Most people think that LEDs are only useful for small appliances like LEDs for cars or flashlights. While this might be true, there are many ways that LEDs can be used to enhance lighting. One of the most interesting areas of development is the realm of LED light strips because of their ability to enhance the ambience of any space they are installed in. This post will go over the various types of LED strips commonly used in lighting applications and their various functions.
Fully Laminated
This type of LED has a laminated material on both sides. They are typically bright white in color and boast a high degree of transparency. The fully laminated LEDs are also very thin and brittle, making them highly susceptible to breakage. Due to their thin and highly transparent nature, these LEDs are usually found in display products or appliance lighting rather than room lighting. However, this type of LED has found a home in display applications because they allow for the lighting effect to be seen through the entire LED panel, regardless of whether it is transparent or not.
Half Laminated
This type of LED only has a laminated material on one side. The half laminated LEDs are also much thicker than the fully laminated LEDs. This makes them more stable and less susceptible to breaking. In addition, these LEDs come in a wide variety of colors and have a high tolerance for temperatures and high humidity, making them highly suitable for outdoor and indoor use alike. Since they are thick and have a high degree of stability, half laminated LEDs are usually found in applications where more robustness and longer life expectancy are desired such as outdoor signs and billboards, as well as outdoor and indoor display applications.
Double-Laminated
This type of LED has a laminated material on both sides. These LEDs are thicker and more stable than the half laminated LEDs. They are also more flexible than the fully laminated LEDs. Despite their thickness, these LEDs are still very thin and can be bent or rolled up into a small tube without breaking. These LEDs also have high levels of transparency, so you can still see the light through the entire panel even when it is dark outside.
Clear
These LEDs are also known as zero-absorption LEDs because they have a high transparency rating. They allow virtually all wavelengths of light to pass through unimpeded, allowing for exceptionally bright illumination. In addition, these LEDs are often used in conjunction with phosphor particles which enhance the colors and light quality of the illuminated object. Since they are so thin and clear, these LEDs are typically found in applications such as the backlight for cell phones and tablets, as well as in conjunction with phosphor for more vibrant and natural illumination.
Energy-Efficient
These LEDs are often designed to operate at a low voltage and consume little to no power. This makes them ideal for use in battery-operated devices, such as lighting fixtures, smart watches, and cell phones. In order to achieve such energy efficiency, the LEDs have been made smaller, more efficient, and brighter. This allows for the devices these LEDs power to be extremely small and lightweight, making them ideal for use in smaller devices such as smart watches and cell phones which have highly constrained space requirements.
Colors of LED Light Strips
There are several different types of LED light strips including single-color LEDs, colored LEDs, and white LEDs. Each one offers its own set of benefits so it’s important to consider what you will use the strip for before buying one.
Single-Color LED Light Strips
Single-color LED light strips are great for use behind a counter or at the end of a dock. They can be used to simply provide light or they can be designed to create the perfect mood for the space by adjusting the color temperature and brightness of the light source. These LED light strips are usually yellow, green, or blue so they can be used to enhance plants or woodwork as well as produce a glowing effect when used behind a bank of glass doors or in a kitchen.
Colored LED Light Strips
Colored LED light strips are designed to be combined with other colors or sources of light so they can create an effect such as a sunset glow or an eerie blue tint. These LED light strips are usually constructed with red, green, and blue LEDs which when combined, can produce just about any color in the rainbow. They are perfect for use behind a bar or in a nightclub where their use is intended to create a mellow mood.
White LED Light Strip
White LED light strips are perfect for accents or to simply add a touch of luxury to your space. These LED light strips are actually a combination of the other two types of LED strips mentioned above and they are constructed with a blend of red, green, and blue LEDs. When used as a backlight, white LEDs allow for better color representation and they are also easier to see in low-light conditions. These strips are perfect for use behind a bar or in a nightclub where they will act as an elegant accent for those looking to entertain guests or customers.
What is the Functionality of the Different Types of LED Strips?
While the different types of LED strips discussed above are all relatively standard in terms of their function, it is important to consider the various applications in which they can be used. This will affect the kind of lighting effect you can expect from each type of LED strip.
Fully laminated LEDs are ideally suited for use in display and appliance lighting because of their bright appearance and high degree of transparency. These LEDs are also extremely thin and flexible, making them highly susceptible to breakage. If you want a nice smooth illuminated surface, you can use these LEDs to create a nice subtle glow on any surface.
Half laminated LEDs are thicker and more stable than the fully laminated LEDs, making them ideal for use in applications where higher wear and tear is desired such as outdoor signs and billboards, as well as outdoor and indoor display applications. Since they have a high degree of flexibility, you can use these LEDs to cover large areas while maintaining shape, allowing you to create interesting patterns or shapes using only a single LED strip.
Double laminated LEDs are thicker and more stable than the half laminated and fully laminated LEDs. This makes them ideal for use in applications where higher wear and tear is desired such as outdoor signs and billboards, as well as outdoor and indoor display applications. These LEDs are also exceptionally flexible, making it possible to create interesting patterns or shapes using only a single LED strip.
Clear LEDs are used in conjunction with phosphor particles which enhance the colors and light quality of the illuminated object. These LEDs also have a high transparency rating, allowing for light to pass through unimpeded. If you want a bright light with a slight tint, you can use these LEDs to achieve a nice soft glow on any surface.
Energy-efficient LEDs are often designed to operate at a low voltage and consume little to no power. This makes them ideal for use in battery-operated devices, such as lighting fixtures, smart watches, and cell phones. In addition, these LEDs are often designed with smaller sizes and higher brightness in order to consume less energy.