Description
| Product Model | CAM-CIC-4KL-24 |
| Manufacturer | Cognex Corporation |
| Product Category | Machine Vision Camera / Smart Sensor |
| Series Platform | In-Sight 4000 Series |
| Sensor Type | Monochrome CCD (Progressive Scan) |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) |
| Frame Rate | Up to 30 fps (depending on exposure/tools) |
| Lens Mount | C-Mount (Standard Industrial) |
| Power Supply | 24 V DC (Nominal), Range 20–30 V DC |
| Communication Interfaces | RS-232, Discrete I/O, Ethernet (TCP/IP) |
| Protection Rating | IP67 (NEMA 6) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 30 mm x 30 mm x 58 mm (Approx. without lens) |
| Weight | Approx. 170 g (without lens/cable) |
| Lighting Control | Built-in Strobe Output for External Lights |
Product Introduction
The Cognex CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is a robust, self-contained machine vision camera belonging to the renowned In-Sight 4000 series. Designed for high-speed industrial inspection tasks, this smart sensor integrates a powerful processor, a high-resolution monochrome CCD imager, and sophisticated vision tools into a compact, rugged housing. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 eliminates the need for a separate PC-based vision system, offering a standalone solution capable of performing complex inspections such as presence/absence verification, dimension gauging, and optical character recognition (OCR) directly on the factory floor.
Engineered to withstand harsh manufacturing environments, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 features an IP67-rated stainless steel housing that protects against dust, moisture, and washdown conditions common in food and beverage or automotive plants. Its 640×480 resolution provides sufficient detail for most general-purpose applications, while the progressive scan CCD sensor ensures sharp images of fast-moving objects without motion blur. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 connects easily to PLCs and HMIs via discrete I/O or serial communication, enabling immediate pass/fail decisions and real-time process control.
The versatility of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is enhanced by Cognex’s proprietary PatMax® geometric pattern matching technology, which allows it to locate parts regardless of rotation, scale, or partial occlusion. This makes the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 ideal for guiding robots, verifying assembly completeness, and reading codes on curved or reflective surfaces. With its simple spreadsheet-based programming interface, engineers can deploy the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 rapidly, reducing integration time and ensuring reliable quality control across diverse production lines.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Unmatched Pattern Matching Capability:
The core strength of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 lies in its implementation of PatMax® technology, the industry standard for geometric pattern matching. Unlike traditional correlation-based tools that fail when parts are rotated or obscured, the algorithm in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 identifies objects based on their geometric relationships. This ensures consistent detection even in chaotic environments where lighting varies or parts overlap, making the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 exceptionally reliable for robotic guidance and bin-picking applications.
The core strength of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 lies in its implementation of PatMax® technology, the industry standard for geometric pattern matching. Unlike traditional correlation-based tools that fail when parts are rotated or obscured, the algorithm in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 identifies objects based on their geometric relationships. This ensures consistent detection even in chaotic environments where lighting varies or parts overlap, making the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 exceptionally reliable for robotic guidance and bin-picking applications.
Ruggedized Industrial Design:
Built for durability, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 boasts an IP67 rating, allowing it to operate in wet, dusty, and corrosive environments without additional enclosures. Its compact form factor fits into tight machine spaces where larger cameras cannot go. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is constructed with high-grade materials that resist vibration and thermal shock, ensuring stable performance in heavy industries like automotive stamping or metal fabrication. This ruggedness minimizes downtime caused by environmental failures.
Built for durability, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 boasts an IP67 rating, allowing it to operate in wet, dusty, and corrosive environments without additional enclosures. Its compact form factor fits into tight machine spaces where larger cameras cannot go. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is constructed with high-grade materials that resist vibration and thermal shock, ensuring stable performance in heavy industries like automotive stamping or metal fabrication. This ruggedness minimizes downtime caused by environmental failures.
Flexible Connectivity and Integration:
The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 offers versatile communication options, including RS-232 serial, Ethernet TCP/IP, and 12 discrete I/O lines. This flexibility allows the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to integrate seamlessly with almost any PLC brand (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi) or robot controller. Users can configure the camera to send detailed measurement data over Ethernet while using discrete outputs for immediate reject signaling. The built-in web server in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 also enables remote monitoring and configuration from any standard browser.
The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 offers versatile communication options, including RS-232 serial, Ethernet TCP/IP, and 12 discrete I/O lines. This flexibility allows the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to integrate seamlessly with almost any PLC brand (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi) or robot controller. Users can configure the camera to send detailed measurement data over Ethernet while using discrete outputs for immediate reject signaling. The built-in web server in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 also enables remote monitoring and configuration from any standard browser.
Simplified Programming and Deployment:
Cognex’s In-Sight Explorer software simplifies the setup of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 through an intuitive spreadsheet interface. Engineers can drag and drop vision tools, adjust parameters in real-time, and view results instantly without writing complex code. The “EasyBuilder” mode further streamlines the process for standard applications, allowing non-experts to configure the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 quickly. This ease of use significantly reduces commissioning time and lowers the total cost of ownership for the CAM-CIC-4KL-24.
Cognex’s In-Sight Explorer software simplifies the setup of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 through an intuitive spreadsheet interface. Engineers can drag and drop vision tools, adjust parameters in real-time, and view results instantly without writing complex code. The “EasyBuilder” mode further streamlines the process for standard applications, allowing non-experts to configure the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 quickly. This ease of use significantly reduces commissioning time and lowers the total cost of ownership for the CAM-CIC-4KL-24.
Typical Application Scenarios
Automotive Assembly Verification:
In automotive manufacturing lines, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is extensively used to verify the presence and correct orientation of components such as gaskets, seals, and connectors before assembly. Its high-speed processing ensures that the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 can keep up with rapid conveyor speeds, rejecting defective parts instantly. The camera’s ability to read Data Matrix codes on engine blocks also facilitates traceability throughout the production process, ensuring every vehicle meets strict quality standards.
In automotive manufacturing lines, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is extensively used to verify the presence and correct orientation of components such as gaskets, seals, and connectors before assembly. Its high-speed processing ensures that the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 can keep up with rapid conveyor speeds, rejecting defective parts instantly. The camera’s ability to read Data Matrix codes on engine blocks also facilitates traceability throughout the production process, ensuring every vehicle meets strict quality standards.
Electronics Component Inspection:
The precision of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 makes it ideal for inspecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) and small electronic components. It can measure pin spacing, check for solder bridging, and verify component placement with sub-pixel accuracy. In cleanroom environments, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 operates reliably without generating particulate contamination. Its OCR capabilities are frequently employed to read date codes and lot numbers on chips, ensuring accurate inventory management and recall tracking.
The precision of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 makes it ideal for inspecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) and small electronic components. It can measure pin spacing, check for solder bridging, and verify component placement with sub-pixel accuracy. In cleanroom environments, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 operates reliably without generating particulate contamination. Its OCR capabilities are frequently employed to read date codes and lot numbers on chips, ensuring accurate inventory management and recall tracking.
Food and Beverage Packaging:
Due to its IP67 rating, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is perfectly suited for food and beverage packaging lines where frequent washdowns are required. The camera inspects bottle caps, label alignment, and fill levels at high speeds. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 can also read expiration dates printed on various packaging materials, even if the print quality is poor or the surface is reflective. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and prevents mislabeled products from reaching consumers.
Due to its IP67 rating, the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 is perfectly suited for food and beverage packaging lines where frequent washdowns are required. The camera inspects bottle caps, label alignment, and fill levels at high speeds. The CAM-CIC-4KL-24 can also read expiration dates printed on various packaging materials, even if the print quality is poor or the surface is reflective. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and prevents mislabeled products from reaching consumers.
Related Model Recommendations
CAM-CIC-5000: A newer generation In-Sight camera offering higher resolution and faster processing speeds; serves as a potential upgrade path for users needing more performance than the CAM-CIC-4KL-24.
In-Sight 1000: A smaller, lower-cost vision sensor in the same family, suitable for simpler applications where the full capabilities of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 are not required.
C-Mount Lenses (e.g., 12mm, 16mm, 25mm): Essential optics required to focus the image onto the sensor of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, selected based on field of view and working distance.
ICC-2400 Cable: A specialized multi-pin cable designed specifically for connecting the power, I/O, and serial interfaces of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to external devices.
Lighting Controllers (e.g., LSC-100): Devices used to synchronize strobe lights with the capture trigger of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, ensuring optimal illumination for high-speed imaging.
In-Sight 8000: A high-end vision system with color capabilities and 3D tools, offering advanced features for applications that exceed the scope of the monochrome CAM-CIC-4KL-24.
Mounting Brackets: Various articulating arms and fixed brackets designed to securely position the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 in diverse machine configurations.
Protective Housing Kits: Additional stainless steel enclosures for extreme hygiene applications, providing an extra layer of protection for the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 in aggressive chemical environments.
In-Sight 1000: A smaller, lower-cost vision sensor in the same family, suitable for simpler applications where the full capabilities of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 are not required.
C-Mount Lenses (e.g., 12mm, 16mm, 25mm): Essential optics required to focus the image onto the sensor of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, selected based on field of view and working distance.
ICC-2400 Cable: A specialized multi-pin cable designed specifically for connecting the power, I/O, and serial interfaces of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to external devices.
Lighting Controllers (e.g., LSC-100): Devices used to synchronize strobe lights with the capture trigger of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, ensuring optimal illumination for high-speed imaging.
In-Sight 8000: A high-end vision system with color capabilities and 3D tools, offering advanced features for applications that exceed the scope of the monochrome CAM-CIC-4KL-24.
Mounting Brackets: Various articulating arms and fixed brackets designed to securely position the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 in diverse machine configurations.
Protective Housing Kits: Additional stainless steel enclosures for extreme hygiene applications, providing an extra layer of protection for the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 in aggressive chemical environments.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance InstructionsInstallation preparation:
Before installing the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, ensure the mounting location provides a stable platform free from excessive vibration that could blur images. Select an appropriate C-mount lens based on the required field of view and working distance, securing it tightly to the camera body. Connect the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to a regulated 24 V DC power supply using the recommended multi-pin cable, paying close attention to pin assignments to avoid damage. Ensure the Ethernet or RS-232 cables are routed away from high-voltage lines to prevent electromagnetic interference. Finally, adjust the lighting angle and intensity to maximize contrast between the feature of interest and the background.
Before installing the CAM-CIC-4KL-24, ensure the mounting location provides a stable platform free from excessive vibration that could blur images. Select an appropriate C-mount lens based on the required field of view and working distance, securing it tightly to the camera body. Connect the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 to a regulated 24 V DC power supply using the recommended multi-pin cable, paying close attention to pin assignments to avoid damage. Ensure the Ethernet or RS-232 cables are routed away from high-voltage lines to prevent electromagnetic interference. Finally, adjust the lighting angle and intensity to maximize contrast between the feature of interest and the background.
Maintenance suggestions:
Regular maintenance of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 involves cleaning the lens front element and the camera housing window with a lint-free cloth and approved solvent to remove dust, oil, or debris that could degrade image quality. Periodically check the cable connections for signs of wear, corrosion, or looseness, especially in vibrating machinery. Monitor the camera’s internal temperature and diagnostic logs via the software to detect early signs of hardware stress. If image quality deteriorates suddenly, verify that the lighting source has not dimmed or failed, as this is a common issue mistaken for camera failure in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24. Keep a backup configuration file saved externally to facilitate quick restoration in case of replacement.
Regular maintenance of the CAM-CIC-4KL-24 involves cleaning the lens front element and the camera housing window with a lint-free cloth and approved solvent to remove dust, oil, or debris that could degrade image quality. Periodically check the cable connections for signs of wear, corrosion, or looseness, especially in vibrating machinery. Monitor the camera’s internal temperature and diagnostic logs via the software to detect early signs of hardware stress. If image quality deteriorates suddenly, verify that the lighting source has not dimmed or failed, as this is a common issue mistaken for camera failure in the CAM-CIC-4KL-24. Keep a backup configuration file saved externally to facilitate quick restoration in case of replacement.
