FAQ's | Light Pipes, PMI, PCB Assembly & More

1. What is a light pipe?

An LED light pipe is a rod made of acrylic or plastic that is used to transmit light from the light source at the printed circuit board (PCB) to the indicator panel of a device.

Light pipes are cost-effective illumination solutions that provide consistent illumination and design flexibility. They typically fall into two categories:

Rigid light pipes – polycarbonate acrylic rods transmit light from a stationary position that connects the PCB and interface

Flexible light pipesr optic rods can carry light around curves and in tight spaces to connect the light source and the user interface

2. What types of light pipes does VCC offer?

VCC offers clients an extensive light pipe portfolio with solutions for essentially every need and design configuration.

If your product requires a custom design, our team can develop the ideal solution, then test and prototype it before production.

Rigid – light pipes made of optical-grade polycarbonate or acrylic that can be vertical or right-angle in orientation. Rigid light pipes are designed to move light short distances.

Flexible – light pipes made of fiber optic material that can be bent to up to 30 degrees to accommodate the design. Flexible light pipes are designed to move light longer distances than rigid versions.

Board mount – light pipes that are mounted to the printed circuit board (PCB) at the power source of the device. VCC offers board mount products for rigid and right angle light pipes.

Surface mount – light pipes that are mounted to the control panel of the device instead of the PCB. VCC offers both flexible and rigid light pipes that can be surface mounted.

Right angle – rigid light pipes made exclusively for 90-degree angle alignment to the LED or board. VCC offers right angle light pipes in 1-position, 2-position, 3-position and 4-position board mount options.

Press-fit – light pipes that are installed directly to the indicator panel, allowing for efficiencies in production due to a press-fit design.

Moisture-sealed – for harsh environments including outdoors, VCC offers a range of light pipe solutions with added protection from dust and moisture for rigid, flexible, board mount, panel mount, right angle and through hole designs.

For additional information, download VCC’s light pipe brochure.

Custom made to specific applications

VCC can design custom light pipes to your specific needs and applications, allowing you to have total control over your illumination. Our team can design and run light simulations to determine optimal performance while reducing hotspots and light leaks, then develop a custom light pipe to fit your ideal illumination specifications. In most cases, a MOQ is required for a custom light pipe. Another alternative would be modifying an existing light pipe design by replacing materials, length or light characteristics.Contact VCC to learn more.

3. What are some of the physical attributes found in light pipes?

A light pipe is more complex than it seems, with several features and options that all affect how much — and how well — the light travels through the light pipe.

For example, rigid light pipes will include:

Rounded corners – this feature helps minimize light loss or escape.

Diffused exit surface – to provide more uniform illumination, a diffused surface is used at the point where light is seen by the end-user or operator at the HMI.

Smooth, flat, or concave contoured surface – whichever properties the LED itself have should be mimicked by the interior surface of the light pipe. The LED and light pipe must work together to get the most light possible to travel through to the other end, the exit surface.

Reflecting paint on the exterior – an optional add-on that helps reflect more light is to add white paint to the exterior of the light pipe.

Together, these are a few of the attributes that add up to light pipe performance. For more information on how light pipes work and best practices, check out our Light Pipe Design Guide.

4. Does VCC customize to the standard light pipes?

5. How much light from the LED is actually transmitted by the light pipe?

6. What are the ideal operating and storage temps for VCC light pipes?

The storage and operating temperature will vary by the type of material the light pipe is made from.

Storage temperature – as a general rule, polycarbonate and acrylic light pipes can be stored at temperatures ranging from -100℃ to 25℃ with minimal degradation. The lower the temperature and humidity, the less degradation of the device.

Operating temperature – this will depend on how much strain is put on the light pipe in its environment. If there is very little stress, the operating temperature can range from -100℃ to 100℃ for acrylic and -100℃ to 125℃ for polycarbonate.

All other light pipe materials should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the data sheet of each individual product or contact VCC to obtain specific temperature information.

7. What is the minimum allowable distance between a light pipe and the LED?

8. How do you minimize light bleeding between adjacent light pipes?

9. What are the benefits of using press-fit light pipes?

10. Which LED mounting options are compatible with light pipes?

VCC’s light pipes deliver maximum design flexibility, and are compatible with a variety to types of LEDs.

In addition to versatile mounting options, our light pipes provide additional flexibility because physical contact between the light pipe and LED is not required.

Light pipes are compatible with four mounting types of LEDs:

Through-hole LEDs

Flexible light pipes work well with through-hole LEDs and can be mounted from the panel or the back of the device.

Right-angle through-hole LEDs

Right-angle through hole LEDs work well with flexible light pipes that are mounted to the PC board or panel.

Surface mount (SMD) LEDs

For LEDs that are surface mounted the the panel, flexible and rigid light pipes are options available.

Right-angle surface mount LEDs

Flexible right-angle light pipes that are mounted to the PC board are ideal for right-angle surface mount LEDs.

11. How far from the LED does the light pipe need to be positioned?

12. Which face options are available for rigid light pipes?

VCC’s rigid light pipe faces are available in three different shapes: dome, semi-dome or flat, each with their own benefits.

Dome – provides the widest viewing angle and best visibility from different working positions. A dome shape is ideal when the indictor must be viewed from the side view as well as straight on. VCC’s LCS Series is available with a dome face that also includes a Fresnel surface, which helps focus the light.

Semi-Dome – when less-intense illumination is needed, the semi-dome light pipe face minimizes hot spots while providing a soft glow while still allowing for a wide viewing angle. For example, the LFB Series semi-dome delivers 120-degree viewing and a frosted glow.

Flat – in applications where hot spots are a concern or the light needs to travel a long distance from the PCB to the panel, a flat shape is the perfect solution. It focuses the light into a more concentrated beam while providing a 160-degree viewing angle. VCC’s LPCR Series combines the intensity of a Fresnel lens with the flat, low-profile design.

Ray tracing is suggested to ensure you provide the ideal amount of brightness, focus, and visibility for optimal performance. Learn more about how the face can impact light output in this light pipe design guide.

Our team can assist you in determining the right light pipe face for your device, including running light simulations.

13. Why don’t you offer more board-mount light pipes?

VCC offers three board mount options to choose from. Because board mount light pipes often have more design restrictions, here are the pros and cons of each type:

Board-mount right angle:

Benefits: standard product, fast lead time, low production cost

Design restriction: you have to design your device/equipment around the specs of the light pipe

Board-mount linear:

Benefits: standard product, fast lead time, low cost

Design restrictions: light pipe can be a maximum of 1.20” in length, and the minimum height between the LED and front panel can present design challenges

Board-mount flexible:

Benefits: extensive selection of standard products, short lead times, enhanced flexibility, electrical isolation.

Design restriction: flexible light pipes cost more per unit than rigid options

14. Why is electrical isolation a benefit of using flexible board mount light pipes?

When flexible light pipes are board mounted, they receive the added protection of electrical isolation. This isolation can help prevent damage due to vandalism of the exterior of the device, as well as protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Even static can cause ESD and damage electronic devices, so VCC’s FLXR series light pipe can help prolong the life of the device and prevent dangerous surges in electricity.

Check out our smart parking meter case study

15. Which LED is better for use with light pipes, one with a wide viewing angle, or a narrow angle?

16. What’s the difference between a panel mount and a board mount light pipe?

17. Are VCC’s light pipes waterproof?

18. What is a Fresnel element?

A Fresnel lens diffuses the light, making it ideal for environments where ambient light or a more high-contrast, concentrated illumination is required.

Fresnel lenses are best suited for applications where wide viewing angles a daytime visibility are crucial for effective status indication

A series of concentric grooves bend parallel light rays to one focal point for high-contrast, no glare illumination.

19. Are light pipes suitable for high-vibration applications?

For high-vibration applications, an additional grommet or spring retainer can be used to help secure the light pipe to the panel.

For light pipes (LPC and LPCR) that are .250” to .500” in length, use the Grommet retainer. For LPC and LPCR light pipes that are between .500” to 1.000”, use a Spring Retainer to secure the light pipe to the panel.

Board-mount light pipes are available in rigid and flexible options.

With board-mount light pipes, the design may be limited, as everything must be designed around the light pipe and spacing of the board. However, if you can achieve your desired results with a standard board mount light pipe, you can take advantage of low cost sand short lead times.

Contact VCC to determine which mounting option would be ideal for your design. Of course, a custom light pipe could also be the right solution for you.

20. Can I cut the light pipe myself?

Adjusting the length of a light pipe by anyone other than the manufacturer is not recommended.

Cutting the light pipe will change the optical characteristics, making it less effective in the device it was specified for. Any bubbles or scratches in the light pipe will ruin transference, as light will not be directed where it was intended.

VCC’s team can customize light pipe length for you in ways that do not yield less-than-optimal optical characteristics.

21. Can light pipes be polished or contain overmolding?

Light pipes can be overmolded, however it is not recommended.

Any overmolding of the light pipes can distort the transmission of the light due to total internal reflection (TIR), resulting in performance that doesn’t measure up to the design specifications or quality standards.

If additional resins are necessary, double molding is recommended. This process, also called two-shot molding, bonds two separate materials together in a single mold, making it ideal for complex parts in high volumes.

When creating custom light pipes, VCC uses stereolithography (SLA) for 3D printing prototypes used to validate the design. Any polishing is the last step in validating the design — the prototype light pipes are already chemical and mechanical polished by VCC before they are sent to the client.

The final components are produced with the proper surface finishes outlined by VCC in the industrial specification.

22. What is the maximum length of your rigid light pipes?

23. What is the maximum length of your flexible light pipes?

24. How far can the flexible light pipes bend?

25. Does VCC manufacture flexible light pipes?

26. What are the advantages of flexible light pipes?

27. Which flexible light pipes does VCC offer?

Our extensive line of flexible light pipe products delivers unmatched selection and convenience in making sure your light goes the distance.

Standard light pipes include:

FLX3 Series

FLX Series

7512F Series

FLX_322 Series (IP56)

FLX 44X Series

FLXR Series

View the entire lineup in our light pipe brochure.

Need a custom flexible light pipe? Work with our team of engineers and designers to determine the appropriate solution for your application.

28. What are the design considerations for flexible light pipes?

Whenever your design doesn’t include light from a straight line (like a rigid light pipe), additional decisions must be made to determine the length and placement of your flexible light pipe, including:

Where the light source is located
How far the light needs to travel
Mounting and construction of the device
Additional design and space constraints

VCC’s experienced team can help you determine the exact product to meet your optical specifications.

29. How does a light pipe provide electrical isolation from the PCB?

30. Are light pipes ideal when the device has several indicators?

31. Can light pipes be used in outdoor applications?

Light pipes that include the appropriate level of moisture protection for their applications can be used outdoors.

VCC has a wide array of rigid and flexible light pipes that are moisture-sealed and ideal for harsh environments like the great outdoors.

In addition to moisture protection, the FLXR Series litepipe also features ESD protection and is resistant to shock and vibration. It also has a low-profile design that helps protect against vandalism.

32. Does VCC offer fully custom light pipes and light pipe design services?

Yes, VCC offers a full suite of custom light pipe design and testing services. Using the latest light modeling software, our team can run light simulations, such as ray tracing to track the path of light through the light pipe to deliver the ideal solution.

We can also use a 3D printer to prototype the light pipe and further test prior to tooling the custom solution, ensuring the ideal viewing angle and lighting properties are achieved.

33. Is viewing angle of the LED important when using with a light pipe?

34. What is the UL rating for VCC’s light pipes?

The UL rating will vary by light pipe material, as VCC offers both acrylic and polycarbonate options.

Most of our light pipes have received a UL94V-0 rating, the best in the industry. The product data sheet will always list the specific UL rating.

In some instances, manufacturers and designers are required to obtain the UL Yellow Card for Plastics to demonstrate the components have passed rigorous safety and performance testing by Underwriters Laboratories and received a UL Recognized Component Mark.

If you need to obtain the UL Yellow Card for Plastics, contact the VCC team and we will provide it for you.

35. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) of a customized light pipe?

36. Can a light pipe itself be used as an illumination device, or is it strictly used as an indicator?

37. What’s the difference between light refraction and reflection?

Light refraction occurs when a ray of light appears to break when it shines through different surfaces. This change in the direction of the light wave happens when the wave passes from one surface to another or the surface itself has a gradual change.

For example, in a vacuum, the refraction rate is 1.00. But in water, it’s 1.33, meaning the speed at which the light travels is slightly slower in air than in a vacuum.

Other refraction rates that matter in light pipe design include:

Air = 1.0003

Acrylic = ~ 1.49

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s reflection. When light shines through a surface, it’s refracted. When light bounces off of a surface and shines elsewhere, that is the reflection.

Total internal reflection is the complete reflection of light from surrounding surfaces back into the medium. The phenomenon occurs if the angle of incidence is greater than a certain limiting angle, called the critical angle.

TIR is essential when calculating the light needed for a right-angle light pipe where the light must bend around a corner while reducing light loss.

For more on how refraction, reflection, and other factors impact light pipe performance, explore our Light Pipe Design Guide.

38. What is light loss? How can it be prevented using light pipe design?

Light loss occurs when some of the light intended to travel through the light pipe escapes before reaching its destination — the exit point where the end-user sees the light.

Also known as light bleeding, this scenario can be reduced by using a narrow viewing angle LED at the input instead of a wide viewing angle LED. The diagram below illustrates how closing the gap between the light pipe and the LED through a smaller viewing angle can minimize light loss.

There is no such thing as zero light loss from a light pipe, but there are several ways to help reduce light loss. To dig deeper into light loss and all things light pipe, we created an informative Light Pipe Design Guide.

39. What are some examples of different light pipes?

Light pipes come in all shapes and sizes. And if they aren’t optimized, you can see hot spots and other imperfections that can add up to inefficiency.

Effective light pipe design delivers a better experience for end-users by providing:

Uniform illumination
Maximum visibility

Dog valet

Smart parking meter

Robotic vacuum

Smart headphones

Medical alert system

Drone

Two-way communicator

Label maker

Less-than-ideal light pipe design is easy to see:

Hot spots
Uneven illumination

Bad light pipe examples:

Pet tracking system

1. What’s the appropriate name for a printed circuit board, PCB, PCA, or PCBA?

While PCB, PCA and PCBA are used interchangeably in the industry, here’s what they really mean:

PCB – printed circuit board. It’s the “naked” board without the electronic components.
PCA – printed circuit assembly. A populated board with all the components.
PCBA – printed circuit board assembly. It’s the same thing as a PCA — a board with all the components included.

PCB is the most commonly used acronym when referring to the circuit board populated with all the components (which is the PCA or PCBA).

2. What exactly is a PCB?

3. Are PCBs flexible or rigid?

The answer is both. PCBs can be either flexible or rigid in design.

Rigid PCBs are designed not to move, and typically cost less to manufacture than flexible PCBs.
Flexible PCBs, or flex boards, are designed to move, twist and fold into the desired configuration, and can eliminate the need for connectors and other components, which can reduce overall production costs.

VCC can work with you to determine the ideal solution for your design — one that maximizes efficiencies.

5. How does a printed circuit board assembly (PCB assembly) work?

6. How are PCBs manufactured?

PCBs are typically made of multiple layers, including RF4 material substrate (such as fiberglass) for insulation, and copper to conduct electric current.

Creating a PCB is a multi-step process that includes:

#1 Designing the PCB – advanced software is used to determine the size, dimensions and number of layers needed for the PCB.

#2 Printing the PCB design – a specialized printer called a plotter printer is used to print the design, which is made up of multiple layers for the conductive and non-conductive areas. The print becomes the foundation of the substrate, which holds the components of the structure includes copper on both sides of the layer.

#3 Printing the copper for the interior layers – the design of the PCB is printed to a laminate that includes a film designed to react with ultraviolet light to properly align the board and the layout of the electrical components.

#4 Getting rid of the extra copper – because the design has been cooked and processed with ultraviolet lights, certain areas are hardened and the copper is bonded to the board. The next step is to use a chemical solution to remove the unnecessary copper from the board.

#5 Inspection and layer alignment – once the extra copper is removed, the design must be scrutinized to ensure all the layer and drill holes align properly. A machine drills a pin through the layers to keep them aligned. Then another machine tests the board for errors.

#6 Laminating the PCB layers – once the board passes inspection, an epoxy resin layer is applied to laminate the board. Another layer of substrate is applied, then layers of substrate resin and copper foil are applied and pressed together.

#7 Drilling holes – a computer-guided drill is used to drill holes through the substrate and inner panels at the appropriate places for the design. Once drilling is completed, any copper left over is removed.

#8 PCB plating – an additional copper layer is added to the board, followed by a thin tin guard to protect the outer layer of copper from being etched off. From there, the PCB receives a solder mask, silkscreen with critical information and placed with a solderable finish.

7. How much does it cost to get a custom PCB made?

8. What’s included in the total cost of a PCB order?

9. What are the advantages of using a printed circuit board?

PCBs provide many benefits for designers and manufacturers of electronic devices. Printed circuit boards:

Save space – They save space in the device by allowing all interconnections to take place on the board itself, without the need for current to be carried through multiple wires.
Allow for easy installation and repair – troubleshooting and diagnostic testing are easy to conduct to address on the PCB, as all components are clearly labeled.
Provide quick assembly – compared to conventional methods of connecting circuits, PCBs save time in assembly.
Stay in place – because all the electronic components are soldered to a single board, they do not shift when moved.
Efficient to mass produce – PCBs can be produced in large quantities at a more cost-effective rate than other power methods of component connectivity.
Provide reliable power – because connections are made with the copper tracks on the board, they are less likely to come loose.

10. How many PCB layers can VCC create in one board?

11. Does VCC manufacture PCBs for through-hole or surface-mount (SMT) designs?

12. Which PCB services does VCC offer?

Our team offers a comprehensive suite of PCB services, including:

Custom design services to optimize output and indication
Rapid prototyping made even faster and cost-effective with our in-house 3D printer
Sample runs so you can easily test concepts and tweak designs
Mass production to efficiently accommodate large quantities

If you have additional questions, or are ready to discuss your next project, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for your PCB, PCA and PCBA needs.

13. Can VCC source my components and parts for SMT projects?

14. How many SMT lines does VCC run?

15. What industry certifications does VCC have for PCBA manufacturing?

16. Will VCC sign a non-disclosure agreement for PCB manufacturing and assembly work?

17. Which files do you accept for PCBA production?

18. What are your documentation and electronic data requirements for PCB assembly?

19. What information is required for a turnkey PCB assembly order?

20. How large is your production facility?

21. Where should I send my files to get a quote or place an order for a PCBA?

22. Are you UL / Underwriters Laboratory approved?

23. What is a PCB assembly?

24. Do you offer RoHS-compliant assemblies?

25. Do you offer testing and inspection services?

26. What are your PCB assembly standards?

27. Can you ship to my contract manufacturer for the final build?

28. Do you do consignment or full turnkey PCB assembly services?

29. Where do you manufacture your products?

Our PCB assemblies and other products are manufactured just across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. By keeping production nearshore, we deliver a range of cost and time-saving benefits to our customers, including:

Cost savings
Faster delivery
Tariff-free transactions
Reduced supply chain risk
Responsive customer service

We’ll ship your products FCA from our headquarters in San Diego, so you won’t have to worry about costs associated with importing. Learn more about how nearshore manufacturing can streamline your PCBA production here.

If you have additional questions or are ready to discuss your next project, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for your PCB, PCA, and PCBA needs.

1. What is involved?

The answer depends – is it a simple design, is it a complex design? There are a few questions that if know will help VCC provide an accurate decision:

Do you already have the 3D CAD file
Have you selected the needed LED(s)
Are there multiple color LED or one single color
Is there an illumination intensity output known (lumens/MCD)
Is the final application to be viewed in a daytime or nighttime environment
What is the desired distance you wish to view/see the light
What is the desired viewing angle
Would VCC handle the production of the finished part, or only help with the design.
What is the estimated annual usage (EAU)
Is there a tooling budget set
What is the timeline for prototypes and/or production

Although there are other details that would need to be discussed, these are some of the initial pieces of information that help us determine not only the time to delivery, but also the cost of the project

2. Which asks the question, what is the cost?

1. What are the operating and storage temperatures of VCC’s indicators?

The types materials used in the indicator, including the LEDs, determine operating and storage temperatures of the unit.
The typical operating range for VCC products is -13F (-25C) to 176F (80C) but can be affected by the design and work environment.

Sample operating temp: 13F (-25C) to 176F (80C)

Sample storage temp: -22F (-30C) to 212F (100C)

Since they have an impact on the overall life of the device, both operating and storage temperature should be considered when specifying an LED or indicator.

VCC provides a data sheet for each product to help designers and manufacturers find the right solution for their specific application.

2. Are your products listed or rated by UL and other organizations?

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), is a global safety company that tests products based on its stringent safety standards. UL ratings and listings are used to determine the safety standard of finished electrical devices, as well as the components that go into them. From the housing to the lens, bezel and type of wire used in VCC components, we obtain UL Recognized Component Marks to demonstrate compliance with UL’s standards.

In addition to UL marks, our products can include CE, cULus and CSA listings. These designations are given by organizations outside the U.S. to demonstrate compliance with safety guidelines.

The various rating types are as follows:

Logo	Label or listing	Description
	UL Listed	UL Listing means the finished product meets all UL requirements based on its nationally recognized standards for safety.
	UL Recognized Component	For components, such as LEDs, housing, lenses and light pipes where UL Recognized Mark means the manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce components that will go into a finished product that will earn a UL Listing.
	CE	The CE mark indicates compliance with requirements of the applicable European laws or directives.
	cULus / cURus	For product marked as: cULus listed or cURus recognized, it means the product, device or component, has been tested under Canadian and U.S. standards.
	CSA	The CSA mark indicates the product has been certified to meet standards of the Canadian Standard Association.

3. What is the flammability rating for VCC products?

One of the most important standards for our products is the UL94V-0 flammability standard. The test evaluates both the burning and afterglow times of the test specimen, then rates them as follows:

Rating	Description
V-0 Vertical Burn	Burning stops within 10 seconds after two applications of ten seconds each of a flame to a test bar. NO flaming drips are allowed.
V-1 Vertical Burn	Burning stops within 60 seconds after two applications of ten seconds each of a flame to a test bar. NO flaming drips are allowed.
V-2 Vertical Burn	Burning stops within 60 seconds after two applications of ten seconds each of a flame to a test bar. Flaming drips ARE allowed

4. What are the differences between wire leads and tab terminals?

PMIs can connect to the power source in two ways:

Wire leads – the indicator is connected to the power source by wires that must be long enough to run from the panel to the PCB. Standard size for wire leads will vary by product and can be customized to accommodate device design. Refer to the VCC product page on the website or the data sheet for wire lead information.

Quick-connect tabs – metal tabs are used to connect the indicator to the power source without the need for wires, thus enhancing design flexibility. Depending on the product, there are standard sizes for the quick-connect tabs that should be accommodated in the panel design. Refer to the product data sheet for more information.

	Pros	Cons
Wire Terminals	• More cost-efficient per unit • Wire length can be customized	• Less design flexibility • Slightly slower production and assembly than quick-connect tabs
Quick connect tabs	• Greater flexibility in production and assembly • Can run parallel production since no additional assembly or wires are required	• Higher upfront cost than wire terminals

5. What mounting types are available for your PMIs?

To accommodate OEMs and customers in a wide range of industries, VCC offers several mounting styles. Our experienced team can help you determine which solution will help optimize your design. Our mounting styles include:

Snap-fit: With snap-fit mounting, the PMI fits inside the panel mounting hole and snaps into place with a metal connector. The PMI fits securely in the panel without the use of additional hardware, making it easy to install. Snap-fit mounting can save significant time and money during assembly, allowing multiple products to run at once without the additional handwork required for wire leads.

Snap–fit with “D” mounting: the PMI fits into a D-shaped mounting hole on the panel to help prevent any rotation of the indicator. Indicators using snap-fit with D mounting are easy to install and stay secure in place. Snap-fit with “D” mounting is ideal for high-vibration applications, such as industrial equipment.

Press Fit: with press fit mounting, the indicator is secured when the LED housing and the panel are pressed together create a secure seal due to friction. The tightness of the seal will be determined by the interference allowance.

Threaded housing with hex nut: securing a threaded housing on the PMI with a hex nut enables both quick and easy assembly and installation. This mounting configuration helps reduce shock from impact or vibration, which extends the life and overall reliability of the machine.

Speed nut: a speed nut is a piece of additional hardware that acts as a lock washer and nut in securing the indicator into the panel. While this mounting style does require the speed nut accessory, it provides a very secure hold that doesn’t shake loose with vibration but can easily be removed or loosened if needed.

How is the speed nut used?

The push-on speed nut accessory is a self-locking piece that is simple to apply and provides maximum holding power at minimal unit cost. The speed nut replaces threaded nut, lock washer or spanner washer combinations and is easily assembled by running the PMI through it and attaching it to the panel.

Best of all, this accessory will not shake loose from high vibration during operation.

6. What protection does VCC products have against exposure to dust and moisture?

To indicate protection levels, we use IP ratings. IP ratings, known as Ingress Protection or International Protection ratings are numerical scores used to communicate the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as dirt and water. These ratings are defined to the international standard of EN 60529 ((British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989).

Example IP Rating: IP65

In this example, the first digit represents protection from solids and the second digit represents protection from liquid. If one of the digits is replaced by an “x” then the device is not rated for that specification.

Here’s a quick reference guide of the two and what they mean:

Solids – degree of protection from foreign bodies

Liquids – protection level from various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, jets and immersion).

VCC’s Typical IP Ratings

The IP Ratings of our extensive product portfolio will vary, but most of our solutions fall within the following ratings suitable for a wide range of applications:

IP65 – dust tight and protected against water projected from a nozzle.
IP67 – dust tight and protected against complete, strong water jets and waves.

Additional PMI protection is available

VCC also offers additional protection from dust and moisture with the option to include an O-ring gasket on the PMI. This additional piece of hardware provides an added layer of protection, acting as a seal between the indicator and the panel, which helps maximize the life expectancy of the equipment.

Please refer to your product data sheet for availability.

7. What is a bezel and what is it made out of?

Some PMIs include a bezel in their construction. A bezel is a neck, or “sleeve” that encases the LED. It can be used to protect the indicator from moisture and dust, or to enhance the design aesthetic. For example, a black bezel can provide a greater contrast with the LED itself, allowing greater visibility when the LED is on.

A bezel can be constructed of many types of material, including plastic or stainless steel. All of VCC’s products that include a bezel are made of durable materials and quality construction.

Depending on the design, a bezel can be recessed, prominent or flush with the panel mount indicator.

To learn about the bezel specs of a specific product, please refer to that product’s data sheet. You can also learn more by contacting the VCC team.

8. What is the voltage tolerance of VCC’s panel mount indicators?

9. What is the operating life of LEDs?

Typically, a lamp lifespan for each type of lighting technology is as follows:

LED: 50,000 to 100,000 hours
Neon: 25,000 hours
Incandescent: 1,000 hours to 1,500 hours

Things that can negatively impact bulb life:

Operating voltage
Operating temperature
Exposure to voltage spikes
Mechanical shocks and vibrations
Frequency of being turned on and off

Note: the type of lamp used in the panel mount indicator will impact the overall operating lifetime of the PMI.

Because LEDs last an average of 133 times longer than incandescent bulbs, they dramatically reduce maintenance and operating costs over the life of the device. That’s why VCC recommends LEDs for most applications, delivering greater value to our customers.

10. What can be customized on the panel mount indicator?

Our team can modify our standard components or start from scratch to design a solution that meets our clients’ mechanical, electrical, communication and aesthetic needs. We have extensive expertise in design, prototyping, tooling, manufacturing and assembly. VCC is committed to adding value by providing the most effective and efficient solution for our customers.

Our PMIs can be customized in a variety of ways to meet or exceed design requirements, including:

Customized Cable Harness:

Wire length, wire gauge and termination
Including additional terminals or connectors

Electrical & Optical Options:

LED brightness
LED viewing angle
Bi-color and tri-color indicators
Lens colors
Bezel finishes – plastic and stainless steel
Bezel styles – recessed, flush or prominent
Bezel color – white, black or silver (depends on finish)

11. When should I use a PMI vs. a light pipe?

Typically, a panel mount indicator should be used when there are only a few indicators on the panel, and light pipes should be used when there are several indicators on a single panel that are tightly spaced.

Because the more indicators you have on a single HMI, the more expensive it would be, light pipes are more efficient for devices and applications where a high number of indicators would be needed on the same device.

For example, a portable welding device would use a PMI, while an electronic device charging station with 20 or more individual status indicators would use light pipes to maximize efficiency.

The VCC team is here to help you determine the best approach for your design needs.

12. How much does the average PMI cost?

Depending on the materials, application, size, features and customization, the typical cost range is $1 to $6 per unit. However, PMIs with extensive customization and features can cost as much as $20 or more per unit. Customization can be made to:

Wire length
Terminals
Brightness
Viewing angle
Bi-color option
Tri-color option
Lens color
Finish

Our team will always work with you to find solutions that are cost-effective and meet your needs.

13. Can VCC’s PMIs be used outdoors?

14. Which mounting hole sizes are available for my PMI?

Every design is unique. So, VCC offers a wide range of mounting hole sizes to help customers design an attractive and effective user interface. Our indicator mounting holes range from .16” (3.98mm) to .88” (22mm), with the ability to create custom sizes to accommodate design specifications if the appropriate minimum order quantity is met. Please refer to the product data sheet or product page of the website for mounting hole specifications.

15. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) of a custom panel mount indicator?

The MOQ for a custom VCC indicator will depend on the order volume and customization required for the design. Typically, a custom PMI would require an order of at least 3,000 units. However, there are instances where the MOQ could be much less. Please contact our experienced team to discuss your specific design needs.

Our solutions-oriented experts can work with you to design, tool and manufacture exactly what you had in mind.

16. Does the brightness (millicandela/MCD output) of the PMI change if the input voltage increases or decreases within the operating voltage range?

17. How do I control the brightness of LED PMIs when using different colored resistors in the same product family?

1. What is nearshoring manufacturing?

Nearshoring manufacturing, or nearshoring, is defined as outsourcing specific business processes or operations to companies to another country to reduce production and operating costs.

When the manufacturer is nearshore, it is located in a neighboring country — one that typically shares a border with the nation where the hiring company is headquartered.

Nearshoring provides companies with several benefits, such as:

Streamlined supply chain
Shorter lead times
Eliminated communication delays due to time differences
Reduced transportation and shipping costs, including tariffs

2. Offshoring vs. outsourcing — what’s the difference?

3. Nearshoring vs nearsourcing — what’s the difference?

Nearshoring is outsourcing business processes to countries that are in close proximity to the company’s headquarters or manufacturing operation. In many cases, both countries will share a border, which makes transporting products faster and more convenient.

For example, our components are manufactured in Mexico, and often shipped to our customer’s facility located in the same country. We help shorten the distance to the customer by both implementing nearshore manufacturing.

Efficiencies can also be attained when the nearshoring partner can create and assemble multiple electronic components, like PCB sub-assemblies under one roof — without having to ship the product to Supplier A, B, or C. Streamlining the supply chain can speed up development and delivery times while saving on shipping and other costs.

Similar to nearshoring, nearsourcing is strategically positioning certain operations in close proximity to where the final product will be sold or used. For example, a U.S. cable conglomerate could establish a call center in Canada instead of Asia, keeping service reps closer to its customers.

4. What’s the difference between insourcing and reshoring?

Insourcing and reshoring are similar in that they both involve the company itself doing the manufacturing.

Reshoring is the process of moving a company’s overseas/offshore manufacturing back to the same country where the organization is headquartered. An easy way to remember it is this: reshoring = returning home for manufacturing operations.

Similarly, insourcing is keeping manufacturing or other processes in-house. This doesn’t mean my specific location, just within the walls of the company instead of with an external partner or vendor.

5. How does talent availability come into play with nearshoring and outsourcing?

In the past, outsourcing operations to save on labor and other costs became a balancing act to find the right trade skills and talent when looking at nearshore manufacturing partners.

However, Mexico has made significant investments in its education and training incentives to help the workforce remain competitive in an ever-changing, technology-driven marketplace.

The country has over 2,500 higher education institutions, some of which are partnering with companies in other countries for research and design projects. With more than 3.8 million students enrolled in higher education in 2018, México is solidifying its role as a manufacturing hub with ample highly skilled workers.

With more than 110,000 engineers graduating every year, it’s no surprise high-tech companies turn to the country for the production of everything from automotive and electronics to medical devices.

6. What are the tariff-related benefits to nearshoring?

When companies use offshore partners to handle specific functions, such as production or assembly of goods, they do so hoping to take advantage of cheaper labor costs. However, depending on where the products are made, they may incur steep tariffs when being shipped back to the U.S. for distribution and sale.
For example, the recent trade war between the U.S. and China has caused a sharp rise in tariffs on goods being imported from the Asian country. Currently, the tariffs are at 19.1% — a rate more than 6 times higher than pre-trade war operations.

Alternatively, when companies use manufacturers with friendlier trade agreements in place with the United States, they can eliminate these steep swings in operation costs that must either be absorbed or passed to customers.

VCC’s manufacturing operations are located in México, allowing our customers to take advantage of tariff-free trade and reduced production costs. To learn more about the benefits of nearshoring, read “5 Ways to Reduce Supply Chain Risk with Nearshoring.”

7. What is turnkey PCB assembly?

When you hear the term turnkey, you probably think of something that is ready to go immediately. However, in the electronic component landscape, turnkey PCB assembly is where your PCB manufacturer handles everything associated with the production of your assembly, including:

Design & PCB layout
BOM and supply procurement
PCB manufacturing
Schematic design
Prototyping and testing
Automated and manual assembly
Additional connectors (add-on)

VCC’s turnkey PCB assembly services deliver a more streamlined and cost-effective production process, as well as shorter lead and delivery times. Learn more about our custom PCB capabilities here, or check out the “PCB Assembly Design Guide.”

8. What capabilities and services are offered?

FAQs