As Dow Corning Corporation launches two new lighting products at LightFair International 2015, it is stressing something larger: A new way of thinking of silicones throughout the luminaire design process.

“The industry is growing and evolving very quickly,” says Hugo da Silva, global industry director for Lighting at Dow Corning. “That growth is putting great demands on designers, as well as on the materials they use.”

da Silva says designers are looking for materials that can handle higher temperatures and will allow optics that are more flexible. “The right material allows them to design shapes that are trapped in a mold,” he says. “Optical silicones allow them to create parts that have negative draft angles, for example, or parts that have sealing characteristics built right into the mold.

Dow Corning’s LightFair International 2015 booth (Booth #4017) will give designers an opportunity to explore the many uses of silicones in luminaire design — as moldable optics, thermally conductive sealants, adhesives, encapsulants and coatings. (Photo Courtesy of Dow Corning)

By taking advantage of the unique properties of silicones, designers can maximize performance and design freedom.”           

Dow Corning’s LightFair International 2015 booth (Booth #4017) will give designers an opportunity to explore the many uses of silicones in luminaire design — as moldable optics, thermally conductive sealants, adhesives, encapsulants and coatings. The booth features a series of interactive stations that offer visitors hands-on demonstrations of each of those uses.           

By using case studies, one station demonstrates the benefit of thinking about silicones from the very beginning of the luminaire design process. The case studies show how silicones can be used to design multi-function components that maximize performance and simplify manufacturing.

Thermal properties are also featured in a second station, which highlights the use of Dow Corning silicones for protection and assembly. “This will show visitors how silicones can be used for thermal dissipation and other thermal protection,” says da Silva.

A third station demonstrates the many different uses of moldable silicone optics highlighting not only the optical properties but the other characteristics, as well:  processability, durability, UV and thermal stability.         

 The booth will also feature new products, including:

• Dow Corning^® EI-1184 Clear Encapsulant, a highly transparent two-part product designed to protect luminaire components in interior and outdoor applications.
• Dow Corning^® CI-2001 White Reflective Coating, a highly reflective coating that offers outstanding optical, mechanical and thermal stability.

Dow Corning technology experts will be on hand at LightFair 2015 to discuss the design possibilities offered by the company’s expanding portfolio of optical silicones, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives for LED lamp and luminaire applications.

LightFair International 2015 is world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference and takes place May 5 through May 7, 2015 at the Javits Center in New York.