Introducing a breakthrough technology in stack lights – The Balluff Configurable Smart Light

The Balluff Smart Light in Level Mode, displaying the level of parts in a feeder bowl.

Balluff’s new Smart Light is the first stack light on the market to incorporate flexible digital configuration – without the need for complex hardware selection. By using Balluff’s software-configurable Smart Light to indicate machine status, visual indication is simplified with just a single part number.

The Balluff Smart Light can be connected to virtually any industrial network via the open and universal standard, IO-Link. This device can be used with a variety of IP67 distributed modular I/O products offered from a variety of IO-Link vendors which eliminates the need to have a remote I/O box simply to control an indicator light. Balluff’s Smart Light can be configured on the fly, is controlled using simple bitmaps for the outputs, and can function in any of three operating modes:

Stack Light Mode - Program 1-5 positions of 360° LEDs with a variety of colors
Level Mode - For indication of high or low level tied to a numerical value
Run Mode - Indicate running status or add emphasis with a simple scrolling light

Most stack lights in use today come in an overwhelming variety of options and configurations. The Balluff Smart Light allows for one part number to cover all options and configurations and since this device uses an industry-standard M12 connector and is IP54, it can be mounted right on the machine without the need for a long cable run to the control or a remote I/O cabinet.

The Balluff Smart Light is also cost effective for visual level monitoring, since it doesn’t require HMIs, or other expensive devices. In addition, its bright colors are easier to see than small meters and easier to understand than numerical meters. The Smart Light’s level mode can be used for a variety of indications such as: machine speed, throughput, output quality, operator performance to quota, position feedback, feeder bowl level, hopper level, container level, tank level, output bin level, kanban or pick-to-light systems.

See the Smart Light in action, watch our video on YouTube (Best watched with your sound up!)