Dear Reader:
An LED lighting system buyer has a myriad of considerations to concern him/herself with when confronted with fixture product line decisions, and the type of materials selected for that fixture, and its finishes, are an important piece to the ultimate set of decisions.
There are basically three types of materials available for use in an LED fixture housing – aluminum, cold rolled steel, and stainless steel.
Aluminum. Certainly the most popular selection for LED fixtures today, aluminum is chosen for several reasons:
- It is a very good conductor of heat, and when used in this application the housing serves to draw that heat away from the internal heat-generating components and out to the outer parameters of the fixture, where it can be dissipated;
- It’s easy to mold and finish by the manufacturer; and
- It’s inexpensive.
Cold Rolled Steel. Also used frequently in LED construction, although given the above benefits to aluminum, this material seems to be selected less and less over time.
Stainless Steel. Utilized heavily in food processing environments, as well as in outdoor applications, where water or moisture is a significant ‘player’.
American Industrial Company offers a series of downloads that will enable the geeks in the room to drill deeper on these materials, and these can be found here: Material Selection Guides.
With regard to finishes to be applied to fixtures, powder coating is the most popular, providing for a high-quality, durable finish. The product generates no VOCs, is more durable than paints, and it’s available in an almost limitless range of colors and textures. Typical industrial offerings are gray, black, white and bronze.
