SmartLight – LED stack lights
For displaying operating status with exceptional flexibility
Available in:
4 Series
Signal lights and signal towers provide visual and audible feedback on the status of machines and systems, thereby supporting safe, efficient, and unambiguous processes in industrial automation. With the Balluff SmartLight product family, you can status indicators,operator guidance, and fill level visualization and workstation signaling in harsh environments — depending on the variant, with IO-Link or in SIO mode for classic 24 V operation. SmartLights offer the right solution for every application.
4 Series
|
Series
|
Segments, number max. | Interface | Additional function | IP rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4, 6 | IO-Link | Extended mode | IP65 | ||
| 1, 3, 5 | IO-Link | Expanded process data | IP30, IP65 | ||
| 6 | IO-Link | Daisy chain (2x devices per IO-Link port) | IP67 | ||
| 1 | IO-Link, Separate inputs | IP54 |
Edit columns
Please select which columns should be displayed.
SmartLight Signal Towers – Maximum Flexibility for Machine and Process Visualization
SmartLight signal towers are modular LED signal towers for visualizing machine and process statuses.
They are suitable for central status displays on machines and systems and, depending on the variant, can be flexibly integrated via IO-Link or SIO, offering virtually unlimited signaling options.
Thanks to programmable colors, segmented LED structures, and various display modes, even complex operating states can be visualized clearly and unambiguously.
The choice is yours: Black Line and Silver Line signal towers for all requirements
The SmartLight signal towers are available in two product lines that differ both visually and functionally.
TheSilver Line, as a proven standard model, offers reliable signaling for typical machine and process applications. Its high-quality metal housing gives it a robust design that is particularly valued in traditional machine environments.
TheBlack Linerepresents the next stage in the evolution of SmartLight technology and sets the new standard for modern industrial signaling. Thanks to simplified operation and the integrated LED strobe light, it meets the highest demands for flexibility, visibility, and compatibility, even for demanding or dynamic processes.
The performance classes of the LED signal towers
|
Entry |
Standard |
Advanced |
|
|
High-performance RGBW LEDs |
|||
|
M12 A-coded |
|||
|
IO-Link |
- |
||
|
Flexible segments |
- |
||
|
Animations |
- |
||
|
Strobe Light |
- |
- |
|
|
Buzzer |
- |
- |
Segment mode:
up to 5 segments, freely programmable
Level mode:
Display of continuous values (level, pressure, position)
Scrolling light mode:
Dynamic running light effects
Flexible mode:
Custom segment combinations, color settings via acyclic data
Ultimate mode:
Color adjustment via process data
Easy integration and connectivity
-
Quick installation: Standard M12 connection and IO-Link ensure simple, error-free, and time-saving commissioning.
-
Flexible customization: Settings can be changed centrally via IO-Link and transferred to other devices—without replacing hardware.
-
Cost-effectiveness: The Extension Port allows two SmartLights to be operated on a single IO-Link port, thereby reducing wiring and hardware costs.
-
Higher system availability: Diagnostic functions support early detection of faults and simplify maintenance planning.
-
Ideal for existing systems: The Black Line also offers Advanced SIO mode for operation with standard 24 V signals—even without an IO-Link master.
SmartLight Indicator:
Compact signal light directly at the workstation
The SmartLight Indicator features a compact, segmented LED display for clear and intuitive signaling directly at the workstation.
It is ideal for pick-to-light processes, material replenishment, kitting stations, or point-of-use signals.
Thanks to six independently controllable segments and an optional integrated IR time-of-flight sensor, it can be flexibly adapted to different processes and is suitable for both ergonomic operator guidance as well as missing part detection and material provision.
Modes of the SmartLight Indicator
SmartLight Indicators feature four flexible modes. This allows for a variety of applications: from indicating the picking direction to displaying various values such as pressure, time, quantity, or the reaching of limit values.
You can choose from:
- Segment Mode
- Level Mode
- Running Light Mode
- Power-on mode (SIO)
SmartLight Rigid: Slim 180° signal light for tight spaces
The SmartLight Rigid is a compact signal light in the SmartLight portfolio and was specifically developed for signaling tasks that are directly in the workers’ field of view. With the SmartLight Rigid, the status of safety guards, machines, and manual workstations can be easily visualized. With a diameter of just 20 mm, it is particularly slim and can be seamlessly integrated even in the tightest installation spaces.
It combinessignaling and auxiliary lightingin a single device and is therefore perfectly suited, in combination with Balluff machine lighting, for machine control panels and manual workstations, or as a standalone unit for status indication in intralogistics systems such as milk runs and busy light concepts, as well as for compact machines like sorting units.
The advantages of the SmartLight Rigid at a glance
-
Extremely compact: Only 20 mm in diameter for flexible integration
-
Glare-free illumination: 100% diffuse light distribution
-
High visibility: 180° signal effect
-
Robust design: Metal housing for durability and heat dissipation
-
Flexible control: Inputs with 24V or IO-Link for extended functionality (dimming, flashing, strobe)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What operating modes does the SmartLight support?
The SmartLight offers several programmable display modes:
Segment/Stack Light mode – 1, 3, or 5 segments, individually programmable by color (including blinking/flashing).
Level mode – Individual LEDs light up according to an 8- or 16-bit value (e.g., fill level, position).
Runlight mode – Running light, configurable speed, segment length, and background color.
Flexi mode – freely combinable effects and colors.
-
Can custom colors be defined?
Yes – the SmartLight from the Silver Line can store and use a freely configurable color. SmartLight Black Line can even store and use 7 custom colors.
-
What is the difference between a signal light and a signal column?
The difference between a signal light and a signal column lies primarily in their design, the amount of information they display, and their typical applications.
A signal light is typically a compact single display with one color or a few states. It is used selectively, for example to display a machine status directly at the workstation or at a station.A signal column consists of several LED segments arranged one above the other and can display multiple states simultaneously or in stages. It is particularly suitable for the high-level status visualization of machines, systems, or conveyor lines.
In summary:
Signal light: simple, local status display
Signal column: multi-level, highly visible status display for larger areas
The choice depends on how much information needs to be displayed and from what distance the machine status must be recognizable.
-
What advantages does the SmartLight offer over conventional signal columns?
No mechanical modifications required
Colors and modes can be switched live via IO-Link
Very bright, freely definable color spectrum
Modular (various lengths, segments, buzzer optional)
-
What are the advantages of an LED signal tower over traditional signal towers?
An LED signal tower offers clear advantages over traditional signal towers with incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes in industrial applications. LEDs enable significantly better visibility of machine statuses thanks to high luminosity and uniform status indicators. Additionally, LED signal towers are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance, as they have a long service life and generate almost no heat.
Typical advantages at a glance:
Quick and clear visualization of machine statuses
Low energy consumption during continuous operation
High switching durability for frequent status changes
-
Can SmartLight signal lights also be operated without IO-Link?
Both SmartLight Rigid and SmartLight Indicator can be operated without IO-Link. In addition to the IO-Link interface, these series feature separate 24V digital inputs and can therefore also be controlled in so-called SIO mode. Colors and states can be switched directly via PLC outputs without additional IO-Link infrastructure.
Operation via SIO is useful when:
Simple status indicators with a maximum of two different states are sufficient
Existing machine controls do not have an IO-Link interface and, for example, a retrofit of the signal lights is planned
SmartLight signal towers, on the other hand, are pure IO-Link devices. They are parameterized exclusively via IO-Link. This provides additional functions such as flexible segmentation or diagnostics; however, for many applications, conventional operation is sufficient and practical.
-
What protection classes are available for SmartLight products?
SmartLight products are designed for various industrial environments and are available in different protection classes (IP) depending on the model. The protection class is a key selection criterion, particularly in the presence of dust, moisture, or regular cleaning.
SmartLight signal towers:
Silver Line: IP30 with buzzer or IP65 as a classic indicator light
Black Line: IP65
For protected production areas through to harsher industrial environments
SmartLight Indicator: IP65
Suitable for decentralized status indicators directly at the workstation (Point‑of‑Use)
SmartLight Rigid: IP54
For internal machine areas and applications without direct exposure to water