How to choose outdoor light box materials? Key factors and practical suggestions
Outdoor light boxes are important carriers for store signage and advertising, and their durability, visual effects, and installation stability directly affect brand image and promotional effectiveness. Choosing the right materials not only extends the lifespan of the advertising light box, but also ensures that it remains bright and new in various weather conditions. This article will analyze the common materials and their advantages and disadvantages of LED light box sign, helping you make the best choice.
1.Outside light box panel material: translucency&weather resistance
(1) Acrylic
Advantages: High transmittance (over 92%), higher than ordinary glass, and more vivid colors under light refraction; UV resistant, impact resistant, weather resistant, not easily discolored, suitable for long-term outdoor use; It can be processed by hot bending, bonding, silk screen printing, spraying, etc., with beautiful lighting effects.
Applicable scenarios: high-end brand store signs, mall advertising light boxes, corporate logos.
Thickness recommendation: 3mm-8mm (depending on size, larger sizes require thicker to prevent deformation).
(2) Stainless steel
Advantages: Ultra high strength, rust resistance and corrosion resistance. Its surface forms a dense chromium oxide protective film, which can effectively resist the erosion of air, water and other chemicals, and has a long service life.
Disadvantages: High cost and heavy weight.
Applicable scenarios: Seaside, high humidity areas, or billboards that require strong wind resistance.
(3) Galvanized steel sheet
Advantages: Low cost, high intensity, suitable for projects with limited budgets.
Disadvantage: The surface needs to be sprayed with rust prevention treatment, otherwise it is prone to rusting.
Applicable scenarios: Short term outdoor advertising or use in conjunction with waterproof coatings.
2. Light box frame material: stability&rust prevention
(1) Aluminum alloy
Advantages: High strength, strength close to high alloy steel, can be significantly improved by adding different elements; Good conductivity and thermal conductivity; Has good castability and plastic processability; Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, weather resistant, easy to process, suitable for long-term outdoor use.
Applicable scenarios: Most outdoor LED light boxes, especially those that require lightweight design.
(2) Stainless steel
Advantages: Ultra high strength, rust resistance and corrosion resistance. Its surface forms a dense chromium oxide protective film, which can effectively resist the erosion of air, water and other chemicals, and has a long service life.
Disadvantages: High cost and heavy weight.
Applicable scenarios: Seaside, high humidity areas, or billboards that require strong wind resistance.
(3) Galvanized steel sheet
Advantages: Low cost, high intensity, suitable for projects with limited budgets.
Disadvantage: The surface needs to be sprayed with rust prevention treatment, otherwise it is prone to rusting.
Applicable scenarios: Short term outdoor advertising or use in conjunction with waterproof coatings.
3.Light source selection: Brightness&Energy saving
(1)LED light strip: Energy saving. The energy utilization rate of the LED module light source is over 80%, and the power consumption is only 10% of that of incandescent lamps, significantly reducing energy consumption; Long lifespan, typically exceeding tens of thousands of hours, reduces replacement frequency, and is suitable for long-term use of outdoor and indoor light boxes; High safety, low heat generation, no filament design, strong seismic resistance, suitable for complex environments.
(2) Neon light signs: With strong penetration, the spectrum of neon lights can maintain a good visual effect even in rainy or foggy weather, making them suitable for use in outdoor environments; Neon lights belong to cold cathode gas discharge lamps, and the temperature of the lamp tube is below 60 ℃ during operation. They can be safely placed in the open sun and rain; The visual effect is retro, but it has high energy consumption and maintenance costs.
(3)Side light emission (light guide plate): The light guide plate can evenly disperse the light, avoiding excessive concentration of light and providing uniform lighting effect; Can effectively utilize light and reduce energy consumption; Point or line light sources can be converted into surface light sources to make the brightness distribution of the screen more uniform. Suitable for ultra-thin light boxes, but slightly lower brightness.
4. Key points of waterproofing and weather resistance
(1)Sealing glue: Use high-quality silicone to seal the edges and prevent rainwater from seeping in.
(2)UV resistant coating: It is best for panel materials to have UV protection to avoid fading.
(3)Ventilation design: To avoid internal condensation, a ventilation valve can be installed.
5. Case reference: Recommended combinations for different scenarios
(1)Choose acrylic panel+aluminum alloy frame+LED module for high-end brand store signs
(2)Choose PC board+stainless steel frame+high brightness LED for outdoor large-scale advertising
(3)Short term promotion light box selection: PVC soft film+galvanized steel frame (rust proof treatment)
(4)In areas with frequent wind and rain, choose UV resistant acrylic/PC board+stainless steel frame+waterproof adhesive strip
conclusion
Choosing suitable outdoor lightbox materials requires comprehensive consideration of transparency, weather resistance, budget, and installation environment. High end brands recommend acrylic+aluminum alloy, PC board+stainless steel is recommended for windy and rainy areas, and PVC+galvanized steel can be selected for short-term activities. The correct combination of materials can significantly improve the lifespan of lightboxes and advertising effectiveness!
If you need to customize professional outdoor light boxes, please feel free to contact us for free design solutions!
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