WHAT ARE FIBRE OPTICS & LEDS?
Fibre optics and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are two different technologies and each has its own particular characteristics, features, benefits and applications. Digilin specialises in both.
Fibre Optics...
Add mystery, magic and excitement to lighting and create breathtaking effects that are unparalleled by any other lighting technology. From the subtle to the extreme, the applications and effects of fibre optics are boundless and are limited only by one's imagination and expectations.
- Safe, energy-efficient and cost-effective.
- An alternative to neon and many other types of lighting.
- Free of many of the constraints of traditional lighting.
- Comprised of a remotely located light source which contains the lamp and optical system; fibre optic cables (optical harness) used to capture and carry the light; and lenses or end fittings used to shape the beam and emit the light.
- Can produce linear, 'neon style' lighting, using special sidelight fibre optic cables that emit light all along their length.
- Have the ability to change colour and produce stunning high impact animated visual effects.
Digilin, one of only a few companies worldwide that specialise in fibre optic lighting, is perhaps the most experienced. A solutions-driven company, Digilin prides itself in its different approach to fibre optic lighting projects. It looks for the best solution and is not constrained by 'how things have been done in the past' or limited to the use of off-the-shelf products. Digilin can customise solutions by designing custom products for specific jobs.
LEDs...
These semi-conductor devices convert electronic energy directly into energy-efficient 'cold' light. Being electronic devices, LEDs require no maintenance and have an inherently long life - typically in the vicinity of 50,000 hours with only a 30% reduction in light output when used in a suitably designed fitting (that's over 5 years of constant 24 hour a day operation).
- All the energy radiates in the visible spectrum (compared to incandescent and fluorescent lamps that also radiate energy in the non-visible spectrum, creating heat and damaging ultraviolet light).
- Are available in a wide range of vivid colours, including white.
- Can produce the entire spectrum of colour by combining RGB (red, green, blue) to create thousands of colours in a similar way to a TV screen.
- Rapid development in LED technology (used in indicator lights and numeric displays) means brighter, more efficient, more colourful LEDs with a greater range of lighting applications.
BENEFITS OF FIBRE OPTICS
Dynamic visual lighting effects - movement, changing colours, sequencing or random effects. Computer controlled by DMX, if required.
No heat - the lighting points and fibre cables emit virtually no heat so a minimal heat load is added to the environment which allows heat sensitive items to be brightly illuminated (eg. confectionary, museum displays, cold stores).
No electricity - the fibre cable only transmits light, which eliminates all safety risks and liabilities associated with the use of electricity, especially in wet areas (around pools and spas), high humidity environments and public areas.
No UV - as there is no damaging ultraviolet radiation, fibre optic lighting is the ideal solution for museum conservation lighting and sensitive artwork illumination.
Lifetime maintenance-free light points - fibre optics is the only lighting technology that guarantees its light points are completely maintenance-free. This feature allows lighting to be placed in locations that were previously impossible due to inaccessibility for maintenance, such as atriums, building exteriors, towers, spires and underwater applications.
Multi-task lighting systems - one fibre optic light source can provide many illumination points or decorative effects, increasing efficiency and simplifying maintenance with just one maintenance point at the light source.
Excellent control of light - ensures the correct intensity and beam spread of light and colour is delivered.
Small points of light - can be built into the structure.
No light pollution - the light can be positioned very close to an object thereby avoiding light spill and wastage.
Vandal resistant - very small, discreet, sturdy fittings minimize the risk of vandalism. No need to place lighting in unsightly cages to protect them in public areas, as the fibre optic light source is hidden at a safe location away from the light.
Review the specific benefits of Digilin's Fibre OpticsBENEFITS OF LEDs
High efficiency - converts electricity directly into light, resulting in lower heat generation, cooler fittings and efficacies exceeding that of incandescent and many fluorescent sources.
Cool safe light - no heat in the form of infra-red radiation and the absence of damaging UV results in cooler fittings and cooler, safer light, making LEDs the ideal form of lighting when conventional sources would cause a problem (eg. task lighting, museum cabinet lighting or food lighting).
Low power consumption - results in significant energy savings that often drives the installation of LED-based systems.
Reliable - high operating life with no routine maintenance normally required, leads to significant costs savings in lamp replacement and associated labour costs.
Rugged - high resistance to shock and vibration.
Safe - low voltage operation makes LEDs safe for wet areas
Small - compact construction allows for miniaturisation and discreet light fittings.
Excellent light control - well defined light emission characteristics and purpose-designed collimator lenses enable precise shaping and control of beam spread, achieving efficiencies of around 90%.
Fast - solid-state technology provides instantaneous 'turn-on' and 'turn-off' for strobing and chasing effects. Ideally suited to applications requiring frequent switching with no detriment to operating life.
Environmentally friendly - LEDs do not contain mercury.
Review the specific benefits of Digilin's LED LightingOther benefits of Digilin Fibre Optics and LEDs
- Remote control of colour change, effects and intensity using DMX, 0-10V, Dali and Ethernet.
- Technological advances are quickly implemented into new cutting-edge products.
- Complementary technology allows the development of a range of unique products that combine both LED and fibre optics.
- Fosters creative lighting design.