LED strips have become a popular lighting option for many applications, from home lighting to commercial and industrial lighting. One type of LED strip that stands out is the IP68 flexible COB LED strip. In this article, we will delve into how this type of LED strip is made, its features, and benefits.
What is an IP68 Flexible COB LED Strip?
An IP68 flexible COB LED strip is a type of LED strip that is made with a Chip-On-Board (COB) technology, which refers to the method of mounting multiple LED chips directly on a substrate to form a single module. The IP68 rating indicates that the LED strip is protected against dust and water ingress, making it suitable for use in wet or damp environments. The flexible nature of the strip allows it to be bent or shaped to fit different surfaces and applications.
How is an IP68 Flexible COB LED Strip Made?
The manufacturing process of an IP68 flexible COB LED strip involves several steps, including:
1. Substrate Preparation
The first step involves preparing the substrate, which is typically made of a thin, flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate is cleaned, coated with a layer of adhesive, and then covered with a layer of copper foil.
2. LED Chip Mounting:
The next step is to mount the LED chips onto the copper foil using a pick-and-place machine. In COB technology, multiple LED chips are mounted closely together in a grid pattern to form a single module.
3. Wire Bonding
Once the LED chips are mounted, wire bonding is done to connect them to the substrate. This involves attaching small wires from the LED chips to the copper foil on the substrate.
4. Encapsulation
After the wire bonding is complete, the LED chips are encapsulated with a layer of phosphor. This layer of phosphor helps to convert the blue light emitted by the LED chips into a broader spectrum of light, resulting in a more natural-looking light output.
5. Silicone Coating
Once the LED chips are encapsulated, a layer of silicone is applied over the top to protect the LED chips and wires from moisture and other environmental factors. This silicone layer is also what gives the LED strip its flexibility and allows it to be bent or shaped to fit different applications.
6. Waterproofing
To achieve the IP68 rating, the LED strip is then coated with another layer of silicone that is specially formulated to resist water ingress. This layer of silicone provides an additional barrier against moisture and ensures that the LED strip can be used in wet or damp environments without any problems.
7. Final Testing
Finally, the LED strip is subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the required standards for performance, waterproofing, and durability. This testing involves subjecting the LED strip to various environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, water immersion, and vibration, to ensure that it can withstand the rigors of real-world use.
Features and Benefits of IP68 Flexible COBLED Strips
IP68 flexible COB LED strips offer a wide range of features and benefits that make them a popular choice for many applications. Some of these features and benefits include:
1. Waterproofing
The IP68 rating of these LED strips makes them ideal for use in wet or damp environments, such as outdoor lighting, swimming pools, and fountains.
2. Flexibility
The silicone coating on these LED strips makes them flexible and easy to bend or shape to fit different surfaces and applications.
3. High brightness:
COB technology allows for multiple LED chips to be mounted closely together, resulting in a high brightness output.
4. Energy-efficient:
LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency, and these LED strips are no exception. They consume less energy than traditional lighting options, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint.
5. Long lifespan
LED lighting has a much longer lifespan than traditional lighting options, and these LED strips can last up to 50,000 hours or more, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
6. Easy installation:
These LED strips are easy to install, with adhesive backing that allows them to be easily attached to different surfaces.
Applications of IP68 Flexible COB LED Strips
IP68 flexible COB LED strips are used in a wide range of applications, including:
1. Outdoor lighting
These LED strips are ideal for use in outdoor lighting applications, such as garden lighting, pathway lighting, and pool lighting.
2. Architectural lighting:
Theflexibility and high brightness output of these LED strips make them a popular choice for architectural lighting applications, such as accent lighting, cove lighting, and wall grazing.
3. Automotive lighting:
These LED strips can be used in automotive lighting applications, such as underbody lighting, interior lighting, and accent lighting.
4. Display lighting:
The high brightness and flexibility of these LED strips make them ideal for use in display lighting applications, such as retail displays, trade show exhibits, and museum exhibits.
5. Signage lighting:
These LED strips can be used for backlighting signage, such as channel letters, lightboxes, and signage boards.
Conclusion
IP68 flexible COB LED strips are a versatile and durable lighting option that can be used in a wide range of applications. The manufacturing process of these LED strips involves several steps, including substrate preparation, LED chip mounting, wire bonding, encapsulation, silicone coating, waterproofing, and final testing. The features and benefits of these LED strips, such as waterproofing, flexibility, high brightness, energy efficiency, long lifespan, and easy installation, make them a popular choice for many applications, including outdoor lighting, architectural lighting, automotive lighting, display lighting, and signage lighting.