How to budget the lighting, not just the camera
Budget the lights, the brackets, and the shielding, not only the camera price. On metallised, clear, and embossed work, the light often decides whether the defect can be seen.
The budget has to include the lights, the brackets, and the light shielding. Do not compare only the camera price. On metallised, clear, and embossed jobs, the light often decides whether you can see more than the camera does. If a quote has no lights, add them and then compare.
Why it is judged this way
The same camera: front light is enough for a carton, and metallised film will overexpose. If the supplier lists the lights as optional and you do not buy the option, that class of job cannot be inspected. Write your three hardest materials into the request, and require the lights to be included.
What to compare
| What you see | What to call it | What not to do |
|---|---|---|
| The quote includes the lights that this class of material needs | It can be compared | Compare only the camera unit price |
| The lights are optional and not selected | This class of job cannot be seen | Find that out at acceptance |
| Brackets and shielding are not counted | The site will still add cost | Treat installation as free |
At job change or when a roll is opened
- List the three hardest materials.
- Require the quote to state which light is used for each material.
- Add the light amount into the total, then compare.
