Varroc Lighting Systems has introduced Surface-LED, its latest innovation in exterior vehicle lighting systems, which brings together the appearance of OLEDs with the proven benefits of LED light sources. This cost-effective and reliable product will give OEMs more freedom to innovate in the design and functionality of exterior lighting than ever before.

Surface-LED technology offers a broader range of design capability with a modern aesthetic. (Image: Varroc Lighting Systems)

Varroc Lighting Systems' patented Surface-LED technology uses thin layers of micro-optic filters and conventional LED light sources to achieve the homogeneous appearance generally associated with OLEDs. Each homogenously lit element is only 3.5mm thick, with a luminous intensity that can be scaled from 2,000–13,000 cd/m². Unlike current automotive-qualified OLEDs in the market, Surface-LED elements can be designed and produced in curved and 3-D shapes, as well as with multiple colors that enable them to achieve various functions.

With this new product, Varroc Lighting Systems combines the benefits of the still-emerging OLED technology, including its ultra-thin and homogenous lighting profile, with the proven reliability, low cost and flexibility of LEDs. With the ability to incorporate 3-D designs, curvature and multiple colors, Surface-LED presents OEM designers with a new, cost-effective and high-impact avenue to create innovative lighting signatures on vehicles.

"There is a strong desire to implement the appearance of OLED into exterior vehicle lighting, but the cost and technical complications have thus far limited its application to only a few premium vehicles," says Todd Morgan, senior vice president of product development at Varroc Lighting Systems. "Surface-LED eliminates these hurdles, and even adds a few features that are not yet possible with OLEDs. Customer feedback on Surface-LED has been extremely positive and we can see many new applications already." 

Also commenting on this latest innovation, Stephane Vedie, CEO of Varroc Lighting Systems, said: "Development of new technologies is a key pillar in our overall strategy at Varroc Lighting Systems, and we take pride in our ability to provide our customers with leading-edge technology at a competitive cost. We are celebrating the fifth anniversary of joining the Varroc Group, and Surface-LED is a perfect example of how becoming part of the Varroc family has enabled us to become a more efficient and forward-looking organization, while continuing our traditions of innovation and quality excellence, rooted in an almost 140-year history."

Surface-LED was unveiled during Varroc Lighting Systems' participation at the 2017 edition of the International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL) in Darmstadt, Germany, widely considered to be the largest and most prestigious event of its kind in the world of automotive lighting. In addition to showcasing its latest technologies, experts from Varroc Lighting Systems spoke on topics that touch upon the future of the industry, such as the challenges and opportunities with future headlamp performance requirements and high current LEDs in next-generation LED headlamps.