LEDs: Best solution for data logger in Alu enclosure? (end plate holes)

• LEDs: Best solution for data logger in Alu enclosure? (end plate holes)
  Posted by Martin F on 18 May, 2018 19:22
• Hi all,
  
  We're developing a new data logger and need to select our new system for LEDs - and we'd love your inputs!
  Previously we've been using the below style, put some distance behind square 1x2 mm holes:
  https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/Kingbright/APA3010SYCK?qs=sGAEpiMZZMseGfSY3csMkeytxqHAv00ASpxmArjtJq8%3d
  
  However, we believe better practices probably exist.
  
  Our aim is to find something that can...
  1) Easily be machine mounted by our turnkey solution on the PCBs, i.e. avoiding through-hole (i.e. assume we'll need SMD LEDs)
  2) Are low cost (<0.1$ per unit)
  3) Minimize dust etc coming into the enclosure
  
  We've looked at something ala below, but find them a bit clumsy and expensive. Further, we were hoping to keep the LEDs fairly small (i.e. 3 mm seem a bit large)
  https://assets.alliedelec.com/c_scale,w_200,d_no_image.png/70534904.jpg
  
  Any good tips on how to best set something like this up?
  We need 6 LEDs in total, 2 in front end plate and 2 in back end plate (end plates are aluminium).
  
  Thanks a ton for your inputs!
  We'd love to see any good examples you might have seen or designed as well for inspiration!
  
  Martin
• #1 Reply
  Posted by sokoloff on 23 May, 2018 12:19
• I'd have a look into light pipes.
  
  Never used them myself (everything I do is low-volume), but this is probably the most common solution in volume manufacturing.
• #2 Reply
  Posted by laseralex on 27 May, 2018 19:18
• Martin,
  
  I agree with Sokoloff: definitely consider light pipes or light pipe arrays.  I use them all the time to bring illumination from a board-mounted LED to a front panel.  I happen to use panel-mount light pipes, but lots of board-mount devices also exist.
  
  -Alex
  
  
• #3 Reply
  Posted by Martin F on 27 May, 2018 21:08
• Thanks all! Our current LEDs are about 0.09$ per unit and I’ve found it hard to match via light pipes on mouser and Digikey - but I’ll keep looking and consider a higher price!