Quick answers to your questions

Got questions about LEDs, indicators, signal lights or lighting components for your applications? Here you’ll find clear and quick answers on products, configurations, ordering and custom solutions, letting you make the right choice without wasting time.

PROTOTYPING AND BACKLIGHTING

• How does custom LED prototyping work with 3D printing?

  At Slim, custom LED prototypes are created using professional 3D printers. This allows us to produce physical models that match your project exactly, so you can test shape, size and functionality before moving to full production.
  
  When the right solution isn’t available in our catalogue, our technical team designs a prototype based on your specific lighting and design needs. 3D printing speeds up development, reduces errors and lets you immediately see the value of our proposal.

• What is LED backlighting and how is a custom solution developed?

  Backlighting is a technique where LED light is placed behind a surface, object or material to enhance its shape, design or visual effect. It’s widely used in aesthetic, signage, commercial and industrial applications.
  
  When a project requires a custom solution, the development follows these steps:

  1. Initial Brief
     send us a physical sample or a 3D file of the part to be backlit, specifying whether you already have dedicated LED electronics.
  2. Technical analysis and design
     Our team evaluates the best solution based on optical, mechanical and functional requirements. Every project is unique, so the design is always tailored.
  3. Preliminary offer
     We provide a cost estimate that includes prototyping and a first trial batch for technical checks or market testing.
  4. Prototyping
     Once approved, we create the necessary tooling for prototype production. If the design stays the same, these tools can be reused for serial manufacturing.
  5. Additional services
     If needed, we can take care of final assembly and supply transformers or electronic components.

  
  

  This modular and flexible process gives you a custom backlighting system that’s precise, scalable and ready for industrial use.

• How does LED backlighting for custom knobs work, and what are the development steps?

  Knob backlighting is a fully custom solution developed on request. The goal is to create an illuminated knob that meets both aesthetic and functional needs. The process unfolds in several steps:

  1. Initial request
     You provide a physical sample of the knob or a 3D file, specifying whether the system already includes dedicated electronics.
  2. Technical assessment
     We study the most suitable solution based on shape, material, thickness and the type of light required. There’s no standard approach—each case is unique.
  3. Preliminary offer
     We send you a quote that includes:
     • Prototyping costs (for a defined number of knobs)
     • Production of a trial batch for testing or presentations
     • Prototyping and tooling
       Once approved, we produce the specific tools needed for the prototypes. If the design doesn’t change, these tools can be reused for serial production.
     • Optional services
       Once the design is confirmed, we can also include:
       1. PCB assembly directly on the knob
       2. Transformer supply, if needed

  
  

  This process allows SLIM to deliver a tailor-made, high-quality solution, fully ready to integrate into your product. 

MICRO SPOTLIGHTS, INDICATORS AND LED COMPONENTS

• Where are LED micro spotlights used, and what are the most common applications?

  LED micro spotlights are ideal whenever you need focused, close-range lighting. They’re compact, easy to integrate and perfect for tight spaces where lighting needs to be both functional and discreet.
  
  Here are some common examples:

  • Coffee dispensing areas in professional or domestic machines
  • Beverage dispensing sections in vending machines
  • Cooktops, with the spotlight integrated into the hood
  • Inside refrigerators and other household appliances
  • Professional kitchens or lab equipment
  • Medical devices and instruments

  
  

  This type of lighting is widely used in both professional and consumer appliances. It’s appreciated for its brightness, ease of integration and high level of customization, especially in terms of size, optics and color temperature.

• What’s the difference between a standard indicator light and a LED spotlight?

  The main difference lies in function and light intensity.

  • The indicator is designed to visually signal the status of a device or machine (e.g. on/off, error, standby). Its light output is low and focused—just enough to be seen, not to illuminate the area.
  • The spotlight, instead, has much higher brightness and is meant to light up a specific object or area. A typical example is the dispensing zone of a coffee machine.

  
  

  In short: the indicator communicates a status; the spotlight provides functional light. The choice depends on the goal of your application.

• What’s the difference between a standard indicator and a custom signaling solution?

  A standard indicator is a catalogue product with predefined specs, ready to use: shape, color, brightness and components are fixed and can’t be modified.
  
  A custom signaling solution, instead, is developed from scratch based on your specific needs. It can include:

  • Higher brightness
  • Special colors
  • Custom lens or body design
  • Integration with dedicated electronic circuits

  
  

  Solutions that include circuitry are entirely bespoke and not listed in the catalogue, as they result from a co-engineering process tailored to your application.
  
  In short: the standard indicator is ready to go; the custom version is built to meet non-standard requirements.

• What is a Faston terminal and when is it used in indicator lights?

  A Faston terminal is a metal connector used to simplify and speed up the wiring of indicator lights and other components. It can be applied by soldering or crimping.
  
  There are different types of Faston terminals, including:

  • Male Faston
  • Female Faston
  • Flag Faston (angled at 90°, ideal for tight spaces)

  
  

  Faston terminals are chosen based on the customer’s specific needs—especially when fast assembly and stable, standardized connections are required in production environments.

• What is a vandal-proof indicator and where is it used?

  An anti-vandal indicator is a light device built to withstand impact, mechanical stress and harsh environments. It features a reinforced structure - typically with a metal ring, either nickel- or chrome-plated depending on aesthetic needs - that protects the lens and internal components.
  
  For sealing, an o-ring is placed between the lens head and the panel, as well as between the opal lens and the metal body. This improves the IP protection rating, making the device more resistant to water and suitable for damp or liquid-exposed environments. If aggressive substances are involved, we recommend a technical assessment and, if needed, lab testing.
  
  Vandal-resistant indicators are mainly used in public, industrial or critical environments, where enhanced mechanical resistance and long-term durability are essential.

• Where are vandal-proof indicators and switches used, and why?

  These components are used in environments where devices are exposed to mechanical stress, chemicals or harsh operating conditions. Their reinforced structures, robust materials and sealing systems offer higher resistance compared to standard models, improving IP protection levels.
  
  They’re especially recommended when:

  • The application involves oil, grease or liquids that may reach the panel during use
  • Aggressive detergents are used for deep cleaning
  • Extra protection is needed against impacts or tampering

  
  

  Anti-vandal versions are widely used in industrial kitchens, where resistance to chemicals and long-term reliability are essential.

• What are panel indicators and what light sources can they use?

  Panel indicators are optoelectronic devices designed to visually signal the operating status of a machine, device or system. Mounted on the front panel, they provide immediate feedback on conditions like power on, error states or line activity.
  
  The light sources used vary depending on the customer’s needs and the application context. Options include:

  • Incandescent lamps
  • Discharge lamps (NEON or fluorescent)
  • LEDs (light-emitting diodes)

  
  

  The choice depends on factors such as voltage, operating temperature, required brightness, color and expected lifespan. Today, LEDs are the most common solution, thanks to their efficiency, long life and compact size, but each project may call for a tailored evaluation.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF LED SOURCES AND INDICATORS

• Do LED light sources work with all voltage levels?

  LEDs are the only light sources capable of covering the full voltage range, from 2V to 400V. This makes them extremely versatile and suitable for both low- and high-voltage applications.
  
  By contrast:

  • Incandescent lamps work only between 6V and 48V
  • Discharge lamps, like neon and fluorescent tubes, require higher voltages—typically between 110V and 400V

  
  

  Thanks to the wide variety of available drivers and their modular nature, LEDs can operate at very low, medium or high voltages while maintaining efficiency, long lifespan and customizability. That’s why they’re the most flexible option for projects requiring broad electrical compatibility.

• Are LED light sources resistant to all temperatures?

  LEDs can be used in environments with temperatures up to 120°C. Beyond this threshold, performance and lifespan are no longer guaranteed, unless specific technical precautions are taken, which aren’t always feasible.
  
  For temperatures above 120°C, alternatives include:

  • Incandescent lamps (6V–48V range)
  • Discharge lamps such as neon or fluorescent tubes (110V–400V)

  
  

  These technologies handle heat better, although they’re less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than LEDs. So, the choice of light source depends not only on temperature but also on the project’s electrical and functional constraints.

• What’s the lifespan of different light sources?

  The lifespan of a light source varies significantly depending on the technology. Here’s a clear comparison:

  • Incandescent lamps: around 2,000 hours
  • Fluorescent lamps: around 15,000 hours
  • Discharge lamps (neon): around 20,000 hours
  • LED sources: over 30,000 hours—and up to 50,000+ hours depending on quality and heat dissipation

  
  

  LEDs are by far the most durable option. They offer greater energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs over time, making them ideal for continuous-use applications or hard-to-reach installations.

• What do LED colors represent?

  LED colors are technically defined in two different ways, depending on whether you’re dealing with colored or white light.

  • For colored LEDs, the key parameter is wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). Each color falls within a specific range:
    • Red: 620–630 nm
    • Amber: 600–610 nm
    • Yellow>: 585–595 nm
    • Green: 520–530 nm
    • Blue: 460–470 nm
  • For white LEDs, the reference is color temperature, expressed in Kelvin (K). Lower values (e.g. 2700K) indicate warm white, similar to halogen light. Higher values (e.g. 6000K) indicate cool white, similar to daylight.

  
  

  These parameters allow precise color selection during lighting design, ensuring chromatic consistency and alignment with the application’s requirements.

• What are bipolar LEDs and what advantages do they offer over standard LEDs?

  Bipolar LEDs are light sources that contain two opposing LED chips inside the same package. This setup allows them to operate with both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) without needing external diodes or rectifier bridges.
  
  Their main advantage is that they can run on DC regardless of polarity. In other words, you don’t need to worry about connecting the positive or negative terminal, the LED will work either way. This greatly simplifies installation and reduces the risk of wiring errors.
  
  They’re especially useful in applications where current direction may vary, or where simplifying the electrical setup is a priority, without adding extra components for polarity management.

• What are power LEDs and why is proper thermal dissipation essential?

  Power LEDs are high-efficiency light sources designed to deliver much greater brightness than standard LEDs used in indicators. They’re used in applications that require intense, focused light—such as architectural, industrial or professional lighting.
  
  Due to their high light output, power LEDs generate significant heat. To ensure long-term reliability and performance, it’s crucial to design an effective thermal dissipation system—typically using aluminum heat sinks or surfaces that help disperse heat. Poor heat management can compromise performance and lead to premature LED failure.

• What are RGB and RGBW LEDs, and how do they work?

  RGB LEDs contain three internal chips, each emitting a specific color: Red, Green and Blue. These can be used individually or combined to produce a wide range of colors. For example, red and blue create purple, while combining all three gives white light.
  
  RGBW LEDsgo a step further by adding a fourth chip dedicated solely to white light. This results in a purer, more stable white without needing to mix the three base colors.
  
  To use RGB or RGBW LEDs effectively, you need:

  • Precise electronic control (proper driver)
  • Compliance with the electrical specs in the datasheet
  • Efficient thermal management—especially for high-output LEDs

  
  

  This technology is perfect when a single indicator needs to display multiple states, conditions or visual messages through color variation.

• Are SMD LEDs and printed circuit boards the same thing?

  No, they’re not the same. An SMD LED (Surface Mounted Device) is a miniaturized LED that’s soldered directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board. It’s a light source available in different versions, designed for compactness, efficiency and flexibility.

  The Printed Circuit Board (PCB), on the other hand, is the electronic base where not only LEDs are mounted, but also other components like diodes, resistors, capacitors, and sometimes microcontrollers or LED drivers. The PCB defines all electrical connections and ensures the proper functioning of the system.
  
  

  You can find a full article on SMD LEDs and their types on the SLIM website: https://www.slim.it/en/blog/smd-leds-what-are-they
  
  In short: the SMD LED is one of many components that can be mounted on a PCB. The board is the system; the LED is just one part of it.

• What is the IP protection rating, and what IP levels do SLIM indicators offer?

  The IP rating (Ingress Protection) is an international classification that defines how well an electrical device is protected against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids.
  
  It's made up of two digits:

  • The first digit refers to protection against solids (e.g. dust, sand, accidental contact)
  • The second digit refers to protection against liquids (e.g. water drops, splashes, immersion)

  
  For example:

  • IP65 = fully protected against dust (6) and resistant to water jets (5)
  • IP67 = fully protected against dust (6) and resistant to temporary immersion (7)

  
  

  SLIM indicators are available with various IP ratings depending on the application environment. For industrial, humid or wash-down settings, we offer high-IP versions, including vandal-proof models with dedicated gaskets, to ensure long-lasting sealing and protection.

• What technopolymers are used in SLIM indicator lights and switches based on operating temperature?

  The technopolymer chosen for SLIM indicator and switch bodies depends on the maximum operating temperature required. Each material has its own thermal resistance, which determines its suitability for the application:

  • Up to 90°C: ABS, Polycarbonate, Polyamide
  • Up to 120°C: Polycarbonate, Polyamide
  • Up to 150°C: Glass fiber-reinforced Polyamide, Polysulfone

  
  

  In addition to temperature, we also consider the desired color and level of transparency. In these cases, materials are “mastered”, that is, mixed with specific pigments to achieve the required visual effect (opaque, clear, colored, diffused, etc.).
  
  This approach ensures that each plastic component meets both the technical specs and the aesthetic requirements of your project.

• What solutions are available for using LEDs with alternating current (AC)?

  LEDs are naturally DC-powered devices. However, there are several technical solutions that allow their use with AC, depending on the application and electrical constraints. The main options are:

  1. Bipolar LED
     Contains two opposing chips and can be powered directly with AC, regardless of polarity—eliminating the need for external rectifiers.
  2. Rectifier diodes
     One or more diodes are added to the circuit to allow current flow in only one direction, converting AC into pulsed DC.
  3. Bridge rectifier (Graetz bridge)
     The most complete AC/DC conversion solution. It transforms the alternating wave into continuous current, making the LED more stable and safer to operate.

  
  

  The choice among these solutions depends on factors such as supply voltage, available space, required efficiency and circuit complexity.

ALTERNATIVE LIGHT SOURCES

• When is optical fiber recommended for light signaling, and what are its limits in terms of intensity?

  Optical fiber is mainly used for aesthetic or decorative signaling, not for functional lighting. Even with powerful light sources, its brightness can’t match that of an LED strip, which delivers much higher luminous output. The actual brightness achievable with fiber optics depends on several factors:

  • Fiber length
  • Type of light source (single or dual)
  • Fiber diameter
  • Type and quality of cladding
  • Number of fibers in the bundle

  
  

  To properly assess brightness, a case-by-case calculation is needed-based on the desired visual effect and the specific design conditions.
  
  In short: fiber optics are ideal when the visual effect matters more than intensity. Think control panels, backlighting effects, or situations where light emission must be subtle and discreet.

• How do you choose a light source for optical fiber, and what options are available?

  The choice of light source for fiber optics depends on the visual effect you want and the role the light plays in the application. Based on your needs, you can choose between:

  • Monochromatic source: emits a single fixed color (e.g. red, green, blue). Ideal for simple signaling or static aesthetic effects.
  • RGB source: combines red, green and blue LEDs, allowing color variation. This is useful when one light point needs to indicate multiple operating states, with color changing dynamically based on conditions.

  
  

  Compatibility between the light source and the fiber must always be checked, considering length, diameter and bundle characteristics, to ensure optimal brightness for the application.

DEVICE INTEGRATION AND POWER SUPPLY

• What voltage should you choose for an LED spotlight in a coffee machine or HORECA equipment?

  The best voltage for an LED spotlight in food service equipment depends on the machine’s electronic setup.

  • 12V: Ideal when the system already includes a control board, such as for the display. In this case, the 12V spotlight connects directly to the existing power, saving space and avoiding the need for extra components.
  • 230V: Recommended when no control board is present, as it avoids adding a dedicated transformer. However, proper insulation is essential: the spotlight must not come into contact with metal parts or be exposed to moisture or condensation.
    
    

  In both cases, the choice must factor in safety, available space, and ease of integration into the overall design of the machine.

• What parameters can the customer choose for the lens of an indicator light?

  The lens is one of the most customizable parts of an indicator light, and can be tailored to the technical and mechanical needs of the application. Selection starts with the cut-out dimensions on the customer’s panel, and includes the following options:

  • Cut-out diameter
  • Lens shape (round, square, rectangular, etc.)
  • Mounting type (screw, snap-in, ring nut)
  • Lens color (red, green, amber, blue, etc.)
  • Transparency level (opaque, clear, diffused)
  • Maximum operating temperature (Tmax)
  • Resistance to chemicals or harsh agents (oil, grease, detergents, etc.)

  
  

  Each lens can be selected, or custom-designed, to match the exact environmental, aesthetic and functional requirements of your application.

WORKING WITH SLIM: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How does the collaboration process with SLIM work, from first request to delivery?

  Our process is structured, proven, and designed to ensure quality, precision and customization, even for complex projects. Here are the main steps:

  1. Defining technical parameters
     Together with the customer, we define the product’s key features: type of signaling, voltage, temperature, dimensional constraints, IP rating, and more.
  2. Sampling and testing
     We produce an initial sample that the customer can test in real-world conditions. This phase validates functionality, compatibility and light performance.
  3. Supply kickoff
     Once the sample is approved, production begins, starting from a minimum batch of 100 units, unless otherwise agreed.
  4. Custom and complex projects
     For special or fully custom solutions, we follow a dedicated R&D path, typical of tailor-made B2B collaborations. In these cases, SLIM works side by side with the customer to ensure fully integrated, production-ready results.

  
  

  This modular approach allows us to support you from first request to final delivery, offering constant technical guidance and tangible outcomes.

• What information or materials should I provide before starting a project with SLIM?

  To start a project effectively, it's essential to provide clear and detailed information right from the beginning. This helps us assess feasibility, suggest the right solutions, and, if needed, move quickly to prototyping.
  
  Here’s what’s helpful to share:

  • Type of light source you need (standard, modular or custom)
  • Technical data from existing or desired product datasheets
  • Final application and installation context (indoor, outdoor, exposed to liquids, etc.)
  • If the project involves integrating components from other suppliers, it’s useful to provide:
    • Product photos
    • A physical sample
    • The related datasheet

  
  

  If available, using the SLIM online configurator can also help speed up the specification process. In general, the more information you provide, the more accurate our technical proposal will be—and the faster we can get your project started.

• Which industries does SLIM serve, and what kind of companies are its typical clients?

  SLIM specializes in the design and production of LED signaling and lighting systems, with a strong focus on technical customization. We operate across multiple sectors, including:

  • HORECA and household appliances
  • HVAC
  • Industrial automation
  • Vending machines
  • Coffee machines and food equipment
  • Fitness and wellness
  • Gaming and entertainment
  • Medical devices and electronics

  
  

  We work with both SMEs and multinational corporations, offering a structured and scalable service. Our multilingual sales team and integrated ERP systems allow us to collaborate with complex, globally distributed IT environments, managing structured, geo-diversified projects.
  
  Thanks to our in-house production and design capabilities, we can tailor our offer to fit the needs of each sector, while staying flexible even on small series and highly customized solutions.

• Can I request changes or revisions during the project development with SLIM?

  Yes. At SLIM, projects are developed in close collaboration with the customer, step by step. Changes and revisions are always possible, even during the process, to ensure the final result fully reflects the technical and aesthetic needs of the application.
  
  It’s important to keep in mind that any modification may affect delivery times, costs or expected functionality. Every change is carefully reviewed together with the customer, with full transparency on its impact, to keep the process efficient and under control at every stage.

• What if I need assistance or support after the delivery of the project?

  After delivery, SLIM continues to support you through every stage of the post-sales phase. The same person or team who handled the development remains your point of contact for customer care, ensuring continuity, expertise and fast response times.
  
  We offer:

  • Technical assistance
  • Management of any non-conformities
  • Operational or application support
  • Warranty service on all supplies

  
  

  If you need help, you can get in touch through the contact form on our website. Our team will review your request and provide the support you need as quickly as possible.

• Does SLIM also sell to private individuals, or only to businesses?

  SLIM operates exclusively in the B2B market, providing lighting and signaling solutions to companies, professionals and manufacturers. We do not sell directly to private individuals.
  
  Our service is designed to support industrial and production environments, offering tailored projects, advanced technical management and minimum order quantities.

• In which countries does SLIM have a presence and how does international assistance work?

  SLIM distributes its products worldwide. In several countries, including the United States and Australia, we operate through a network of agents and distributors. Their local presence allows us to provide strong technical and commercial support across international markets.
  
  In our domestic market and much of Europe, assistance is also handled directly by the company. With over 50 years of industry experience and a continuous focus on internationalization and digitalization, we ensure reliable technical support and direct contact, even after delivery.

• How are delivery times for SLIM products determined?

  Delivery times depend on the requested quantities, product complexity, and the production load at the time of the order. Thanks to our flexible in-house manufacturing, SLIM can handle urgent requests and special cases, often delivering faster than the market average.
  
  During the offer phase, we provide one or more delivery options with related quotes and lead times, so you can choose the most suitable solution, whether standard or expedited. Each order is tracked and updated according to real-time production conditions, ensuring full transparency and reliability on delivery dates.

• Is it possible to speed up delivery time with SLIM?

  Yes, it is. SLIM offers the option to shorten delivery times through the management of safety stock, agreed in advance with the customer.
  
  We activate scheduled stock agreements that include:

  • Predefined minimum quantities
  • Periodic stock replenishment
  • Immediate product availability for recurring orders

  
  

  This solution is ideal for customers with ongoing needs who want shorter delivery times and stable planning. The conditions are defined during the contract phase and tailored to the required volumes, order frequency and urgency level.