High-Speed lighting based on LED technology

The automotive industry uses various types of crash testing every day to evaluate and improve automotive safety. The application of high-speed photography utilizing two- or three-dimensional test analysis is the current tool of choice. While high-speed cameras have become more sophisticated, they cannot solve all problems facing the photographer. Along with camera optics, light is the most critical element in achieving the best pictures, using the desired frame rate and depth of focus.

Since LED technology has become more robust, LED lighting for high-speed photography has become more and more popular over the past couple of years. LED technology offers advantages over conventional HMI lighting solutions. HMI lamps require a couple of minutes of warming-up time as well as a couple for cooling-down before re-start. More convenient, LEDs start instantly. Light is simply there whenever you need it. Additionally, LED are more efficient using lower wattage power supplies.

Crash tests are particularly challenging for onboard lights. Impact resistance and compact design are critical to perform in demandingly confined spaces. For onboard lighting, Atlas prefers the HIGH-G LED series from our partner IES Elektronikentwicklung.

The Control System

For the performance of high-speed tests, a specifically defined time sequence must be followed. Additionally, the lighting system needs to be reliably integrated into the master test control system. That is where optimum positioning and illumination configurations for each test are stored as complete files. This ensures that the lighting system will perform properly for each and every test.

The Movement System

With over 40 years of experience, Atlas knows how to design and install the right positioning system that will meet your current and future testing needs. HIGH-S-LIGHT systems can move in all spatial directions (x-/y-/z-direction) and are fully rotational. Also, with special speed-drive, Atlas systems can be positioned up to 3x faster than conventional systems. These systems are especially useful for all test facilities with large distances e.g. between crash-block and car-to-car areas.