Creating Innovations in LEDs

From bustling streets to quaint storefronts, LEDs have emerged as a go-to choice for modern signage illumination, promising a myriad of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. As a wide range of industries put energy efficiency at the forefront of their focus, the shift towards efficient LED lighting is being felt more strongly now than ever.

For just one example, science and technology company X-Rite has introduced a brand-new LED testing product, which it says “aligns the global shift toward efficient, sustainable lighting solutions.” X-Rite’s new Judge LED light booth enables brands, manufacturers, and suppliers to accurately assess and evaluate colours under standard LED light sources, reflecting the many industries shifting away from traditional fluorescent lighting.

In this special, we delve into the advantages and developments of LED signage, with insights from manufacturers and industry leaders. From reduced maintenance and energy savings to the creative possibilities of vibrant displays and customisable lighting effects, discover how LEDs can fit an array of different solutions.

A Lite in the Dark

Rising demand for LED signage has seen the continued development of new technologies and products in the sector.

When speaking to Firstlite, a supplier and manufacturer of LED modules to the UK signage market, this increase in variety is clear. Firstlite’s range of products include LED reels, “neon flex” units and cabochon lighting, as well as a wide range of modules and fittings.

Managing director of Firstlite, Megan Woodcock, explains that there have been a wide array of advancements in LED in recent years which can be of benefit to sign-makers.

“LED signage isn’t just about being bright or colourful anymore”, she explains, “the focus has shifted to practical features – using less energy, making installation easier, and creating smaller, smarter designs that give sign-makers more options.”

According to the UK Department for Energy, LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Most modern LEDs promise a lifetime of at least 10,000 hours, meaning they can last around five years if used for five hours a day, seven days a week. With this increased efficiency and longevity in mind, LEDs are seen by many as the new industry standard for lighting in signage.

As Woodcock puts it: “LEDs are practical, cost-effective, and sustainable. They use less energy and last longer, which translates to lower costs. They are also versatile, offering sign-makers the ability to customise brightness, colours, and schedules for unique effects.”

Woodcock points to dimmable drivers as a further way to cut energy waste by offering precise controls. Recent innovations in intelligent DALI dimmable drivers provide users with extensive control, letting them adjust brightness, colour, patterns, and lighting schedules precisely and efficiently, increasing creativity while saving energy. Firstlite’s DALI drivers are designed to be flicker free, coming with overload, over temperature, over voltage, and short circuit protection as standard.

Speaking about these innovations in the space, Woodcock continues: “Advances like DALI drivers make it possible to use LEDs in ways that are both creative and efficient, allowing for standout displays in any setting.”

Firstlite recently launched a new testing area at its headquarters in Gateshead. The new facility is designed to offer a space for performance analysis of its range of products as well as allowing customers to test their own signage designs. The facility is also equipped with cameras that allow sign-makers to test remotely, if they cannot visit the facility in person.

Explaining the thinking behind the launch of the new facility, Woodcock says: “It was really important to have the testing space so that we can fully understand how our products perform. Beyond that, we also wanted to offer our customers the opportunity to see products in action within their signage.”

More options than ever are available to sign-makers wanting to transform spaces, whether that be a high-end store or a bold theatre installation. With their precision and adaptability, LEDs make it easier than ever to create custom-made, bespoke lighting geared to a client’s desires.

Woodcock’s overall message is simple: “LEDs solve real problems,” she says. “They’re about making things easier for businesses while delivering reliable, high-quality lighting.”

LED Agility

Another specialist in the world of LED lighting is Scott Vontobel, chief executive officer of the GENLED family of US-based LED lighting brands, which includes the Agilight brand of signage lighting.

AgiLight offers three full signage module ranges: the 12V ULTRA Series; the 24V PRO Premium Series; and the Lyte Series. Across these families, AgiLight provides static white, static colour, and colour changing RGBW solutions.

AgiLight have recently revealed that UK trade supplier, Applelec Group, will become a dual UK distributor for AgiLight signage and Acolyte architectural lighting systems, allowing GENLED solutions to become widely available to the UK market.

As with Woodcock, Vontobel points to the efficiency of LED as being key to its rapid rise in popularity. “Modern LED modules offer more efficient, cost-effective lighting solutions than traditional light sources. They last longer, they are more consistent, they are more focused, and, ultimately, they are better for the environment and the world we live in.”

Speaking of GENLED’s product offerings in more detail, Vontobel says: “We offer powerful LED light bars as signage retrofit options. Our bold, colourful FlexRayz Neon is a fantastic lettering and border solution. We also offer a complete line of LED-specific power supplies with added protection against surges, overheating, and short circuits.”

AgiLight’s FlexRayz Neon is a side-bending faux neon LED that provides a solution for linear façade lighting and sign edges in curved or straight runs. FlexRayz features a constant current design that is designed to maintain consistent lumen levels throughout each run.

Many signage companies have begun to offer faux neon alternatives to traditional neon signage. While the craftsmanship of neon sign-makers needs to be highlighted and LED alternatives will never fully replace neon’s unique features, the efficiency and versatility of these LED options is making them an increasingly popular choice.

Woodcock also highlights this in her comments. “Absolutely, neon has its charm”, she says, “however, LED alternatives like Firstlite’s Infinity Neon range bring the warm, nostalgic glow of neon with more efficiency and versatility.”

Speaking about other innovations AgiLight have developed in recent years, Vontobel points towards efficiency and robustness as key focuses. “Our signage modules are made for premium performance – optimal light coverage, energy efficiency, and endurance”, he says. “Through our over 20 year history, we have developed advanced lens optics that let you use fewer modules in a sign. Our high-efficacy LEDs also require less power.”

As Vontobel explains, these innovations allow for savings down the line, as the products need to be replaced less frequently. “Both add up to cost savings for the end-user”, he comments. “All our signage modules also use constant current technology and top-end integrated circuits to eliminate lumen drop, so your lighting shines evenly from one end of a string to the other.”

Vontobel points to the robustness of products from AgiLight, which he claims has avoided any products being returned for faults. “In the last two years, none of our premium modules have been returned because of a problem with the LEDs. That’s not a typo. None. So, there’s great savings on sign maintenance too.”

Better Light Than Never

As the landscape of LED lighting continues to evolve, signage companies have more opportunities than ever to provide eye-catching lighting solutions with efficiency and sustainability in mind.

As technological advancements drive down costs and improve performance further, the decision to switch to LED lighting becomes not just a practical choice but a strategic one. From reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs, to creating vibrant and customisable lighting experiences, LEDs are continuing to shape the future of much of the signage we see day to day.