High-Precision Fuel Cap Inspection with Kowa Lenses

Gerstung Maschinenbau Relies on the LM8JC5MC Lens for Quality Control

In industrial automation, quality control is everything. At Gerstung Maschinenbau, this commitment to precision is evident in their custom inspection machines - including one built specifically for analyzing fuel cap surface quality and leak integrity. At the heart of this system: a Kowa LM8JC5MC lens ensuring every visual detail is captured accurately and reliably.

About Gerstung Maschinenbau

Based in Germany, Gerstung specializes in the design and manufacture of custom machinery for automation processes. Their portfolio includes assembly machines, leak testing systems, and visual inspection equipment tailored to customer-specific needs. From fully automated production lines to semi-automated workstations, flexibility and precision define Gerstung's approach to engineering.

Application: Visual and Leak Inspection of Fuel Caps

In their demonstration unit used at trade fairs, Gerstung developed an automated inspection machine that performs two key tasks:

Visual Surface Inspection: Fuel caps are conveyed to camera stations where surface scratches and print defects are detected. Using side illumination, the camera system, equipped with the Kowa LM8JC5MC lens, provides high-resolution images ideal for identifying even subtle defects like missing or smeared paint.
Leak Testing: If the visual check is passed, the cap is pressurized with 0.1 bar, and the system measures leakage. Parts that pass both tests are sorted to the "OK" output; failures go to the "NOK" magazine.

Why Gerstung Chose the Kowa LM8JC5MC Lens

"We chose it for the high resolution," says Eve Samland. "The focal length, aperture, and compatibility with side illumination made it the perfect match for our inspection setup."

The LM8JC5MC is part of Kowa’s 1” C-Mount lens series, designed for sensors with pixel sizes from 2.5 µm and resolutions up to 5 megapixels. Its compact design, low distortion, and excellent light transmission make it a trusted solution for machine vision applications.