Latest range from Insight Sign Systems
The 'light of experience'
Richard W Rinn from Insight Sign Systems tells us about their latest range:
"Highlight Mk5 is the latest incarnation of the first ever made to measure extruded aluminium trough lighting system, dating back to 1981, with the fabricated aluminium precursor dating back to 1975.
This latest version was developed with the main objective being to make it the most efficient form of sign illumination available, due to the relentless quest by many for greener illumination. Insight is proud to have achieved this with Highlight Mk5, and can offer three variations of brightness and economy to satisfy most requirements. With the most economical version, Ecobright, the objective has been achieved, providing 1040 lm/m while consuming just 8.2W per metre. This is thanks to the efficacy of the Lumirescent LED strip achieving 127 lm/W. If you want the ultimate brightness, Hyperbright provides 2020 lm/m, consuming 16.8W per metre, with the same efficacy as Ecobright.
Highlight Mk5 offers perfect illumination across the entire width of any sign or fascia due to having 126 LEDs per metre, so no shadows caused by spaced out LEDs. Mk5's unique profile shape incorporates a reflector area to direct the light down the sign face without the requirement to tilt or angle the light. This eliminates the reflection of the light source caused when lights are tilted inwards to the sign face. The profile shape also masks the light source from the front, to avoid dazzle.
Ease of installation of any product is very important, and has always been one of Highlight's strong points. The clip on fit fixing brackets which have provided trouble-free service for around 25 years have been retained. But the channel has been modernised now, with provision for the mains feed cable to pass through. A new horizontal fixing plate is optionally available, with three fixing holes for rigidity (two fixings side by side are not recommended for any external light with wind loading).
Trough lighting has some unique benefits. If you compare against a back-lit box for example, a box 6 x 2 m would these days more than likely be fitted with LEDs to reduce consumption and cut Co2 emissions. But when you consider that would require seven rows of LEDs compared to Highlight Mk5 using only one, that has got to be a very important consideration. Highlight Mk5 is also going to be much easier to transport and install than a bulky, heavy sign box. Sign panels never require removal for maintenance, and front lighting brings out the true colours of the complete sign face.
Like all products, eventually competitors will match or better the specification of Highlight Mk5. But as we are already testing the next Lumirescent LED strip, which offers even higher efficacy and brightness coupled with the testing of 3M light enhancement film, we are confident in continuing to lead the way."