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EL FAQs

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An Electroluminescent Lamp (EL) is a thin flexible illumination source used in lighting displys, instrument panels, decorative lighting, Point of Purchase signs, etc. The light generated is cool with seemingly no heat generated and very low power consumption. DuPont offers Luxprint Materials, a completely compatible system for screen printing these EL lamps. Click here for a more detailed explanation in our Processing Guide.

Does DuPont sell EL Lamps? Does DuPont sell inverters for EL? Does DuPont sell ITO coated film? What does DuPont sell for EL Lamps and how much does it cost? What are resources for screen printing EL inks and testing EL lamps? Should I use polyester or stainless screen mesh? How is an EL lamp constructed. Can I use Carbon for the rear electrode? Why have I seen EL lamps with a grid rear electrode? How can I get my EL lamp to look brighter? Can I power an EL lamp with batteries? How long will an EL lamp last? What EL colors are available? Can I have more than one color on a lamp?

Does DuPont sell EL Lamps?

No, Click here for a list of our customers that may be able to sell lamps to you.

Does DuPont sell inverters for EL?

No, Click here for a list of possible inverter suppliers.

Does DuPont sell ITO coated film?

No, Click here for a list of possible suppliers.

What does DuPont sell for EL Lamps and how much does it cost?

DuPont supplies LuxPrint, the screen printed compositions used to manufacture EL lamps. The materials needed and their approximate cost are: Phosphor containing 8154B or similar, 500 gram minimum, ~$625. Dielectric 8153, 500 gram minimum, ~$300. Bus bar and rear electrode 9145 Ag, 500 gram minimum, ~$350. UV Encapsulant 5018, 500 gram minimum, ~$210. If reverse build is employed, the 7164 Translucent Conductor would be used also, 500 gram minimum, ~$400.

What are resources for screen printing EL inks and testing EL lamps?

Please click these links to www.sgia.org or www.astm.org

Should I use polyester or stainless screen mesh?

Either one should work well. Use the one you are comfortable with.

How is an EL lamp constructed.

Click here to see DuPont's LuxPrint Design Guide.

Can I use Carbon for the rear electrode?

Yes, but only for small lamps. If it is larger than a night light, you should use Ag.

Why have I seen EL lamps with a grid rear electrode?

If Carbon is used for a rear electrode on a larger lamp, then Ag grid may distribute the energy more evenly.

How can I get my EL lamp to look brighter?

Higher voltage and/or higher frequency will increase brightness and shorten usable life of EL lamps.

Can I power an EL lamp with batteries?

EL requires AC as each cycle lights the lamp. You must use an inverter with battery power.

How long will an EL lamp last?

The lamp will slowly lose brightness until about 50% is measured and maintain near this level. Its total life is dependent on voltage, frequency, temperature and humidity. Please click here to see lifetime data.

What EL colors are available?

White, Yellow-Green and Blue-Green. Filters can be used to produce other colors.

Can I have more than one color on a lamp?

Yes, printing various colors can be done as well as using filters.