49 Issue 255 - October / November 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk improvements can and should be made continuously. “Once you embark on this journey, you can begin to communicate these advancements to your clients. Not only will they likely appreciate your efforts, but they may also be more inclined to support your business as you move forward.” As for what is currently available from The Sign Group, and its WeLoveLEDs online brand, Hoole highlights Alphascreens, which it launched in 2019. While the pandemic required the group to shift its production focus to other high-demand products, it has been reinvesting in the components and equipment necessary to bring these screens back to market. “What sets Alphascreens apart is their versatility and attention to detail,” Hoole comments, adding: “The LED screens we use are not just your standard panels; instead of the usual 500mm square or rectangular shapes, we’ve specially designed the components to be around 80mm. “These modular LED screens can be connected to form larger, more complex logos and shapes, offering a unique visual experience. They can display any animation or video content required, making them a dynamic choice for brand displays. Additionally, because they are modular, they can be reused in different designs, making them not only versatile but also a more sustainable option.” A Sticking Point Of course, LEDs in signage are much more than just the lighting; sign companies also need to consider how they are going to fix lights to signs and protect them. Intertronics specialises in adhesive, coatings, sealants, and related equipment. Kevin Brownsill, head of technical, learning and development at the supplier, says the company can recommend materials to customers depending on their application. “Typically, we suggest testing polyurethane materials first, due to their versatility, hardness, reasonable price, and UV resistance,” Brownsill comments, continuing: “They cure at room temperature and are easy to handle and use.” Going through some of these options, Brownsill says epoxies are a cost-effective option that offer high temperature and chemical resistance, while they also perform well in salt water or mineral and oil-based environments. They are often used for smaller applications, as they exotherm when curing in large volumes and can lead to a loss in clarity, however, Brownsill says their simple mix ratios make them easy to handle. Another option is silicone, which Brownsill says offers good clarity, are suitable for potting large areas, and are relatively soft when cured. “They are available in gel formulations where they retain a jelly-like consistency even post cure which can be advantageous for products in environments that are subject to extreme shock, temperature, or thermal cycling,” Brownsill explains, adding: “This softness can be a disadvantage too; an additional lens may be needed as the product may not be hard enough to form a lens itself, and as they are soft and susceptible to abrasion. As they are UV resistant, they tend not to discolour.” Brownsill gives the example of how one customer, a manufacturer of outdoor signage and lighting products, was looking to encapsulate its LED strips to protect them from weather and other external factors but was experiencing quality issues with the materials they were testing, such as delamination. This altered the colour temperature of the light output and posed the potential for functional failure. “We recommended the customer try Wacker Silgel 612,” Brownsill says, adding: “As well as good adhesion across the PMMA and LED strips, it provided good light transmission, and consistency of LED colour warmth across the strips. Its gellike texture means it can absorb shock or vibration, protecting the electronic circuits from damage and thermal cycling.” Rounding off our piece on LEDs, Brownsill offers some words of warning, and indeed wisdom, to those working in this market. He comments: “Failure to invest in the right materials, or underinvesting, can result in discolouration of the signage meaning they become unclear, while selecting the wrong material can result in electronic failure. Depending on the environment, such as swimming pools, this can cause downtime and business losses.” To sum up, sign-makers and similar companies working with LEDs should ensure that they are working with trusted suppliers or trade partners so that they get the best out of their LED applications. Carefully research the requirements of each project and the specifications of the materials you plan to work with, as well as speak with suppliers, to ensure your carefully crafted signage continues to shine bright. LED SIGNAGE ◄ Kevin Brownsill, head of technical, learning, and development at Intertronics, says epoxies are a costeffective option for LEDs in signage ► Very Displays says its Premium PVC LED lightboxes are its most popular LED products
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