ISSUE 114 APRIL 2009 Sign Update

COMPANY News
No confusion with LEDs from S.M.P.
With the growing popularity of using LEDs in signs, letters
and trough lights, the team at S.M.P. has been hard at work
developing exactly what signmakers require from LEDs.
Many companies supply LEDs in a chain and these are, of
course, on pre-determined centres. Anyone who has used these will
be aware of the inherent problem, namely that they are spaced too
far apart. This spacing is not by accident; equally, says S.M.P., the
spacing is not so as to stretch out the span per metre of LEDs to
make them more cost effective. For this reason S.M.P. prices its
products by the module, giving signmakers total control over the
costing of their projects.
S.M.P.’s waterproof LEDs in action. Rated to IP68 these can be immersed in
water up to a pressure depth of one metre.
An assortment of led displays light up SMP's stand at the Sign Show.
72 Sign Update ISSUE 114 APRIL 2009
A chain of waterproof LEDs, available
in chains up to a 100 from S.M.P.
The extra spacing in chains is to help with the
layout of LEDs in letters. Not all letters are as simple
as an “L” to plan out, anyone who has laid LEDs in
letters knows that the connecting leads need to be
extended and shortened to suit other letters such as
“A” or “R”. Therefore, selected LEDs in S.M.P.’s
waterproof ranges have pre-determined leads in
excess of the required lengths.
For added flexibility S.M.P. has also developed
a plug-together range of LEDs, which offers several
advantages over pre-determined ranges. A major
benefit is different length connecting leads, which
can be selected to suit each connection.
The LEDs can also be mixed and
matched to suit. Modules with one, two,
or three diodes can be plugged together
for different applications. In addition,
colours can be mixed; red, white,
blue amber and green can all be used
to create magical effects.
The company’s Flexi-strip 180+
range of LEDs is designed for face
illuminating built-up letters and anything
with forward facing light requirements.
Flexi-strip 180+ is so flexible that a
310mm strip can be tied in a knot.
Again, S.M.P. developed this product as
plug together with the added advantage
of 100mm and 50mm long strips also
available, thereby avoiding the necessity
of cutting and subsequent wastage as
is the case with many other strips.
The 180+ in the name refers to
the angle of light that can be achieved
and helps eliminate dull spots in the sides
of acrylic built-up letters. Diodes can be
teased out to cast the light exactly where
required. Flexi-strip 180+ is available
now in 310mm lengths with 100mm and
50mm strips to be introduced soon.