There are many factors to consider when selecting a light pipe to ensure the most effective use in your application. The most important of these considerations are listed below:

• Rigid or Flexible – There are two basic types of light pipes available and those are rigid and flexible. Both have their own strengths as described below:

Rigid light pipes are selected for applications where you have a straight or right angle connection from the power source to the display panel. This lightpipe type is generally                   smaller and less expensive as the wiring cost is minimized by the direct connection.

Flexible light pipes are used when your panel is further away from the power source or when you do not have a straight line of sight connection available. The VCC Flexible                      Litepipe™, one of the most advanced, can provide a 180° viewing angle and very little light degradation even when implemented with extreme bending angles.

• Shape, Size – An extensive selection of light pipe shapes and sizes are available to meet your production and signaling needs. The Litepipe™ series includes but is not limited to square, rectangle and round shapes with sizes ranging from 2.5mm to 5mm. When implementing an intricate signaling process, a combination of different shapes and sizes used in conjunction with different colored LEDs permits a wide range of options for providing clear communication.
• Environment – The environment in which you are placing your light pipe signaling connection is one of the most important considerations to take into account. VCC’s Litepipe™ series has both flexible and rigid options for use in locations that encounter moisture, dust and other debris that can damage and degrade normal connection types. The LMS and LCS series are moisture sealed and have been successfully used in a number of applications with dust and moisture exposure.
• Power – The amount of power available to power your signaling system is often determined by the heat sink abilities of your PCB. VCC’s Litepipe™ series can be implemented with minimum power consumption. There is also a high-intensity Litepipe™ available where a more intense light is required by the design or environment.  One phone call or e-mail to your VCC representative or a look the VCC catalog will provide you with Litepipe™ specifications to find the exact requirements for your selection so it can be built into your power design.

VCC has long been a leader in this field and our experts can provide you with more in depth information regarding our wide array of Litepipes™ and inventive ways to implement them into your design. Contact us today at: www.vcclite.com for all your light pipe needs.

When Dispensing Dynamics International (DDI) faced a supply chain issue on a light pipe from another manufacturer, they turned to VCC.  Our extensive variety and selection of flexible and rigid light pipes, interconnectors, and PCB accessories offer convenient, affordable solutions in stock, and ready for your use. DDI knew with the assistance of our dedicated experts, finding the right part would be a cinch. Within 48 hours of contacting VCC, DDI received samples that proved to be a clear solution to their first production build on a new version of their industry leading motion detected paper towel dispensers.  The ability of VCC to respond quickly with a selection that met the requirements helped DDI maintain their development schedule.

DDI has 75 years of experience developing new and innovative applications such as the first patented paper roll towel dispenser, the first lever action dispenser, the first automatic transfer tissue dispenser, and the best selling line of no touch dispensers. The time and thought put into prototype development and testing has led to a successful line of state-of-the art dispensing solutions.  The designs of DDI have propelled and kept them at the top of their field.

VCC Optoelectronics is an innovator as well and we are proud of our relationships with companies like DDI.  Working hand in hand with these flourishing companies allows VCC to anticipate and meet the needs of future projects. We are dedicated to reacting quickly to customers in need of specific products and solutions for the ever-growing field of light indicator solutions. Call or contact us at www.vcclite.com and we can expedite the delivery of your lighting solution.

For more information about DDI products visit: www.dispensingdynamics.com