Customer Challenge
While public infrastructure is often regarded as being strictly purpose-driven and utilitarian, there is now a renewed interest to highlight esthetics and beauty for newly designed bridges, tunnels and walkways. Adding lighting not only improves the safety for users but also helps accent the artistic features that go into these new designs. Because of their longevity and reduced power consumption, LED strips are the lighting of choice to illuminate these structures. For the customer, the challenge was finding a general-purpose potting compound to protect LEDs used to light up a public walkway. Specifically, the potting compound needed to protect the LEDs against vibration and satisfy the requirements of achieving both an IP68 and IP69K rating.
Key Customer Requirements
- Rigid material that protects against shocks and vibration
- Easy to use
- Protects against common environmental elements like rain, snow and debris
- High compressive strength – resists deformation under pressure
Solution
MG Chemicals’ 832HD is a 2-part, general-purpose epoxy potting compound that cures to a rigid finish. This product is available in convenient dual cartridge systems where the user can forego the inconvenience of measuring and mixing the epoxy and instead simply dispense the compound. It also boosts a compressive strength of nearly 11 000 PSI, making it a great choice to protect electronics against vibrations, impacts and exposure to high pressure.
Conclusion
A rigid potting compound like the 832HD is a great solution for protecting delicate LEDs given its high mechanical strength and ease-of-use. These compounds help extend the life of electronics and ensure no compromise in performance under harsh conditions.
