Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/370309
80 • September 2014 • S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S The Light Temperature Factor The ambient temperature range is not the only consideration; the light's color temperature range is also a factor. Light color temperature, measured in Kelvin—and output intensity, measured in lumens—each affect the color consis- tency and contrast of the sign face. AgiLight offers the BoxRayz 400 (400 lumens/module) and BoxRayz 600 (600 lumens/module) products for cabinet signs. The BoxRayz 600 is the company's latest LED lighting product, which has equal intensity at three rows when compared to four rows of T12-HO fluorescent tubes in a 4' x 4' sign cabi- net. At two rows, the intensity of the BoxRayz600 is ~2/3's the brightness but with a far smoother intensity on the surface exhibiting lower peak to valley differences. The BoxRayz 400 can also illuminate the same sign cabinet with two rows when using a 2447 acrylic. "Companies that make films that go on the face of a lot of the signs, whether polycarbonate or acrylic, rarely specify what the appropriate light intensity is to ensure the sign face looks like the right color," says Southard. "Fluorescent, because it has to be installed 12" on- center for greater uniformity, can pro- duce too much light, often washing out the color and the vinyl or painted graphic. LEDs are now at the same level of intensity as fluorescent tubes, but at a cost premium. When the LED is installed per specification, it is generally dimmer, but the contrast is greater because the intensity is not washing out the graphic. Instead of measuring intensity, you should choose the one that looks the best—especially when considering all the potential temperature ranges." Bullish on Growth Ultimately, Southard is bullish on the growth of LED sign cabinet instal- lations and retrofits: "The benefits of LED lighting for sign cabinets far out- weigh the initial barriers. You need to take a holistic approach to the lighting installation and understand all the costs associated with running the business and how much more you can produce with a product that doesn't use as much interior metal or as many raceways, is easier to install and cuts down on labor, as well as the training needed to install the sign. In the next two or three years I expect there will be a much greater increase in LED usage in sign cabinets. In four or five years we'll probably see a 30 percent or more market penetration with LEDs. It will happen." SDG e benefits of LED lighting for sign cabinets far outweigh the initial barriers. If you have photos that are too high of a resolution to attach, please send them separately to mdixon@nbm.com. Be a Part of the Top Signage Publication in the Industry Showcase your work in Sign & Digital Graphics. Share with us your best sign and graphics projects and we'll get them published in the maga- zine as soon as we can. Don't let that masterful job go underappreciated. Simply go to our website sdgmag.com/ sign-project-submission and fill out the requested information and attach your photos where prompted and we'll take care of everything. We can't wait to see what you have to show us. Sign Projects Submissions: