The evolution of M-TECH inspection lamps

New standards in workshop lighting!

Portable workshop lamps, also known as inspection lamps, have been one of the most rapidly growing segments of accessory automotive lighting for several years. 

Accurate workplace lighting is the basis for efficient and safe operation. It applies to mechanics as well as DIY enthusiasts in the garage and workshop, but not only. In such a situation, a powerful workshop lamp is reliable and indispensable, which can be used, for example, to spotlight components that need to be repaired, making it easier to diagnose the cause of failure.

ILPRO1xx...

M-TECH, as an industry leader, knows this very well, which is why the entire ILPRO1xx series lamp family was added to the range in January 2021. It included 7 models ILPRO103, ILPRO104, ILPRO105, ILPRO107, ILPRO109, ILPRO120 and ILPRO307. 

The ILPRO103 is the most powerful, handy, pocket-sized lamp available on the market. You will be hard pressed to find a similarly powerful model in the offerings of the major players on the market (lumen to size ratio). Thanks to the use of top-quality branded diodes, a luminous flux of up to 600 lumens is obtained, and the materials used in the production process are a guarantee of the highest quality and reliability An additional element is a belt clip and a built-in magnet making it easy to use. The product emits a flashing light signal - warning that the battery is fully discharged.

ILPRO104 is a folding lamp of a small size. The narrow, movable light section with 270-degree manoeuvrability and a light reaching up to 500 lumens allows any strong light output to be positioned in hard-to-reach areas. The ILPRO104 workshop lamp is also equipped with an LED battery status indicator (indicator). In addition, the improved rechargeable battery allows up to 20 hours of continuous use, and the metal hook and built-in magnet significantly increase the usability of the lamp. This torch can also be used without disassembly.

The ILPRO105 is distinguished by its flexible head (the luminous part is mounted on a flexible element connecting it to the rest of the lamp) and the ability to manoeuvre the entire lamp 360 degrees around its axis. The use of these two solutions allows the light beam to be positioned as desired, providing comfort even in the most inaccessible areas. In addition, the lamp has been equipped with a brightness regulator of the emitted light in the range of 10%-100% (the so-called dimmer), thanks to which it is possible to reduce its intensity in places where it is not needed and thus extend its operating time up to 20h. In addition, it has been equipped with an LED battery status indicator, which allows you to keep an eye on the battery charge level (indicator). 

The ILPRO107 is another entry in the extremely popular M-TECH ILPRO series on the market. The most important feature is the ability to switch the lamp on and off using hand movements, which is important, for example, when hands are dirty with oil or grease. The light module equipped with a lens, thanks to the application of the innovative ULTRA VIEW FLOOD technology, ensures even distribution of the luminous flux (max. 450lm) over the entire surface, which, combined with the TWIST FOCUS system allowing for a quick change of the beam from focused to diffused, can fully utilise the possibilities offered by ILPRO107. In addition, the silicone straps used on the inside of the strap ensure that even with sudden movements, the lamp remains stable and does not slip from the head. ILPRO107 is the perfect professional solution wherever you need both hands to work.

The LPRO109 is currently the most powerful handheld workshop lamp on the market. Thanks to the use of the best branded light sources (27 LEDs), we obtain a strong, uniform light with a luminous flux of up to 1100 lumens for the main function and up to 200 lumens for the auxiliary function, which, with a 5000mAh battery, allows up to 8 hours of continuous operation. The lamp is equipped with two strong magnets, a 360-degree hook, a belt clip and a separate button to reduce the light output by up to 50%. All of the above elements contribute to the ILPRO109's usability and allow the lamp to be used to its full potential.

The ILPRO120 model is a lamp with a wide range of applications. Its main purpose is to be mounted under the bonnet of a car, allowing excellent illumination of the engine compartment, which makes work very easy and efficient, or to illuminate the interior of a car by attaching the lamp to the roof. The adjustable holder span from 117 to 163 cm and the special material that covers the elements in question ensure 100% protection of the paintwork against scratches or damage. In addition, the entire luminous element has an adjustable light angle of 120 degrees, which is its undoubted advantage, as is the luminous flux of max. 1800 lm. The ILPRO120 boasts a 5000 mAh cell, which, combined with 3 modes, allows you to enjoy continuous operation for up to 10h. In addition, the model is equipped with a built-in battery charge indicator (indicator), which makes it easy to check the battery status and has a direct impact on working comfort. The ILPRO120 uses the innovative "Dual 2 in 1" system. This allows continuous operation even when the battery is discharged, as the battery is simultaneously charged when connected to the mains.

ILPRO307 is an innovative and professional inspection lamp that has been developed with versatility in mind. The main advantage of ILPRO307 is that the lamp can be adjusted in two planes: around its own axis 360 degrees (independently) and 180 degrees in the other plane (independently)! This makes it possible to position it in a variety of ways to ensure adequate illumination of the working area. In addition, the light reaching up to 1,000 lumens allows for precise and reliable illumination of the work area. Practical hooks and strong magnets allow the lamp to be placed almost anywhere possible, making work much easier and having a direct impact on its quality. The product is equipped with a USB-C type charging function.

ILPRO5xx…

The unquestionable success that the ILPRO1xx series has enjoyed on the market has led M-TECH to follow suit and introduce the ILPRO5xx series in the second half of 2023. M-TECH's ILPRO5xx series/family of inspection lamps is a completely innovative line, which is distinguished from all other such products on the market by two unique features/features such as inductive charging (Wirless) and PD 20W fast charging capability, which cuts the process itself in half. Such a solution is hardly to be found among inspection lamps available on the automotive market, even from the leading manufacturers in this segment. By introducing 4 models with different characteristics at the same time, M-TECH ensures that every user will find a lamp that meets 100% of their needs. 

 

The first model is the ILPRO502, a small, compact lamp which, despite its not very impressive size, can "deliver" a luminous flux of max. 1000lm, which until now has only been reserved for large handheld inspection/workshop lamps, speaks for itself. In addition, a handle that allows 180 ˚ adjustment and a built-in magnet round off the strengths of this model. Thanks to the battery charge indicator (indicator), we can continuously check the battery charge level.

ILPRO506, which is a sleek, handheld inspection lamp with an ergonomic shape that fits well in the hand and uses a 10W HP LED (max. 1000lm) as its light source. This is combined with a 130 ˚ adjustment of the light element and, in addition, the use of the Zoom function which allows the light output to be adjusted as required (narrow-spot, wide-flood). The use of these two elements means that we can direct the light beam wherever it is needed and reach even the tightest corners. All of the above elements demonstrate the high versatility of this model, which even the most discriminating consumers on the market will appreciate. In addition, ILPRO506 has a built-in 4-level battery charge indicator (indicator), which has a direct impact on working comfort.

The next model, ILPRO507, is a product from the category of headlamps which has been extremely popular recently, mainly due to the fact that during use, both hands are always free and ready for work. Two independent auxiliary (max 200 lm) and main (max 400 lm) light sources with three light modes mean that every user will be able to adjust the optimum amount of light that is needed at any given time. In addition, silicone strips on the inner part of the band have a direct impact on comfort and safety.

The latest lamp introduced is the flagship model ILPRO508. It is distinguished from the models currently available on the market by two main features. The first is the light source used in the production process which is responsible for the main luminous element, i.e. a 15W COB diode, which in 100% mode reaches a maximum of 1700lm. Such a result puts the competition far, far behind among its products in the category of handheld inspection lamps. The second feature to note is the spot-type auxiliary light. Placed on a 30 cm flexible shaft, there is no area that we cannot illuminate adequately. All of these features, combined with the highest quality materials used in the production process, mean that even the most discriminating users of this type of product will find no reason to complain.

Finally, we must not forget the most important element of the entire ILPRO50xx family. The ILPRO500 model, a "cradle" which enables inductive charging of all the aforementioned models and is additionally equipped with a PD 20W function, allows you to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by the ILPRO5xx series. The "cradle" itself is equipped with two charging points, one of which has been fitted with additional holders to allow the charging of mobile phones with built-in wireless/inductive charging (Wireless).

ILPRO6xx…

M-TECH is not settling on its laurels, however, and is expanding the ILPRO series lamp family by adding another model, ILPRO603, at the beginning of 2024. It is distinguished by an innovative feature that is/cannot be found in vain in competing products on the market. The lamp has the possibility of replacing the battery when discharged with a new one (additional battery included), which allows you to enjoy uninterrupted operation for long hours. The battery itself has a built-in USB-C socket so that it can be charged directly, even outside the lamp housing. The battery can be replaced by unscrewing the plug located at the bottom of the lamp. The ILPRO603 is a handy, compact workshop torch with a small footprint. The lamp is equipped with as many as three light sources, which distinguishes it from the products available on the market. (main light max. 1000 lumens, auxiliary light max. up to 200 lumens, UV light 395nm). Thanks to the use of UV light, it is the ideal tool for diagnosing leaks in car air-conditioning systems. The leak detection method using a UV lamp is very well known to car A/C repair mechanics and is used most frequently and gives the best results. Simply add a small amount of so-called contrast to the air-conditioning system and you can quickly see which air-conditioning component is to be repaired or replaced.

The lamp is equipped with a battery charge indicator (indicator) to keep track of battery usage, a strong magnet and a 360° hook, which has a direct impact on usability and comfort.

ILPRO's lamps are manufactured using high-quality materials such as polycarbonate, metal, vinyl, nylon and TPR, which guarantee reliability even in the most difficult working conditions, which are common to most users of this type of product. In addition, the components used, such as light sources and lithium-ion cells, have made the ILPRO series a sales hit right from the start. All lamps are equipped with the Overcharging and Discharge Protection System (OPS) and an intelligent lamp switch-off system - 3 seconds after switching the lamp on and into a convenient mode, one click switches it off. This means that we do not have to click several times to switch the lamp off, which can be irritating with regular use. The products are IP54 / IP65 certified, making them waterproof while the housing remains resistant to contamination. In addition, the IK08 mechanical resistance class protects them from external mechanical impacts (the lamp can withstand the fall of an object weighing 1,700 g from a height of 29.5 cm)-thereby affecting the durability of the device and the safety of use. A selected range has also contributed to the success, ensuring that everyone will find a model that meets their requirements.

Summary

Portable workshop lamps, also known as inspection lamps, have gained popularity for their functionality in accurately illuminating work areas. They have become an indispensable piece of equipment for professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. 

M-TECH, an industry leader, introduced the ILPRO1xx series in January 2021, including models ILPRO103, ILPRO104, ILPRO105, ILPRO107, ILPRO109, ILPRO120 and ILPRO307. Each of these models has unique features such as powerful light sources, adjustable light angle, battery indicators and a variety of handles for ease of use. 

The unquestionable success of the first iteration of the ILPRO series led to the ILPRO5xx series being launched in 2023. Unlike the ILPRO1xx, which had the classic method of charging via cable, the next iteration of the series has been improved in this respect. All ILPRO5xx models have been equipped with innovative functionalities that cannot be found in competitor products in vain. These include the PD20W fast charging capability, which allows the process to be halved, and inductive charging (wireless) using the ILPRO500 charging panel. ILPRO502, ILPRO506, ILPRO507 and ILPRO508, like the previous models, are made of the highest quality materials, have an adjustable light output and an ergonomic design that directly affects comfort and safety.

The latest offering, the ILPRO603 model, introduced at the beginning of 2024, is distinguished by the possibility of changing the battery (additional battery included), in which a USB-C socket has been built in, allowing it to be charged also outside the lamp, which allows, in principle, continuous operation 24/7.In addition, the ILPRO603 is distinguished by three light sources, including UV, which is ideal for diagnosing leaks in air-conditioning systems. All lamps in the ILPRO series are characterised by high quality workmanship, water resistance, resistance to mechanical damage and overcharge and discharge protection systems.

M-TECH Poland proves that innovation and quality go hand in hand, providing products that meet the requirements of the most demanding users. Without a doubt, the ILPRO series workshop lights represent a new standard in the inspection lighting industry.

The ILPRO series is also an excellent example of the Research & Development department's commitment to improving the product range, which can serve as a model of what product development and development should look like using the latest trends and innovative solutions available on the market.

Bartłomiej Szternal
Product Manager