Imaging lenses enable machine vision systems to inspect, sort, and measure objects for a variety of applications including manufacturing, robotics, autonomous (self-driving) vehicles, and more. Many of these applications are conducted in harsh environments with some form of hazard or danger. Standard-model imaging lenses designed for less demanding applications are sometimes too fragile or frail to withstand shock and vibration, water and humidity, particles of dust and debris, or large changes to temperature, factors that contribute to harsh environments.
Imaging systems in these environments have specific design requirements to maintain performance without degrading over time. One of the most effective ways to ensure imaging system performance in such environments is to use a lens that has been designed and manufactured for these harsh environments, such as ruggedized or athermalized lenses. However, these specially designed lenses come at an expense to the end-user. Compared to standard imaging lenses, the user forfeits versatility and some degrees of application freedom and increased cost. Depending on the types of harsh environmental factors present in the application, the appropriate ruggedization type may be industrial ruggedization stability ruggedized, ingress protection, or athermalization.