Visual Indicator Delivers Operator Guidance at Most Critical Point

In Booth E-134062, utilizing the power of IO-Link, Balluff Inc. (Florence, KY) has created a visual indicator line capable of directing, instructing and guiding operators in nearly any manufacturing task. The new-to-market indicators increase productivity and minimize workforce errors by providing innovative personnel guidance in a variety of applications — pick-to-light systems, part placement, part positions, format change guidance and many others. “Providing guidance and verification directly at the point-of-use is growing trend,” said Tom Rosenberg, the vice president of marketing and engineering at Balluff, Inc. “The process improvements are substantial when operators can stay focused on their assembly tasks without having to look away for process versification and sequential guidance.”

The indicator line, like all of the SmartLight family of products, compliments the workforce and transforms the work process to increase flexibility, speed and efficiency with human operators, an irreplaceable part of any agile automation environment. As Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Motors recently tweeted in reference to the production process at Tesla, “Humans are underrated.” The indicators are capable of segment indication (up to six), continuously-variable level indication and run/wait indication. Machine mounting allows all of this rich process information to be displayed directly in the operator’s sightline. Expansion mode allows two Indicators to be connected to one IO-Link port saving money and simplifying cabling. Highlights include:

• Full control of standard colors or mix your own to match corporate identity.
• Unique shape is capable of indicating direction.
• Operates in 1, 2, 3 or 6 segments for just the level of information required.
• Level mode is capable of displaying multiple colors for low and high values.
• Run/wait mode is capable of indicating stoppages and slowdowns.

Balluff Inc., 8125 Holton Drive, Florence, KY 41042, 859-727-2200, www.balluff.com.