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BL3 Series: LED Backlight Illuminators for Machine Vision

RODER BL3 Series rugged high-uniformity LED backlight illuminator for machine vision dimensional measurement and defect detection

Rugged High-Uniformity LED Backlights for Dimensional Measurement and High-Speed Machine Vision Inspection. Diffused edge-to-edge illumination in a robust aluminium frame for precise silhouette and contour analysis.

  • High-uniformity diffused light, edge to edge
  • High-intensity LEDs for high-speed lines
  • Replaceable diffuser glass
  • Rugged IP54 anodised aluminium frame
  • Side groove for fast, flexible mounting
  • M8 3-pin connector, reverse-polarity protected
  • 48-hour burn-in test with certificate
  • High-Uniformity Illumination: Perfectly diffused light ensures edge-to-edge consistency across the whole emitting area, for accurate dimensional measurement, sharp silhouettes and reliable high-accuracy defect detection.
  • High-Intensity LED Output: Latest-generation high-brightness, low-power LEDs deliver the contrast needed on high-speed automated inspection and sorting lines, with strobe-compatible switching for moving parts.
  • HTTM© Thermal Management: High Transmission Thermal Material conducts heat from the LED board into the aluminium frame, keeping luminous output and colour stable and extending LED service life.
  • Replaceable Diffuser Glass: The diffusion glass can be replaced on site if damaged or worn, reducing downtime and protecting the long-term photometric performance of the backlight.
  • Rugged Aluminium Construction, IP54: A robust anodised aluminium frame with IP54 protection ensures mechanical rigidity and heat dissipation even in large formats and in dusty or splash-prone industrial environments.
  • Easy Mounting and Wiring: Side fixing groove with AISI 316 stainless steel brackets and screw kit supplied; M8 3-pin locking connector with pig-tail cable and reverse-polarity protection for quick, safe installation.
  • Certified Reliability and Flexible Control: Every unit passes a 48-hour burn-in test and ships with its test certificate; CE and RoHS compliant; integrated MCCD driver with continuous, ON/OFF or PWM control up to 100 kHz.
Technical support to choose the right product

Their advanced optical design guarantees stable brightness across the entire surface, even in demanding production environments. Available in various sizes, wavelengths, and configurations, the BL3 series easily integrates into both new and existing machine vision setups. With durable construction, long operating life, and optional customization, the BL3 backlights deliver reliability and precision for high-quality image processing and inspection tasks.

Download catalogs and documentation

Why choose this family of illuminators?

BL3 series main features
  1. Industrial Connector
    Connector with threaded ferrule fastening for easy assembly and quick disconnection.
  2. Replaceable Diffuser
    The diffusion glass can be replaced in case of damage or deterioration.
  3. Aluminium Enclosure
    The housing is made of anodized aluminium that ensures high heat dissipation produced by the LEDs and excellent structural rigidity even in larger models.
  4. Reverse Polarity Protection
    Internal circuits are protected against possible polarity reversal of the supply voltage.
  5. Integrated Driver
    Integrated MCCD (Multi Constant Current Driver) for constant LED current on every column. Continuous, ON/OFF or PWM control up to 100 kHz via external signal (PLC or camera).
  6. High Efficiency LED
    Use of the latest generation of high-brightness, low-power LEDs.
  7. Profile with Side Groove
    Profile with side fixing groove for easy, fast and flexible attachment to walls or structures.
  8. Test Certificate
    Each illuminator undergoes a 48-hour test cycle and is issued a test certificate delivered with the product.
  9. HTTM Technology
    Use of HTTM technology for high heat dissipation produced by LEDs.

Main features common to the entire BL3 family

FeatureValue
Supply voltage24 VDC ±10%
IP ratingIP54
Operating temperature5 – 50 °C
Electrical connectionM8 3-pin connector with threaded ring nut; pig-tail cable approx. 100 mm
Multi-cable modelsLarger formats have 2 or 4 cables: all cables must be connected to switch on the whole illuminator
Control modeContinuous, ON/OFF or PWM up to 100 kHz via external signal (PLC or camera)
LED driverMCCD – Multi Constant Current Driver on board; reverse polarity protection
LED coloursNeutral white 5000K (WHI) and infrared 850 nm (INF) as standard; red 625 nm and blue 470 nm on request
StructureModular 50 × 50 mm tiles; anodised aluminium frame; screw-free top surface; replaceable diffuser glass
MountingSide groove profile; AISI 316 stainless steel brackets and screw kit supplied
CertificationsCE, RoHS. Designed and manufactured by RODER SRL in Italy (ISO 9001:2015)
Testing48-hour reliability test; test certificate supplied with every illuminator

The sizes listed below are the standard BL3 models. The series is built from 50 × 50 mm modules, so any emitting area from 100 × 100 to 500 × 500 mm in 50 mm steps can be supplied as a special product (longer lead time). See the catalogue for the complete size code table.

Application notes

Typical applications

  • Dimensional measurement — backlit silhouette gives sharp edges for accurate part sizing and gauging
  • High-precision edge detection — uniform back illumination produces crisp contours for sub-pixel edge location
  • Silhouette and contour analysis — even backlight reveals the exact part outline for shape verification
  • Liquid level inspection — backlighting through bottles reveals fill level and meniscus position clearly
  • Particle detection in fluids — transmitted light exposes particles and inclusions in transparent liquids precisely
  • Transparent material inspection — backlight reveals cracks, bubbles and inclusions in clear plastic components
  • Presence and completeness check — high-contrast silhouette confirms presence, count and orientation of parts
  • Sorting and counting — uniform backlight supports fast counting of small items on lines
  • Pharmaceutical blister integrity — backlit inspection reveals missing tablets and seal defects in blisters
  • Gap and clearance measurement — backlighting highlights gaps and tolerances between assembled components precisely
  • Hole and thread verification — transmitted light confirms presence and geometry of holes and threads
  • Connector and pin inspection — silhouette imaging checks pin presence, alignment and bending on connectors
  • Web and film inspection — wide backlight detects pinholes and defects in transparent films
  • Label and print registration — back illumination supports transmissive checks on translucent labels and packaging
  • High-speed conveyor inspection — strobe-compatible backlight freezes motion for reliable inspection on fast lines

Standard Models CatalogAdditional versions available upon request

BL3 100 × 100 mm

BL3 100 × 100 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 100 mm, 144 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 0.48 A (white) / 0.36 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-10PL-BL3-010010-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-04PL-BL3-010010-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 150 mm

BL3 100 × 150 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 150 mm, 216 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 0.72 A (white) / 0.54 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-11PL-BL3-010015-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-05PL-BL3-010015-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 200 mm

BL3 100 × 200 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 200 mm, 288 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 0.96 A (white) / 0.72 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-12PL-BL3-010020-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-06PL-BL3-010020-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 250 mm

BL3 100 × 250 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 250 mm, 360 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 1.2 A (white) / 0.9 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-13PL-BL3-010025-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-07PL-BL3-010025-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 300 mm

BL3 100 × 300 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 300 mm, 432 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 1.44 A (white) / 1.08 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-14PL-BL3-010030-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-08PL-BL3-010030-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 400 mm

BL3 100 × 400 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 400 mm, 576 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 1.92 A (white) / 1.44 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-15PL-BL3-010040-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-09PL-BL3-010040-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 100 × 500 mm

BL3 100 × 500 mm
  • Emitting area 100 × 500 mm, 720 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 2.4 A (white) / 1.8 A (infrared)
  • 2 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-16PL-BL3-010050-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-10PL-BL3-010050-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 150 × 200 mm

BL3 150 × 200 mm
  • Emitting area 150 × 200 mm, 432 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 1.44 A (white) / 1.08 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-15-19PL-BL3-015020-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-11PL-BL3-015020-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 200 × 200 mm

BL3 200 × 200 mm
  • Emitting area 200 × 200 mm, 576 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 1.92 A (white) / 1.44 A (infrared)
  • 1 × M8 3-pin cable
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-18PL-BL3-020020-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-12PL-BL3-020020-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 200 × 250 mm

BL3 200 × 250 mm
  • Emitting area 200 × 250 mm, 720 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 2.4 A (white) / 1.8 A (infrared)
  • 2 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-19PL-BL3-020025-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-13PL-BL3-020025-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 200 × 300 mm

BL3 200 × 300 mm
  • Emitting area 200 × 300 mm, 864 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 2.88 A (white) / 2.16 A (infrared)
  • 2 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-20PL-BL3-020030-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-14PL-BL3-020030-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 300 × 300 mm

BL3 300 × 300 mm
  • Emitting area 300 × 300 mm, 1296 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 4.32 A (white) / 3.24 A (infrared)
  • 2 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-21PL-BL3-030030-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-15PL-BL3-030030-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 300 × 400 mm

BL3 300 × 400 mm
  • Emitting area 300 × 400 mm, 1728 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 5.76 A (white) / 4.32 A (infrared)
  • 4 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-22PL-BL3-030040-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-16PL-BL3-030040-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 400 × 400 mm

BL3 400 × 400 mm
  • Emitting area 400 × 400 mm, 2304 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 7.68 A (white) / 5.76 A (infrared)
  • 4 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-23PL-BL3-040040-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-17PL-BL3-040040-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

BL3 500 × 500 mm

BL3 500 × 500 mm
  • Emitting area 500 × 500 mm, 3600 LEDs
  • Neutral white 5000K or infrared 850 nm
  • 24 VDC, 12 A (white) / 9 A (infrared)
  • 4 × M8 3-pin cables (all must be connected)
SKUProduct codeColorDatasheetDrawingSTEP
10-14-24PL-BL3-050050-WHI-A00000● NEUTRAL WHITE 5000KDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file
10-15-18PL-BL3-050050-INF-A00000● INFRARED 850 nmDatasheet PDFDrawing PDFSTEP file

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the BL3 from the BL2 backlight illuminator series?

The BL3 is engineered for larger inspection areas and harsher environments. It features an IP54-rated robust aluminum frame with a replaceable diffuser glass and side-groove mounting profile, making it suitable for wide-field backlight applications up to 500x500mm where high mechanical stability is required.

What emission area sizes does the BL3 series cover?

The BL3 ranges from 100x100mm to 500x500mm in 50mm increments, with standard models from compact 100x100mm to large-format 500x500mm for wide-field industrial inspection tasks.

Can the diffuser glass in the BL3 be replaced in the field?

Yes. The BL3 incorporates a replaceable diffuser glass that can be substituted on-site in case of damage or deterioration, reducing maintenance costs and avoiding full illuminator replacement.

What protection rating does the BL3 offer for industrial environments?

The BL3 carries an IP54 ingress protection rating, providing resistance to dust and water splashing. This makes it suitable for demanding environments including food processing, logistics, and pharmaceutical production lines.

What wavelength options are available for BL3 backlights?

Standard BL3 models are available in neutral white (5000K) and infrared (850 nm). Red (625 nm) and blue (470 nm) versions can be supplied on request, enabling spectral optimization for contrast enhancement, transparent material inspection and near-infrared analysis.

Contact for general information : info@roder.it
Systems and Sensor Integration Partner : www.roder.it
RODER Artificial Vision Division : www.visiotronix.com
RODER Instruments Division : www.innovacheck.com
More information about VISIOTRONIX : about us

The information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been prepared with the utmost care, it does not constitute a contractual offer or a binding commitment to supply. It may contain transcription, translation, or typographical errors. For precise and up-to-date information, please contact our company directly.

Please note: Some images on this website have been intentionally generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is due to the fact that, for many applications and projects, it is not possible to disclose photographs of the actual installation or system due to confidentiality agreements, contractual clauses, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).