Frequently Asked Questions - Innolite Panels

 

 

1. Why are Innolite panels better?

2. How bright is Innolite?

3. What is the warranty?

4. Can panels be cut?

5. Why is the panel dim when first switched on?

6. What is the difference between Innolite and Electroluminescence (EL)?

7. How do I extend panel life?

8. What happens if the panel gets damaged?

9. What are phosphors?

10. Is Innolite environmentally friendly?

11. Is Innolite affected by ambient light?

12. What are the typical failure problems with other competitive electroluminescent panels?

 

 

1. Why are Innolite panels better?

Using our own proprietary processes, our panels do not suffer from de-lamination, heat spots or bad connections. In addition, our ISO 9001 facility employs numerous quality controls and checks.

 

2. How bright is Innolite?

Innolite can be powered to illuminate between 50 cd/m² and 300 cd/m². In most backlighting instances, 150 cd/m² is used. 300 cd/m² could be used for applications with a great amount of ambient light such as a trade show.

3. What is the warranty?

The product holds a 3-month limited warranty for manufacturing defects.

 

4. Can panels be cut?

Yes, but this voids the warranty. However for prototype applications a panel can be cut into virtually any shape but the edges must be shaved and then sealed to prevent moisture, electric shock and shorts. Traditional scotch tape serves the purpose in most cases. In addition, the factory can manufacture custom shapes.

 

5. Why is the panel dim when first switched on?

The inverter powers the panel up to full brightness over approx 10 seconds. This does not occur in flashing mode after initial power up.

 

6. What is the difference between Innolite and Electroluminescence (EL)?

There are a vast number of differences. Most importantly, Innolite uses a proprietary manufacturing process to achieve high brightness and light uniformity suitable for the printing and signage industries. EL is an old technology. It is typically low brightness, small format and short life at high brightness.

 

7. How do I extend panel life?

Flashing or sequencing of panels can dramatically increase the panel's usable life by two or three times. Decreasing the panel brightness also increases the life.

 

8. What happens if the panel gets damaged?

Unlike Neon, incandescent and other lighting applications, Innolite loses its light only in the damaged area; the remaining area will stay lit.

 

9. What are phosphors?

Phosphors are powders that are made of compounds like zinc sulfide doped with copper or manganese to achieve different emission colors. Colors that can be achieved are white, orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green and blue. White phosphors are pink when they are powered off. The phosphors are white when powered off for most of the other colors.

 

10. Is Innolite environmentally friendly?

Yes. The chemicals in Innolite panels are very environmentally friendly and also degradable. The laminates are typically less friendly because they are polymer based. These laminates are the same as those used in most shrink-wrapped products.

 

11. Is Innolite affected by ambient light?

Yes. All backlit technology is affected by ambient light. However, you may adjust the brightness of Innolite panels as needed to achieve the required impact in any given ambient light setting.

 

12. What are the typical failure problems with other competitive electroluminescent panels?

• Delamination occurs when the protective laminate separates from the panel.
• Heat spots or burn spots occur where either the phosphor or dielectric has been unevenly applied or if the bus bar has not been properly insulated.
• Flickering occurs where a soldered connection is bad and the panel is moving (such as in a lighted vest).
• Total panel failure occurs when there is a bad connection.