Robust industrial cameras: Which models offer high IP code and wide temperature range?

Ingress protection rating at a glance

The IP code including IP code (ingress protection) describes the protection against solid particles and water.

• IP65
• Dust-tight
• Protection against water jets from any angle
• Suitable for production environments with splashing water

• IP66
• Dust-tight
• Protection against powerful water jets
• Suitable for harsh industrial environments

• IP67
• Dust-tight
• Protection against temporary submersion
• Suitable for use in damp, wet or outdoor areas

• IP69K (IP69/IPx9K)
• Dust-tight
• Protection against high-pressure and steam jet cleaning
• Suitable for hygienically sensitive areas with intensive cleaning cycles or for agricultural applications

Temperature range

The permissible device temperature range during operation can be roughly divided into classes:

• Standard range: about 0 °C to 50 °C
  Suitable for standard indoor applications without significant environmental influences
• Extended range: approximately -20 °C to +55 °C
  Ideal for industrial applications, logistics applications, outdoor areas or cold stores

Housing and mechanical robustness

Additional features of robust industrial cameras include:

• Metal housing
• Shock- and vibration-resistant
• High EMC robustness
• Optional lens protection (lens tube)
• Industrial connectors (for example M12, binder)
• Screwed connections for permanent tightness

uEye FA: the benchmark for maximum robustness in traditional machine vision applications

When it comes to particularly demanding environments, the uEye FA series is the first choice. With its IP69K ingress protection rating and lens tube, it is optimally protected against dirt, dust and high-pressure water

It is also designed for harsh operating conditions in terms of temperature range (typically -20 °C to +55 °C). Robust M12 connectors, fast GigE data transmission and Power-over-Ethernet ensure reliable integration into industrial systems.

Typical applications:

• Food and pharmaceutical industry (regular cleaning)
• Factory and process automation
• Mechanical engineering
• Agricultural applications and outdoor installations

uEye SFA: process monitoring under extreme conditions

The uEye SFA offers high robustness of the uEye FA series, but is used for process monitoring with integrated image processing and streaming/recording functionality.

It also features an IP69K-certified housing and an extended temperature range. The monitoring camera with the highest degree of protection is therefore suitable for applications where, in addition to robustness, 24/7 monitoring and visualization of industrial processes are required.

Strengths:

• Very high resistance
• Streaming and recording
• Perfect for dynamic applications

IDS NXT oslo: Robust design, intelligent analysis

The IDS NXT oslo combines intelligent image processing with an IP69K-certified housing for use in extreme conditions. A lens tube and M12 connectors ensure that the camera can be operated reliably even in harsh industrial and agricultural environments.

Typical applications:

• AI-based image processing
• Embedded vision solutions
• Monitoring

Nion: Time-of-flight depth measurement in a resistant housing

Nion combines a high resolution 1.2 MP at 30 fps with reliable depth detection. This creates detailed 3D data even under demanding conditions. Well protected within the robust IP66 (splash-proof) and IP67 (submersible) housing, Nion ensures stable depth information even under variable lighting conditions. Nion captures fine structures precisely and enables cost-effective 3D data collection.

Ideal for:

• Indoor and outdoor applications
• Depth images without motion blur
• Variable lighting conditions

Ensenso XR: robust 3D Vision with integrated data processing

The Ensenso XR processes 3D data directly in the camera. This reduces the load on the network. This is particularly advantageous for multi-camera systems and computationally intensive applications. With 1.6MP and 5MP Sony sensors and IP code IP65/67, the XR is suitable for high-precision measurement and inspection tasks in demanding environments. Working distances up to 5 m and detection volumes up to 8 m³ are possible.

Typical applications:

• Robotics and automation
• Logistics and gripping systems
• Measurement and inspection systems in industrial environments

Decision guide: Which camera is the right one?

Choosing the right industrial camera depends on the specific application.

A camera with an IP65 rating provides protection against dust and water jets from all directions.
IP67 allows temporary submersion.
IP69K is required when regular high-pressure or steam jet cleaning takes place, for example in the food industry.

With regard to the temperature range:

A standard range of 0 to 50 °C is sufficient for indoor use.
An extended range of -20 to +55 °C is necessary for outdoor applications, cold stores or environments with highly fluctuating temperatures.

Conclusion: IDS offers suitable solutions for robust applications

When it comes to robust industrial cameras, IDS offers a clearly structured and versatile portfolio for different application scenarios:

• Maximum robustness for classic machine vision tasks: uEye FA (IP69K, extended temperature range)
• Process monitoring: uEye SFA (IP69K, extended temperature range)
• AI-based image processing: IDS NXT oslo (IP69K)
• 3D ToF depth measurement: Nion (IP67)
• 3D Vision: Ensenso XR (IP65/67)