Executive Summary
In industrial machine vision, illumination determines the quality and reliability of results. While LED lighting provides uniform brightness for general inspection tasks, laser illumination delivers structured, directional light — the foundation for precise geometry measurement, 3D triangulation, and surface analysis. This whitepaper compares both technologies in terms of light characteristics, stability, and practical application. It highlights why structured laser illumination has become essential for process stability in modern manufacturing environments — particularly when accuracy, repeatability, and long-term reliability are critical. Through practical examples from wood and metal processing, the paper illustrates how laser lines enable consistent measurements and defect detection in real-time production — independent of lighting conditions, material reflectivity, or operating time. With over 40 years of experience in industrial laser technology, Z-LASER develops and manufactures laser systems for machine vision applications worldwide — engineered for continuous operation, precision, and measurable process stability.
