There are many choices for LED diffuser channels, also known as LED aluminum profiles or light strip diffusers. Let’s explore how to choose the right one.
Using an LED diffuser channel enhances the aesthetic appeal of lighting and gives it a polished look. It also improves light diffusion for LED strip lights.
Generally, LED Diffuser channel includes channel body, light diffuser, end caps, and mounting brackets.
The channel body is made of anodized aluminum. Light diffuser is made of PC or PMMA. End caps and mounting brackets can be made of PC or metal.
The most common types of aluminum profiles are as below:
Surface mounted LED aluminum profile
A surface mount LED aluminum profile, also known as a U-shaped LED channel, is the most
common one. They are effortless to install by installing mounting clips.
Surface-mounted LED aluminum profiles can be installed on various surfaces such as under cabinets, ceilings, wardrobes, and more
Recessed mounted LED aluminum profile
The recessed LED aluminum profile, also known as the T-shaped LED aluminum profile, is recessed inside the surface. We usually use these channels on wood shelves or cabinets.
To install the recessed LED aluminum channel, you must open the corresponding slot according to the size of the channel.
Corner LED aluminum profile
The Corner LED aluminum profile has an angle and is generally used to install on the corners of walls, ceilings, shelves, cabinets, and stairs. Its installation method is similar to surface mounted LED aluminum profiles, using mounting clips.
Suspended LED aluminum profile
Using stainless steel ropes, suspended LED aluminum profiles are suspended from the ceiling.
These aluminum profiles are used in places with high ceilings.
Hanging LED aluminum profiles are becoming increasingly popular now, as many designers use them to make various attractive shapes.
Skirting boards LED aluminum profile
Create a glow along your skirting or they can also be used on walls to create a cove lighting effect. They can be used in LED theater lighting applications to provide courtesy lighting down aisles. And provide ambient lights for home theaters or restaurants.
Choose a suitable diffuser according to the lighting effect you want.
Transparent diffuser:85-95% light transmittance. For maximum brightness, this diffuser will not provide spotless light effects.
Semi-Clear diffuser:70-80% light transmittance.
Opal diffuser:70-80% light transmittance. It can minimize the light spot and diffuser the light evenly
Black diffuser:30-35% light transmittance. Just like the opal diffuser, it’s decorative, as the led strip is notvisible. As the transmittance rate is low, you may need a brighter led strip to increase the brightness.
Choose a suitable the height of the aluminium channel, and density of LED strips.
The higher the channel, the better the light diffusion. Similarly, the higher LED density, the better the light diffusion. The combination of the two factors determines which LED strip channel is the best for the strip light project.
As frosted cover offer the best balance of light diffusion and transmittance, we explain in details how to use frosted cover to achieve dotless strip lighting.
60 LEDs/m – LED strip channel height 20.5 mm, 120 LEDs/m – LED strip channel height 12 mm, 180 LEDs/m – LED strip channel height 6 mm.
Moreover, Now the latest technology COB LED strips use chips to be directly attached to the PCB, and the density exceeds 300 chips per meter. Even ultra slim channel, COB LED strips will not have lighting dots .
Choose the size of LED channel according to the application
For major lighting or task lighting, choose the medium size and large aluminum channel. Large and medium-sized profiles have a larger light-emitting surface, and can place one or multiple light strips side by side, which delivers higher brightness.
For ceiling LED strip lighting, choose medium sized or large channels;
For cabinet lighting and Stair steps usually use small sized LED channels.
Why Choose an LED aluminum profile?
The LED aluminum profile looks beautiful, but it will increase the cost. Choosing an LED aluminum profile with an LED light strip will have the following benefits.
Enriches the lighting effect
Choosing a suitable diffuser, such as an opal diffuser, allows the light to be uniform, without lighting spots.
Protects LED strip lights
If you leave the LED strips exposed, they are vulnerable to damage from the outside environment. Even if it’s waterproof, it won’t last long outside the LED channel. So the LED track protects the LED tape inside from dust, water, and other external elements. Also, the LED tape itself doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing. But the LED strips installed on the profiles look very modern and stylish.
Enhances heat dissipation
LED strips generate heat when they work. If the heat is not dissipated in time, it will shorten the life of the LED strip.
The LED aluminum profile’s primary material is aluminum, which has excellent heat dissipation.
Therefore, the LED aluminum profile can help the LED strip to dissipate heat faster and ensure that the working temperature of the LED strip is within the normal range.
In short, to select the best LED Diffuser channel, you need to consider many factors, as place of installation, led channel shape, size, light transmittance and led strips color and brightness, however, we suggest you purchase the quality led aluminium profile from professional manufacturer .
Relevant reading：Why choose LED strip lights but not traditional lamps ?
