Lightboxes have become an indispensable tool across a range of industries over recent years, making it possible to illuminate just about anything – and are perfect for showcasing products, art, or information in a way that captivates attention as well as facilitating complex tasks that require meticulous attention to detail.
If you’re unsure whether an LED light box could be beneficial to you or how to get the most out of one, then you might be surprised at the myriad of applications and contexts in which they can be used. Investing in an LED light box, whether for business or for personal use, could turn out to be the game changer you’ve been looking for – so to help you understand how they can help you and how to make the right choice, we’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide
Understanding LED light boxes
If you’re wondering what exactly an LED light box is, they are essentially illuminated work surfaces or displays that utilise LED technology to provide bright, even lighting. They are often used in art, science and industry to support creative tasks and inspection – such as quality control tasks or simply drawing or tracing an image and photography.
Typically, components include a light source (LEDs), a housing structure, a light-diffusing panel, and a graphic or image area – and as well as their use for practical tasks the light they emit can also be used to highlight graphics to create more vibrant and eye-catching displays.
The benefits of LED light boxes
Lightboxes offer a plethora of different benefits, including being an energy efficient alternative to traditional lighting because they utilise less power. So, if you’re keen to switch to a more sustainable alternative to what you’re currently relying on, then look no further.
The bright illumination LED light boxes provide is another highlight, making sure that graphics and other information they are being used to highlight stand out even in low-light environments.
Plus, available in a range of different sizes and designs, including light tables and boxes that come with stands included, their versatility is such that they can be used in a wide variety of settings and for a myriad of different applications.
Factors to consider when buying
If you’re thinking of investing in an LED light box, then having a few criteria in mind before you start will make the process easier. Here are a few to consider:
1. Size
Light boxes come in all shapes and sizes, so have a rough idea of how big you’ll need yours to be to support your objectives. This will depend on the amount of space you have available and the scale of visibility required. For most indoor users, a small lightbox will suffice, but if you’re planning a large-scale shopfront or outdoor display, then look at the larger categories to see what is likely to work best.
2. Brightness
The lumens of a light box dictates its brightness, which of course, is a key consideration. The higher the lumens, the better the visibility, which should go some way to guiding your choice of light box. But if you struggle to envisage exactly what level you need, then the easiest way to find out is to go into a bricks-and-mortar store to try a few out before you buy.
3. Colour temperature
Light boxes come in a range of different colour temperatures, and the one you choose can have a significant impact on the appearance of your graphics. If you’re looking to illuminate your graphics with a soft glow, then look for warmer tones (in the realm of 3000K) – or, for a brighter light that mimics daylight, 5000K and above will suffice. Again, if you’re not sure what type of result you’re looking to create, then trying out a few and getting to grips with the different effects they offer will help to make the decision easier.
4. Energy efficiency
If sustainability is a concern, then choosing an LED light box is already a great decision – but even so, some are more energy efficient than others. Look out for specifications or certifications that will tell you if a model consumes minimal energy to operate, and you’ll keep both your bills and your carbon footprint in check.
5. Durability
A good quality LED light box will be built to last, so be prepared to invest in a model made from durable materials to ensure that it goes the distance. Weather resistant features are a great thing to look out for if you’ll be using your light box in outdoor scenarios.
6. Price
Just as they come in varying shapes and sizes, LED light boxes can also differ dramatically in price. Generally speaking, the larger and more powerful a light box, the higher the price you can expect to pay. Those with advanced features may also cost a little extra – but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for, so investing in a quality item is a great way to go.
Applications of LED light boxes
The beauty of LED light boxes is that they are versatile enough to be used in a range of different settings. Ideal for scientists, researchers and technicians for conducting inspections and experiments, some other common setting in which they are used include retail, where they’re often used to create bold and eye-catching displays and ads; events and exhibitions like trade shows and product launches, where they can help brands to catch the attention of guest and spectators and communicate brand messaging in an engaging way; and in art galleries, where they can be used to enhance the presentation of various types of work.
In various different industries, LED lightboxes are also popular within medical and educational settings, where they are effective in drawing attention to important information and announcements.
Choosing the right LED light box
We’ve touched upon the key considerations when choosing a light box in general, but the purpose is also important when it comes to making the final decision.
For example if you’re looking for a lightbox to illuminate art and photography displays, then opt for one that offers bright, even lighting to show off items in all their glory. But if you’re after a model for use in a science to support experiments, or an industrial setting for quality control then an LED lightbox that offers adjustable brightness will be essential.
Look out for light boxes that are specifically designed for the kind of application you have in mind, and that offer the features needed for set-up in the necessary environment. For example if you’re looking for one you can use outdoors, then be sure that the one you choose is designed for this.
Certain models also offer advanced features, like the ability to easily change graphics though snap frames or magnetic panels, so look out for them if this is something that would make your life easier when using it. Many larger models also come with free-standing table frames for ease of use.
Care and maintenance
Whilst investing in a quality light box that is designed for long-term use is one of the most obvious ways to ensure that yours lasts, regular care and maintenance is also key to ensure it keeps performing at its best.
Regular cleaning with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a gentle cleaning fluid will help to maintain its clarity, and storing it carefully when not in use will protect it from damage. Many come with optional protective cases, which are worth the extra cost.
If you notice any potential red flags while using – for example, uneven illumination or flickering, then have this looked at by a professional as soon as possible and before the problem becomes more serious.
