Kehong's model KH5050 flexible LED strip adopts superbright 5050 SMD LEDS and has an IP20, IP65 or IP68 rating.

Companies are rolling out units with 2835 diodes. IP65 to IP68-rated configurations remain on the agenda.

Product initiatives in China’s flexible LED strips line are expanding from emphasis on water-resistant types to the adoption of smaller SMD LEDs with a higher luminous efficacy. A number of makers have released models with 2835 diodes, which boast up to 90 to 100lm/W or twice as much as that of local mainstream 3528 versions. The former kind is therefore more cost-effective by 20 percent. Shenzhen Schritzen has 12W units with 3,000 to 7,000K color temperature, 50,000hr life span and an IP68 rating. Meetleds Optoelectronics Co. Ltd is preparing to accommodate orders specifying the compact light source. The latter supplier projects annual demand rise will surpass 20 percent in coming years. The 2835 category currently has between 10 and 15 percent share of the country’s output.

In outdoor-use products, manufacturers stay focused on IP65 to IP68-rated varieties, taking advantage of steadily climbing requirement. Such units account for about 50 percent of domestic yield for the line. Companies offer IP68 models with PVC or silicone sleeves. The former material features enhanced transparency, while the second is highly flexible and fade-resistant.

Customization continues to drive the segment, with suppliers accepting buyers’ specifications on SMD LED type, diode color and strip length. Citylux (China) LED Lighting Ltd derives 30 percent of business from OEM and ODM orders. It plans to keep to this strategy in coming years.

In response to projections of sustained 10 percent sales growth in the months ahead, most China makers aim to raise output. Citylux will do so by 10 percent after a 30 percent boost last year, from which it garnered $26 million in total revenue.

Increasing shipments to emerging markets such as the Middle East and South America contribute to this development, although the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region remain local suppliers’ key destinations. Citylux, which sends products to North America and Brazil, foresees exports to the latter will shoot up by year-end.

There are about 300 flexible LED strips makers in mainland China, 80 percent of which are domestic operations and the rest with foreign investment, mainly from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Guangdong province remains the major production hub for the line, playing host to two-thirds of the mainland’s supplier pool and gathering many in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou. Other manufacturers are in the provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu. These four areas are expected to attract more domestic and international players.

Aside from flexible LED strips, makers turn out rigid versions and related components. Kehong Opto Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd offers diodes, displays and lights.

Mainstream selection

The local range covers the 5050, 3528, 2835, 3014 and 335 categories, with the first two collectively forming at least 70 percent of output. Products integrate 30, 40 or 60 LEDs per meter and have a 6, 9, 12 or 24VDC rating. These come in red, blue, green, yellow, purple, pink, RGB, or pure, warm or cool white.

Most releases conform to RoHS.

In addition to SMD diodes and PVC or silicone sleeves, the key components and materials used are ICs, flexible PCBs and adhesives. More than 50 percent of makers source the first locally, while the rest produce them in-house to help maintain product quality and performance. Kehong makes LEDs, 30 percent of which fill its own requirement and the remainder sold in the market.

ICs are obtained from the US, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and local sources. Some companies use imported adhesives. The rest of the manufacturing inputs are purchased from domestic providers.

In general, companies conduct automated production. Solder paste mixers, paste printers, and SMT, reflow soldering and glue machines are among the key equipment utilized. Most are locally made.

Prices decreased by 5 to 10 percent in the past year, owing to a similar trend in the cost of raw materials. This trend will persist until end-2014.

Related reports:
SMD LEDs: Companies step up miniaturization efforts
LED drivers: Makers shift focus to high-power outdoor units
LED lighting: New integrated driver ICs improve quality, reduce BOM
LEDs: Suppliers stress backlights for mobile electronics
LED modules: Makers stress enhanced heat dissipation

Product gallery

Citylux (China) LED Lighting Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: CTL-5050SMD-60led/m
MOQ: 100m
Delivery: 3 days
Description: 5050 SMD LEDs; 900 to 950 lm/m; 14.4W/m power; 12 or 24VDC, 220VAC rated voltage; nonwater-resistant, IP65 or IP68-rated versions available

Kehong Opto Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: KH5050
MOQ: 2,000m
Delivery: 10 days
Description: Superbright 5050 SMD LEDs; 12 or 24VDC rated voltage; copper PCB; IP20, IP65 or IP68 rating

Meetleds Optoelectronics Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: MT-F2538
MOQ: 100m
Delivery: 5 days
Description: 2538 SMD LEDs, 78 diodes, 6.24W per meter; cuttable every three diodes; random bending; 6.5x5mm; for mini channel letters

Shenzhen Helian Electronics Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: HL-RXX5630
MOQ: 20m
Delivery: 5 days
Description: 5630 SMD LEDs; pure white; 75 lm/W luminous efficacy; 115-degree viewing angle; 24VDC operating voltage; 26 or 13W/m power consumption; -25 to 45 C operating temperature; IP33 rating