Dynamic Status Indication
Clearly Communicate Advanced Statuses
Indicator lights have long been the visual language of machines. However, traditional indicators are limited—typically offering 3-5 colors to represent a wide range of statuses. Sometimes this palette isn’t enough to capture the complexities of modern machines and processes.
Programmable RGB indicators let you choose from a wider variety of colors and change them as needed. Many RGB indicators also come with pre-defined animations and advanced functions to expand indication possibilities and represent active machine statuses.
Get More Insight at a Glance
Dynamic statuses are machine or process conditions that are often challenging to convey with a traditional solid color or flashing light. Examples include machine warmup state, transitional states, takt time remaining, fill level, and more.
Advanced indication requires a broader spectrum of color options. More colors allow each status or assembly step to have a unique indication from other steps, eliminating confusion and speeding up interpretation of the signals.
Additional colors and animations also communicate advanced states visually and intuitively for operators and supervisors alike. They add nuance to the visual language of your machines, conveying more status information at a glance compared to traditional indicators.
Keep reading to learn more about indication solutions for dynamic machine statuses, or contact us to discuss your specific application.
Use Case: Machine Startup and Transition States
- Many machines have a “warm-up” period after being turned on before the machine is ready to go.
- With traditional indication, an indicator light might be off when the machine is off and then turn green when the machine is turned on. This can be confusing to an operator if the light is green, but the machine is still warming up.
- An indicator with a 2-color rotating animation mimics the “loading” icons used in PC environments and can indicate that the machine is working but not ready to start the next process.
- The animation can then turn to a solid light when the machine is ready to go. The operator then can easily identify the state of the machine.
- Operators can also spend warm-up time on other productive activities versus just waiting.
Use Case: Takt Time Indication
- Programmable LED touch buttons can be used to indicate takt time in assembly processes. This dynamic, visual feedback can help keep an assembler on track and aware of how much time has elapsed without having to look away from work.
- Takt time is important to manufacturers because it represents the rate of production that is needed to match demand and maximize profits.
- Using the IO-Link compatible K50 Pro touch button ensures operators are maintaining takt time.
- Sequence mode is included with IO-Link models and can be used as a timer. The bright LED lights are easy-to-see and installed directly in an assembler's sightlines for increased efficiency and less distraction from the task at hand.
Use Case: Tank Level Monitoring
- Operators, material handlers, and supervisors need to see the level of product in the hopper. However, local displays are not visible throughout the factory.
- The TL50 Pro tower light shows fill level through distinct, color-coded segments, and is visible from across the factory floor so operators can quickly respond to high or low-level alerts.
- The IO-Link master directly converts the laser measurement into an easy to understand fill level based on user-defined thresholds.
- Personnel can see the fill level status from a distance. In the event of an alert, the staff can identify whether the level is too high or too low, so they are immediately prepared to respond to the situation.
Programmable Multicolor Indicator
Programmable all-purpose indicator with a 50 mm dome or flat window provides bolder, brighter status indication.
- The K50 Pro Series multicolor indicator allows users to configure color, flashing, dimming, and advanced animations like rotation, strobing, 2-color display, 2-color rotation, 2-color flashing, and chase.
- Pro Editor-compatible models allow users to choose from predefined colors and program devices in the field without requiring IO-Link.
- Models with IO-Link communication enable almost limitless capacity for custom indication.
- Standardize on fewer models that can be customized in-field, saving costs and inventory requirements
- Rugged IP66, IP67, and IP69K polycarbonate housing
- Simple wiring plan for easy setup and cost savings
- Optional audible alarm provides a distinct, loud notification of status
Programmable Multicolor Touch Button
K50 Pro touch buttons combine proven touch technology and ruggedness with the added versatility of RGB LEDs.
- Bright LED indicators combined with touch-activated switching capabilities
- Rugged IP67 and IP69K construction for high-pressure washdown environments
- Ergonomic design requires no physical pressure to operate and eases stress on the hands and wrists
- IO-Link models have full Pro capabilities managed dynamically by the master, plus individual LED control for full status customization
- Sequence mode is included on IO-Link models and can be used to indicate level, takt time, and more
TL50 Pro Series with IO-Link
Programmable Tower Light
Versatile, self-contained tower lights that provide users with an almost limitless capacity for custom indication by combining the large color options offered by RGB LEDs with the dynamic control capabilities offered by IO-Link communication.
- Rugged, cost-effective, and easy-to-install
- Parameter and process data options enable fast and complete control of functionality
- IO-Link gives full control of color, flashing, rotation, and light intensity, as well as advanced animations
- High-visibility, at-a-glance operator guidance, and status indication
- Supports up to 10 light segments with the option for an additional audible segment
- Audible models available with standard, sealed, or omnidirectional audible element
