High-pressure protection. Uncompromised imaging.
Kowa TC1 and TC2 lens tubes provide a simple and effective way to protect machine vision optics in demanding industrial environments where water, oil, dust and aggressive cleaning processes are unavoidable.
Designed for use with both standard and waterproof Kowa lenses, the lens tubes extend the capabilities of existing optics by creating a robust protective barrier around the lens. This enables dependable imaging in environments subject to high-pressure washdown, intensive sanitation and challenging operating conditions.
Compact protection without bulky enclosures
Protecting cameras and lenses in harsh environments traditionally means installing the entire imaging system inside a large protective enclosure.
Kowa lens tubes provide a more streamlined approach.
The compact construction consists of a protective cover section, optical glass/acrylic front element and camera mounting section, creating a dedicated protective housing around the lens while allowing the overall vision system to remain compact.
This can simplify installation in machinery where space is restricted while reducing the complexity and cost associated with larger environmental housings.
Built for the toughest washdown environments
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Food & Beverage Processing
Vision inspection around production lines that undergo frequent high-pressure sanitation.
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Pharmaceutical & Medical Production
Imaging systems installed in areas requiring intensive cleaning and hygiene procedures.
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CNC & Metalworking
Protection against coolant, oil, water spray and contamination inside machining environments.
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Packaging & Processing Equipment
Reliable optical protection around automated machinery exposed to regular washdown.
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Chemical & Industrial Processing
Machine vision installations where water, oil and demanding cleaning processes place additional pressure on standard imaging equipment.
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Automotive Manufacturing
Vision systems operating around wet, oily or heavily cleaned production environments.
Engineered for Reliable Industrial Vision.
Machine vision systems used in food production, manufacturing, processing and other harsh industrial environments can be exposed to regular high-pressure cleaning. Conventional optical components may require bulky protective housings to survive these conditions.
Kowa TC1 and TC2 lens tubes offer a more compact solution, helping protect the lens while maintaining a practical machine vision system footprint.
When used as part of Kowa's recommended configuration, the system is designed to withstand pressures of 80–100 bar, water flow rates of 14–16 litres per minute and temperatures ranging from +80°C down to –5°C.
Key benefits
- IP69K protection when used in the specified Kowa system configuration
- Compatible with waterproof and non-waterproof Kowa lenses
- Protection against high-pressure washdown
- Dust-tight protection
- Oil-resistant construction
- Compact alternative to larger protective enclosures
- Helps protect existing lens investment
- Reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements
- Designed to maintain stable imaging in demanding environments
Upgrade standard optics for harsh environments
One of the major advantages of the Kowa TC1 and TC2 system is the ability to use existing Kowa lenses in applications that would normally require specialist waterproof optics.
Rather than replacing a suitable lens purely because of environmental conditions, a compatible lens can be installed within the protective lens tube. This allows system designers greater freedom when selecting focal length, sensor format and optical performance.
The lens tubes can also be used with Kowa waterproof lenses, providing an additional level of protection against high-pressure washdown.
Protect the optics. Protect the image.
Environmental protection is not only about preventing physical damage.
Water, oil, dirt and contamination on an optical system can gradually affect image quality and reduce inspection reliability. By placing the lens inside a dedicated protective tube, Kowa helps isolate the optics from the surrounding environment and reduce direct exposure to harsh cleaning processes.
The result is a vision system designed to deliver dependable imaging while reducing unnecessary maintenance and downtime.
What does IP69K mean?
IP69K represents one of the highest levels of ingress protection available for industrial equipment. It is intended for equipment operating in environments where intense cleaning, water pressure and elevated temperatures are part of normal operation.
Testing exposes the system to powerful water jets from multiple directions, helping replicate the conditions encountered during industrial washdown, steam cleaning and aggressive sanitation procedures.
Kowa lens tube testing includes:
80–100 bar water pressure
Designed to withstand powerful high-pressure cleaning.
14–16 L/min flow rate
High volumes of water simulate demanding industrial washdown.
+80°C to –5°C exposure
Performance is tested across challenging temperature conditions.
Multiple spray angles
Testing is performed at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90°.
Close-range water impact
Water jets are applied from distances of approximately 100–150 mm.
360° exposure
The system is rotated during testing to ensure all surfaces are subjected to the cleaning process.