Perfect material for LED applications
Aluminium's thermal management properties make it the preferred material for light-emitting diode applications. Its good looks make it the perfect choice.
The light-emitting diode (LED) is a two-lead semiconductor light source. LEDs are smaller, use less energy and last longer than incandescent light sources. They are used in applications from aviation lighting to traffic signals, automotive headlights, general lighting and camera flashes.
The development of LED technology has caused their efficiency and light output to rise exponentially. Replacing lights that spend the most time lit makes the most savings.
LED systems need good thermal management, drivers and optics. Most systems use aluminium rather than copper and ceramic, due to its thermal management properties. Aluminium serves as a technical part of the lamp, and therefore needs to fulfill all the specifications.
Gabriel Garufo (pictured below) of LEDxON is an LED industry pioneer. Going forward, he sees aluminium improvement possibilities that include:
- Slimmer structures
- Thinner walls
- Better thermal management
An additional benefit is that aluminium looks great, because the design always should.
