COB LED module makers emphasize 130 lm/W units

High luminous efficacy remains a key objective. Some companies pursue miniaturization further by adopting flip-chip technology.

Manufacturers of COB LED modules in China continue to highlight enhanced luminous efficacy, capitalizing on the product's advantage over DIP and SMD kinds and leveraging wide use in lighting applications. They target a greater volume of releases with as much as 130 lm/W.

Suppliers such as Hongli Optoelectronic have taken this objective further. The maker introduced two series adopting flip-chip technology to realize not only greater luminous efficacy but also smaller forms. One of the models utilizes a ceramic substrate for low heat resistance and has no gold lead. It boasts up to 150 lm/W. The unit has 20 to 70W rated power, 2,700 to 6,500K color temperature and 70, 80, 90 or 95 CRI.

As a further performance guarantee, many manufacturers ensure products meet LM-80.

Sustaining the line is the booming LED lighting market locally and overseas. The applications include spot and downlights, bulbs and PAR lamps.

The global industry posted a production value of $40 billion in 2014, and is projected to hit a total exceeding $1 trillion from 2014 to 2018, according to the Qianzhan Research Institute.

In China, the green technology has a 30 percent share of the lighting sector. The portion may climb to as high as 80 percent in 2018 based on a 25 percent annual growth rate.

Such developments are fueling local suppliers' plans to boost production. Shenzhen Stansen Electronics Co. Ltd increased output by 10 percent in the past year and will continue at this rate in 2016.

Mainland China companies are confident of another 10 percent increase in overseas shipments in 2016. They export between 20 and 80 percent of yield. For the majority, the key destinations are Europe, the US and Asia.

Hundreds of suppliers make up the line in the mainland, and more are expected to join the pool in the years ahead because of the boom in LED lighting.

Most are local operations and 30 percent with investment mainly from Taiwan and Hong Kong. COB diodes represent 20 to 60 percent of their shipments, and other LED and diode-based lighting products the remainder.

The manufacturers congregate in coastal areas in the east and south. More than half are in Guangdong province, specifically in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan. The rest are spread in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai.

See a comparison table of COB LED module suppliers on GlobalSources.com