Innovative Materials for Next-Generation Lighting

In LED lighting, temperature control is essential to ensure luminous efficiency, durability, and safety of the system.
LED thermal management requires materials with high thermal conductivity, capable of dissipating heat uniformly while maintaining dimensional stability and aesthetic value of the product.

An example of excellence comes from Artemide, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Style, for the creation of the Ameluna lamp: an icon of contemporary design that combines aesthetics, technology, and sustainability.
For this project, Artemide chose a LATI thermally conductive compound, capable of simultaneously meeting structural, thermal, and environmental requirements.

Ameluna: Design, Light, and Integrated Technology

The Ameluna lamp (a fusion of Artemide, Mercedes, and Luna) represents a new frontier in smart lighting.
The transparent PMMA dome, with asymmetrical and futuristic lines, reflects and diffuses light generated by a series of high-efficiency LEDs integrated into a suspended circular ring that serves as both structural support and heat sink.

This ring, a fundamental part of the optical and mechanical system, is made from a thermally conductive and flame-retardant compound developed by LATI Industria Termoplastici S.p.A., specifically formulated to ensure high performance in designer LED applications.

The Material: LATICONTHER 62 CEG/500-V0hf1

To meet the strict technical specifications of the project, Artemide adopted LATICONTHER 62 CEG/500-V0HF1, a PA6-based compound with isotropic ceramic fillers for high thermal conductivity.

Main Compound Properties:

  • High and isotropic thermal conductivity, ideal for uniform heat dissipation from LEDs.
  • UL94 V-0 flame retardant, free from halogens and red phosphorus.
  • Excellent dimensional stability and controlled shrinkage, crucial for precise coupling with the dome.
  • Excellent surface finish and paintability.
  • Good rheological fluidity, despite the high ceramic filler content.

Thanks to these characteristics, the material ensures long-term reliability and high mechanical strength, enabling production in a single monolithic piece — a significant challenge considering the component’s size and complexity.

Process Simulation and Optimization

The Ameluna project required intensive co-design activity between Artemide and LATI technicians, who supported the development phase through:

  • FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis to verify thermal and mechanical performance.
  • Flow simulations to optimize mold filling and cooling.
  • Molding setup definition to ensure part flatness and circularity.

These activities enabled validation of the component’s geometric stability, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and perfect aesthetic-functional compatibility with the transparent dome.

LATI Thermally Conductive Compounds: Performance and Sustainability

The LATICONTHER family of materials is designed for applications where thermal management is crucial.
Compared to metals, thermally conductive compounds offer numerous advantages:

Property Metal (e.g., aluminum) LATICONTHER Compound
Thermal conductivity Very high High (up to 10 W/mK)
Specific weight High Reduced (up to -60%)
Workability Machining or casting Injection molding
Recyclability Limited Possible
Electrical insulation None Present
Design freedom Limited High

LATI thermally conductive compounds combine thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, making them ideal for LED lighting fixtures, integrated heat sinks, electronic supports, and optoelectronic modules.

LED Lighting and Functional Materials: a Strategic Combination

The experience of Artemide and LATI with Ameluna represents a model of integration between design, technology, and advanced materials.
The use of thermally conductive compounds not only improves luminous performance and LED longevity, but also contributes to weight reduction and environmental impact compared to traditional metals.

Contact Us

Discover the LATICONTHER range of thermally conductive compounds for LED lighting, designed to dissipate heat, ensure safety, and enhance design.
Visit www.lati.com to explore technical solutions.

FAQ – Thermally Conductive Compound for LED Lighting

  1. Why use a thermally conductive compound in LED lighting fixtures?
    To improve heat dissipation, extend LED service life, and maintain luminous efficiency over time.
  2. Do thermally conductive compounds replace metals?
    Yes, in many structural or dissipative applications they offer an excellent compromise between conductivity, lightweight, and electrical insulation.
  3. What materials does LATI use for thermally conductive compounds?
    Engineering polymers such as PA6, PPS, PBT, and PPA, filled with ceramic or graphitic fillers to conduct heat without compromising electrical insulation.