The prototyping process for LED products begins subsequent to final approval of all design specifications and LED information. LED product fabrication normally takes approximately three weeks to complete. Fabrication and assembly of two to three custom LED lighting products as prototypes is typical under general circumstances. Simultaneous distribution among the various parties involved allows for testing and evaluation on various levels. Engineering will receive one prototype for technical evaluation and testing. The client will receive the second LED product prototype for field-testing purposes. A third prototype is archived for future reference and testing.
Prototype testing procedures for custom LED lighting designs fall into three primary categories. These categories include technical evaluation, field-testing, and durability testing. During the first stage, technical evaluation, engineers test for basic vitals such as anticipated voltages, currents, and thermal properties using basic LED information. Recorded measurements compared with initial calculations determine if the LED circuitry is functioning as designed. During the second stage of testing, field-testing, the client, and applications-engineer must work together. Their objective is to evaluate the custom LED lighting product based on actual performance. Deployment into a real-life situation is often the best way to test the overall performance and functionality. During the final stage of testing, the prototype undergoes extensive durability testing intended to determine the reliability and lifespan. Such tests may include temperature variation, humidity, and long term duration testing. This phase of testing also helps to determine how environmental factors may affect the overall functionally and reliability. Together, each level of testing and evaluation will help to ensure the overall success of the project.
Field-testing is one of the most important procedures throughout the entire project development process. It allows prototype deployment within a real world situation, and permits the client or engineering team to evaluate performance and reliability with extreme accuracy. It is very common practice to revise a design and fabricate a second prototype in an attempt to improve overall functionality. Field-testing will ultimately determine the extent of specific design revisions needed. Lunar Accents Design Corporation recommends multiple prototype fabrication. This allows multiple parties to conduct simultaneous field-testing. For example, one prototype sent to the client allows he or she can begin to evaluate and test the LED product. A second prototype retained by Lunar Accents Design will undergo extensive in-house field-testing. During a field test, it is important to monitor various electrical and thermal aspects of the custom design, as well as overall functionality of the light emitting diodes. The client may focus specifically on spectral performance, and determine if overall functionally meets his or her expectations. Back at Lunar Accents, engineers will focus primary on specific design factors. While conducting the field-test, they will monitor items such as the LED light voltage, current, and temperature. This will ensure that the LED lights and other components function as anticipated, and do not operate outside of their standard operation range. For additional information about LED product field-testing, please contact our engineering department.
Simple prototype revisions eliminate more expensive revisions required after manufacturing has begun. The common mistake of rushing into production often leads to product recalls. Most custom LED lighting products will require testing of at least two prototypes before one should even consider an initial production run. However, simpler LED lighting products, including many LED tail lights, may require only a single prototype and revisions are not necessary. All custom lighting projects are unique, and require testing and revisions based on unique underlying characteristics and basic LED information.