Face

The face or exit face of the light pipe is where the light shines through an indicator. At the opposite end of the light pipe, you’ll find the LED or light source. 

The shape of the lens or face can impact how well the light travels from the light source to the exit surface.

Flammability Rating

Determined through a series of tests, the flammability rating is used to calculate the UL94V-0 flammability standard — the industry standard for the safety of our products.  

A flame is held to a component for a specified amount of time, then UL assesses how the product reacts to the applications and gives it a rating from V-0 to V-2.

Flat Face

When a light pipe has a flat face, its exit surface does not include a dome or semi-dome shape. Instead, the face is flush with the panel, which can provide a sleek, modern design.

When the light needs to travel a longer distance from the PCB or hot spots are a concern, a flat face focuses the light while delivering a 160-degree viewing angle.

Flex Voltage

Flexible voltage products are those where the power consumption can accommodate a range of voltage instead of a fixed power setting. Indicators with flex voltage, like our PLM50 Series, reduce inventory costs by allowing OEMs to purchase only one indicator for use in multiple designs with varying power needs. 

Flexible Light Pipe

Light pipes typically fall into two main categories: flexible or rigid. Flexible light pipes are made to bend and move to carry light around corners and even sharp angles. 

They’re also helpful when light needs to travel longer distances from the PCB or light source to the panel.

FlexVolt Technology

To accommodate a range of power needs in a single indicator, VCC developed FlexVolt technology for panel mount indicators and light pipes. 

With ranges from 5V to 28V, FlexVolt tech provides greater flexibility for engineers and OEMs alike.

Flush Lens

A wide flush lens is an indicator lens that is attached to an HMI or control panel. 

It’s level or “flush” with the panel opposed to a raised indicator lens that would stick up above the panel’s surface.

Fresnel Pattern Lens

Fresnel lenses can also soften the light beam and can be used in conjunction with various lens shapes like semi-dome, dome, or flat. 

HMIs that use light pipes or PMIs can leverage the Fresnel lens to meet design and optical requirements.