Bayer MaterialScience LLC Plastic Enables High Light Transmission for ilumisys MK2 LED Tube

Pittsburgh, PA, January 16, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The ilumisys MK2 light-emitting diode (LED) tube, an energy-efficient, mercury-free replacement for traditional fluorescent light tubes, achieves excellent light transmission and light diffusion qualities with Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Makrolon® 6717 polycarbonate.

“LED lighting presents unique challenges of diffusion and color quality,” said David Simon, president, ilumisys. “We are pleased to be collaborating with Bayer MaterialScience LLC on solutions that meet those needs while at the same time offering excellent photonic transmission efficiencies.”

The advanced light diffusion technology developed by Bayer MaterialScience LLC can be used to soften LED hot spots – hiding the point light source yet allowing higher levels of light transmission. This creates the effect of softened LED light with minimal reflection. Traditionally, light from translucent white colors could be diffused, but not at this light transmission level or with as little reflectance.

The solid-state MK2 offers candle power that is equivalent to a 32 watt T8 fluorescent tube with a potential lifespan of 60,000 hours. The light tube is designed to run off of building power without the need for ballasts at 120V and 277V. It’s also a good fit for T12 replacement programs, or situations where the removal of T8 ballasts is justified by the elimination of an inefficient failure point.

The main tube section of the 48-inch LED light tube utilizes the transparent, ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized, flame retardant polycarbonate plastic, which meets Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 94 flammability rating of V-0 at 2.0 millimeters.

“We worked closely with ilumisys to provide a material that meets the necessary flammability ratings at the required thickness for its product,” said Kevin Dunay, market segment leader Electrical/Electronics (EE) Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “We’re excited to be working with ilumisys as they bring to market an LED light tube that is eco-friendly, energy efficient and provides high light transmission.”

Bayer MaterialScience’s breakthrough comes at an opportune time: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that energy consumption for lighting can be reduced by more than 20 percent by 2020 through the use of solid-state LED-based lighting.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2009 sales of 7.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

About ilumisys
Based in Troy, Mich., ilumisys, Inc. focuses on next-generation solid-state lighting technology. The company was formed in 2007 as a spinoff venture and wholly owned subsidiary of Altair Engineering, Inc. Products are derived from Altair’s intellectual property for the direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with LED lamps and direct replacement of incandescent lamps. For more information, please visit www.ilumisys.com.

ilumisys is a member of the Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association, and supports the organization’s mission of ensuring that Michigan is a global leader in solid-state lighting research, development, and manufacturing.

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