A high-performance LED alone does not make a good luminaire. Even a high-quality optic can only deliver the desired result when it matches the LED, the luminaire geometry and, above all, the application. LEDs and optics should therefore always be considered as part of one complete system. Light quality, distribution, dimensions, thermal management, efficiency, design and future series production all influence each other.
At Exceedation, we help evaluate these requirements at an early stage, select suitable components and develop the right solution together with our technology partners.
Choosing the right LED cannot be reduced to a single value on a datasheet. The first question should always be:
What does the luminaire need to achieve?
A retail spotlight has different requirements from a linear architectural luminaire, a high-bay solution or a custom OEM product. A reliable selection should consider factors such as:
colour temperature and colour rendering
A good LED selection therefore does not start with the highest efficacy or maximum lumen output. It starts with the actual application.
An optic shapes the light emitted by a specific light source. Changing the LED can therefore also change the resulting light distribution. The size and geometry of the light-emitting surface can influence the beam angle, for example, as well as the uniformity of the resulting light distribution.
Mechanical compatibility alone is therefore not enough.
The LED and optic combination needs to be evaluated against the required lighting effect. Depending on the project, samples, simulations or prototypes can help validate a solution before it moves into series production.
Five aspects are particularly important.
1.The Application Defines the Solution
The component with the highest datasheet value is not automatically the right choice. What matters is what the finished luminaire needs to achieve. Light output, light quality, the lighting task, installation conditions and design requirements provide the basis for the selection.
2.LED, Optics and Thermal Management Belong Together
More power does not automatically result in a better solution. Heat generation, operating conditions, the PCB and the luminaire housing must also be taken into account. The LED is part of a complete thermal and electrical system.
3.The Optic Must Match the Light Source
An LED and a lens can be mechanically compatible and still fail to deliver the required light distribution. The LED package, light-emitting surface, optical geometry and distance between the light source and optic all influence the final result.
4.Design and Technology Should Be Developed Together
The technical solution should support the luminaire design rather than unnecessarily restrict it. If standard components cannot provide the required shape, dimensions or lighting effect, a customised solution can be a valuable alternative.
5.The Solution Must Be Ready for Series Production
A working prototype is only one part of the development process. Especially for OEM products, repeatability, manufacturing, component availability and the transition into series production also need to be considered.
With REDMADE, we have a partner for LED modules and customised solutions. Depending on the application, existing modules and optics can be used or project-specific solutions can be developed. LED, electronics, thermal management, mechanics and optics are considered together. Through REDMADE’s cooperation with LEDiL, a wide range of optical solutions is also available. A customised development becomes particularly relevant when standard components limit the required dimensions, design or lighting effect. Depending on the project, support can extend from component selection through to prototyping and production ramp-up.
Our customers do not have to coordinate LEDs, optics and different technical options themselves. We act as the central point of contact for the project: we collect the requirements for light quality, distribution, dimensions and performance and work with REDMADE to define the right solution – from standard products to customised developments.
We support the technical coordination, samples and prototypes and, where required, coordinate the process through to production ramp-up. At the same time, Exceedation remains the point of contact for ongoing projects and commercial proposals.
