Do you know what this light tunnel is for?

Of course, it’s about taking beautiful photos of cars, but it’s not just that. These tunnels are essential for manufacturers.

Let’s cut short the most far-fetched hypotheses; the goal is not to showcase the car in a setting worthy of Tron, Star Wars, or Star Trek, depending on whether you are a fan of one or the other. These tunnels are actually an absolutely essential element in the production chain of a car.

Painting is a delicate and essential component of any automobile, and manufacturers have no choice but to reject vehicles with even the slightest imperfections. What customer would accept a car with a stained body? Although automated surface inspection technologies continue to advance, a pair of expert human eyes is essential to ensure flawless work. These LED light tunnels are actually a relatively recent technology designed to enhance quality control in automotive paint shops by providing an optimal working environment.

An Old Technique Modernized

Be careful; while the tunnel technology is recent, it is by no means a true novelty, as body shop workers have been using lighting devices for many years to inspect the results of their work. The real innovation comes from LED technology, which allows for instant and almost infinite variation of light intensity and warm or cool white rendering.

The lights are mounted on strips that form the arch of the tunnel. The strips are staggered to create an impression of open space but are close enough to reduce outside noise and reflections, thus eliminating any disturbance during the final inspection of the bodywork. LEDs generate little heat, ensuring a comfortable working environment, and emit soft, uniform light that does not cast shadows when a vehicle passes through the tunnel. This makes it possible to detect even the slightest imperfections in a matter of seconds and send the defective vehicle back to the paint division.

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