Lighting
From intimate settings to technical applications, the lighting sector transforms our living and working spaces while meeting the constant challenge of energy efficiency and installation sustainability.
Technical challenges in the sector
It is used in various sectors due to its exceptional technical properties.
Resistance to high temperatures near light sources
continuous operation. Gaskets, sleeves, and sealing parts positioned near light sources must maintain their mechanical properties without deforming, hardening, or releasing volatile compounds that could deposit a film on the optics. Silicone is one of the few elastomers capable of withstanding these thermal constraints over the entire lifespan of a luminaire.
Resistance to UV aging and outdoor conditions
Outdoor luminaires are constantly exposed to UV radiation, humidity fluctuations, and freeze-thaw cycles. Unstabilized elastomers crack, lose their flexibility, and allow moisture to penetrate, degrading the IP protection rating guaranteed at delivery. Silicone offers intrinsic UV stability without the need for plasticizers, maintaining sealing properties throughout the product's lifespan.
Maintaining IP protection ratings over time
A luminaire rated IP65, IP67, or IP68 must maintain this level of protection throughout its service life, often contracted at 50,000 hours for LED applications. Gasket failure is one of the primary causes of IP loss in real-world use. The compression set must remain low to ensure the gasket's elastic recovery after each time the housing is opened.
Optical transparency and compatibility with encapsulants
In certain lighting applications, silicone is used as an encapsulation or optical diffusion material. It must exhibit stable light transmittance over time, without yellowing under light flux or heat. Chemical compatibility with epoxy resins, UV adhesives, and the aluminum substrates of LED modules must be verified to prevent delamination or migration.
Advantages of silicone
It is used in various sectors due to its exceptional technical properties.
Our expertise at the service of your project
From the study phase, our teams can support you in order to find the solution perfectly adapted to your needs/sector of activity. We then define the best manufacturing process.
FAQ
We answer your most frequently asked questions
01Are your silicone gaskets suitable for LED luminaires operating continuously at high temperatures?
Yes. Our standard formulations withstand continuous temperatures from -60°C to +200°C, which covers the thermal requirements of industrial LED luminaires. For hot spots exceeding 180°C, high-temperature formulations are available. Thermal service life can be estimated based on the actual operating conditions provided by the client.
02How do you ensure the IP rating is maintained throughout the luminaire's service life?
IP performance depends primarily on the gasket's compression set—its ability to return to its original shape after prolonged compression. We select compounds with low compression set and can provide accelerated aging data according to IEC 60068. The geometry of the gasket groove also determines the final result.
03Do you offer transparent silicones for optical applications?
Yes. Optically clear silicone formulations are available for encapsulating LED modules or creating diffusing parts. Light transmittance and stability against heat and UV radiation are fully characterized. These materials are compatible with injection and casting processes depending on the part geometry.
04Can you replicate an existing part provided by another manufacturer?
Yes, provided we have a dimensioned drawing or a physical part to replicate. We perform the measurements, propose an equivalent or superior formulation, and submit a sample for validation before starting production. This is a common practice for luminaire manufacturers looking to secure their supply chain.
We share a culture of innovation and excellence
A major player in the transformation of silicones and other elastomers for many years, our team works every day to offer you a quality service.
A multisectoral solution
Our expertise in silicone allows us to support customers in various sectors: both in the medical sector and in an industrial environment.
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