From design to deployment, LEDs are disrupting industrial processes left and right.
In automated machines, the superior luminaries are used for signaling, detailed identification, smart notifications and product inspections.
According to Dr. Axelrod, a consultant for electro-optical sensing and control systems, the advantages of LEDs for machine autonomy includes the following:
- Rapid switching capability (less than 1 microsecond on/off toggling)
- Availability in many colors (plus white) in different geometries
- Long life (up to 50,000+ hours) and low ongoing maintenance costs
- Cool-literally and figuratively-operation with reduced auxiliary cooling requirements
- Small, flexible units (streamline form factor requirements)
The fixture’s exceptional performance in demanding environments and ability to emit an array of different colors (including infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths) help support fast-paced workflows on the production line. For example, a pulsing red light may notify the assembler that the conveyer belt is in motion; while a white “constant on” beam signals that it’s safe to work with components on the line.
Additionally, some facilities use UV LED beams when inspecting labels on products during final-stage packaging. Illuminative materials on the label may react with the light to show that the seals have not been tampered with before shipment.
Learn more about how these robust lights are shaping machine vision and automation systems in the article below:
