ASSEMBLY recently asked a group of experts to explain the best way to choose task lighting for an assembly workstation. Participants included: Kurt Greissinger, product marketing manager for manual production systems at Bosch Rexroth Corp. (Buchanan, MI); Erica Rice, marketing director at Production Basics (Watertown, MA); David Seay, national sales manager in the industrial division of Sovella Inc. (Kennesaw, GA); Bob Simmons, national sales manager at Pro-Line (Haverhill, MA); David Trinks, sales manager at Sunnex Inc. (Natick, MA); and David Verrill, applications support manager at IAC Industries Inc. (Brea, CA).

GREISSINGER: The best way to choose the correct lighting is to work with solutions of varying light intensities and select the one that is best for the application. Once the correct light intensity for the task at hand is quantified with a light meter, it’s much easier to select lighting solutions rated for a certain light intensity at various distances to the work surface.

RICE: Ask the operator. They know best what they need everyday at their workstation. Then, go to your workstation provider and let them create a solution for you. A service-oriented supplier should be able to provide or recommend lighting solutions to fit your needs. If not part of the standard offering, a workstation provider will be able to manufacture an arm or support for specified lighting models.

SEAY: When designing workstation lighting, the requirements of the work should be determined first. A task that demands a good eye for detail usually calls for a spotlight. If the viewed object is square, at least two lights are necessary to remove shadows. If the viewed object is a level surface, it can be illuminated with one long florescent lamp. But, it is important to remember to direct any reflections away from the operator.

SIMMONS: Many factors need to be considered when choosing task lighting for a workbench. For instance, how bright is the area without additional lighting? Does your corporate philosophy require T-12 lighting or slightly more expensive, energy-efficient T-8 lighting? Do you require parabolic lens or standard lens? Parabolic lens are a chrome-plated plastic grid that directs light straight down instead of dispersing it over a greater area. Are operators using shelving or overhead cabinets on the bench? Should task lighting be mounted under the shelving? Do operators require magnification lighting to work on small parts? All of the above questions needed to be answered to determine the correct light for the job.

TRINKS: Choosing an appropriate product for an assembly bench relies on many factors, the most important being the desired task to be completed. In a rugged environment, specify a stay put mounting system or arm that will keep the lamp in position despite ambient vibration. Take into account the durability of the primary lighting element. Choose a light output that is comfortable to work in. It should provide enough shadow control, with a minimum of contrast, and provide some amount of glare reduction.

Consider whether you require lighting that is IP65 rated. This indicates the presence of a specialized sealing system offering resistance to dust, oil and water. Take into account how close it will be to the operator, as those individuals that are sensitive to heat may require options outside of the selection of a standard halogen light. You also must determine what the power source is that will be utilized in running the light. What voltage and light output do you require?

VERRILL: Three variables that are very important in determining the amount of light for a workstation are the workers' ages, task speed or accuracy, and task background reflectance. More light is recommended with increased age, greater task speed and accuracy, and less task reflectance.