Products, Materials + Tools | Oct 18, 2011

LEDs Even More Efficient Thanks to New PLEXIGLAS® Molding Compounds

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are indispensable for modern lighting design. Two new PLEXIGLAS® molding compound grades now enable lighting manufacturers and designers to use energy-saving LEDs to even better advantage.

Very good light diffusion for edge-lit elements:
Highly transparent molded and extruded parts that enable light to be simultaneously fed in via the edges and evenly emitted across their entire surface are no longer a contradiction in terms. The extremely efficient formulation of the new PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds from the PLEXIGLAS® LED product family makes it possible to combine these two properties. Previously, products offering good light diffusion were also less transparent. Not so with the new product that has been specially developed for LED edge-lighting systems and appears crystal-clear when unlit. The combination of transparency and the play of different colors allows designers to create specific moods, whether for ambient lighting of furniture and in vehicles, or for displays, control systems, circuit elements or industrial lighting.

The new PLEXIGLAS® LED molding compound is available in four grades that allow illumination of the entire component surface up to an area of 96 centimeters, with homogenous light output. The material is suitable for all thermoplastic processing methods.

Uniform direct lighting for slim luminaires:
PLEXIGLAS® LED molding compounds have been developed in two new specialty colors for extremely flat lighting installations with direct LED lighting. The light-diffusing molding compounds transmit over 60% of light and therefore prevent fluctuations in luminance, even at extremely low wall thicknesses. That offers entirely new creative scope to designers, who can now place LEDS very close to light covers, without visible hot spots.

About Evonik:
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health and nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. In 2010 about 80 percent of the Group’s chemicals sales came from activities where it ranks among the market leaders. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.
Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2010 more than 34,000 employees generated sales of around €13.3 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.4 billion

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