The materials of LED panel lights are mainly divided into external frame, diffusion plate, light guide plate, reflective film and internal components. Different materials directly affect the light transmittance, heat dissipation, durability and safety of the lamps. The following is a detailed analysis:
1. External frame (housing)
Aluminum alloy (most commonly used)
Advantages: light, good heat dissipation (thermal conductivity is about 200W/m·K), corrosion resistance, suitable for high-end commercial lighting.
Surface treatment: anodizing (anti-fingerprint, anti-scratch) or spraying (multiple colors available).
Steel
Advantages: low cost, high strength, but heavy weight, easy to rust (need galvanizing).
Plastic (PVC/ABS)
Advantages: insulation, lightweight, but poor heat dissipation, mostly used for low-power or household lamps.
2. Diffuser (key to uniform light)
PMMA (acrylic)
Advantages: light transmittance ≥92%, strong weather resistance, not easy to yellow (preferred for high-end panel lights).
Disadvantages: high cost, brittle (avoid impact).
PS (polystyrene)
Advantages: low cost, but the transmittance is only 80%~85%, and it is easy to age and become brittle after long-term use.
PC (polycarbonate)
Advantages: impact resistance (explosion-proof), but the transmittance is slightly lower than PMMA (about 88%), and the price is high.
3. Light guide plate (core optical component)
Material: ultra-thin optical grade PMMA or MS (methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer).
Process:
Laser dot engraving: precise control of light refraction, better uniformity.
Silk screen dots: low cost, but the dots may fall off after long-term use.
4. Reflective film (to improve light efficiency)
Material: PET (polyester film) substrate + aluminum/silver coating.
Reflectivity: high-quality reflective film > 95% (such as 3M light enhancement film).
5. Internal components
LED light source:
Usually SMD 2835/4014 chip LED (low power consumption, high light efficiency) is used.
Power supply (driver): Isolated led driver
The shell material is flame-retardant PC or PBT (UL94 V-0 fireproof grade).
Heat dissipation structure:
Aluminum substrate (insulating layer + aluminum plate) assists heat conduction to avoid light decay.
6. Edge sealing material
Silicone sealing strip: dustproof and moisture-proof (IP54 and above protection level).
Purchase suggestions
Commercial/engineering lighting: choose aluminum alloy frame + PMMA light guide plate to ensure long life (>50,000 hours).
Household lighting: PC diffuser can be considered (child-proof collision prevention).
Humid environment: confirm the IP level (IP65 is required for bathroom use).
Tips for avoiding pits:
Poor-quality PS diffuser is prone to yellowing (light transmittance drops sharply after 1 to 2 years).
Unbranded LED chips have fast light decay (brightness may drop by 30% after 1 year).
If you need material recommendations for specific scenarios (such as hospitals and classrooms), you can further refine your requirements on http://www.benweilight.com
