One-size-fits-all, standard lighting is a thing of the past. Instead, lighting today is available in every shape and size, giving consumers more choices than ever before. In addition to styling, consumers are also looking for lighting options that are durable and energy efficient, while serving a specific function – such as offering targeted illumination or ambient lighting. Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s portfolio of polycarbonate plastics and sheet help manufacturers meet these consumer needs.

Bayer will highlight its innovative materials and technical expertise at its booth (#519) during the Strategies in Light exhibition, Feb. 25-27, in Santa Clara, Calif. Visitors from around the world can drop by the Bayer booth to learn more about Bayer’s materials for LED lighting and talk to Bayer experts.

Bayer will highlight an array of its signature Makrolon® polycarbonate plastic suitable for use in LED lighting applications. Manufacturers looking for a material with high reflectivity, low viscosity and easy release turn to Makrolon 6265X polycarbonate. This flame-retardant grade also has a UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.5 mm.

For LED lighting applications requiring high lumen efficiency, excellent light transmission and stability to heat – such as optics, lenses and enclosures, Makrolon LED2643 polycarbonate fits the bill. Additionally, Makrolon LED2643 polycarbonate is impact resistant, has a UL 94 flame class rating of V-2 at 0.75 mm, and is f1 rated for outdoor use (in accordance with UL 746C).

If manufacturers are looking to replace aluminum in heatsink applications for LED replacement lamps and next-generation luminaires, they should consider Makrolon TC8030 polycarbonate plastic from Bayer. This thermally conductive polycarbonate grade provides corrosion resistance and increased design freedom. It has similar thermal properties when compared to aluminum but is able to reduce costs by eliminating assembly steps, improving production efficiency and reducing capital investments. Processed by injection molding, Makrolon TC8030 has a UL 94 flame class rating of V-0 at 2.0 mm and is f1 listed.

Another Bayer offering – Makrolon FR7087 polycarbonate – is an ideal material for flame-retardant applications requiring clarity, including lenses, covers and electrical enclosures. Available in transparent and diffusion colors, Makrolon FR7087 plastic is UL 94 flame rated 5VA at 3.0 mm. This material was chosen by TerraGlo for the lens cover of its Alba Series luminaires, and by TerraLUX Illumination for the lens of its Line-Voltage Linear LED Engine.

For manufacturers in search of high-performance sheet, they need look no further than Makrolon Lumen XT polycarbonate sheet from Bayer. Among its wealth of properties, the sheet material has a UL 94 V-2 flammability rating and resists high temperatures while providing outstanding, uniform LED light diffusion, minimizing hot spots while maximizing light transmission.

Makrolon Lumen XT sheet also offers flexibility, along with superior impact resistance, when compared with glass and acrylic in LED fixtures. Bayer developed this polycarbonate sheet product, for use in diffusion lenses in LED lighting fixtures, where it enables design versatility. Makrolon Lumen XT sheet is utilized for interior LED and conventional lighting fixtures. For example, it is found in a major correctional facility and U.S. Cellular Field (White Sox baseball park) in the form of diffuser panels for new LED fixtures, and was even used in a recent art installation.

With attendees at Strategies in Light representing a variety of LED and lighting professions – including design engineering, building operation and lighting product manufacturing – Bayer MaterialScience’s portfolio of polycarbonate plastics and sheet for LED applications has material options for nearly every lighting need.