-contrast inspection images with uniform brightness and shadow distribution. For smart manufacturing production lines striving for ‘zero-defect’ delivery, the 360° inspection lens is not merely an optical accessory, but a crucial component in establishing a closed-loop system for automated full-surface inspection.