The latest flame retardant polycarbonate plastic from Bayer MaterialScience LLC enables LED (light emitting diode) and other electronics manufacturers to slim down lenses and covers. Makrolon® FR7067 polycarbonate plastic meets UL-94 V0 rating at 1.5 mm. By comparison, most traditional flame retardant polycarbonates meet this key flammability rating at a thicker 3.0 mm. It’s noteworthy that this new grade achieves the UL-94 V0 rating at 1.5 mm while offering light transmission of nearly 90 percent.
“When it comes to LED lenses and covers, thinner is better,” said Gerry DiBattista, market segment leader, IT, Electrical/Electronics Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “Thicker lenses or covers translate into an unnecessarily heavier and bulkier part. This additional thickness is also undesirable because more light will be lost as it is transmitted through the lens or cover, making the component less efficient.”
Thinner lenses and covers require less material, which can create a real cost advantage for molders and OEMs, leading to quicker adoption of this technology, DiBattista explained.
“Another added benefit is that when a lens meets the required UL flame ratings, the OEM can avoid costly power supply isolation or a separate UL test on the final component,” DiBattista continued.
This material breakthrough comes at a time when, according to Strategies Unlimited, the high brightness (HB) LED market is forecast to grow more than 30 percent, reaching $20.2 billion by 2014. The growing LED market presents a tremendous opportunity for lighting manufacturers.
Print