A different kind of status display

Rico Elastomere Projecting specializes in the development and construction of injection moulding tools, the automation of injection moulding machines and the production of elastomer parts. Its core competence lies in the processing of elastomers, especially liquid and solid silicone.

A few years ago, the company developed several solutions for the automated demoulding of silicone parts from injection molds. Bernhard Radner, Head of Industrialization at Rico Elastomere Projecting, explains: "These are demoulding handling systems that are positioned directly on the mould and precisely matched to the respective part geometry. The handling unit thus becomes an integral part of the mold and, like the mold itself, can be changed between different machines as required. With the eco-Ject, eco-Rotor and eco-Grip, we offer three methods for demoulding a cavity, either by ejection with ejector pins, with a rotating aluminum roller or with gripper jaws. Electric or servo handling is primarily used for sensitive components that require high process stability."

About three years ago, Bernhard Radner came up with the idea of signaling the operating status of the demoulding handling units in a very special way: Instead of a conventional round signal light, he wanted to illuminate the Rico logo from behind at several positions on the control cabinet, thus giving the name a functionality. "The stainless steel control cabinets from Entform-Handlings are custom-made. Therefore, the logo on the front door and on one side of the control cabinet could be easily integrated by laser cutting to indicate the respective status of the automation solutions with a color change."

LED panel proves to be a challenge

The particular challenge, however, was to find a very compact RGB LED light, as space in the handling areas is particularly limited. "We looked everywhere on the market for a suitable product and couldn't find a solution anywhere. That's why we initially developed our own LED panel, which we integrated into the first five handling units," says Michael Fuchs, automation and control technology specialist in the Industrial Engineering department at Rico Elastomere Projecting. According to Bernhard Radner, producing our own signal panels is too time-consuming and not very cost-efficient. "As we were already working successfully with ipf electronic in other areas, I asked the company's application specialist for Austria, Thomas Wally, whether he had a solution, as we knew that the company offered a whole range of LED industrial lights in addition to its wide-ranging sensor portfolio."