Pixel-Free LED™
Complete Guide

Product Variants Explained

Pixel-Free LED is available in four tiers. Each targets a different combination of output level, installation profile, and budget.

Roll (Flexible PCB, 5m Reel)

The Roll format is a flexible copper-clad polyimide substrate populated with high-density SMD emitters. It can be curved in-plane to radii as tight as 30mm without delaminating the emitter pads. It cannot be bent perpendicular to the PCB face (edge bending) without stress fracturing the solder joints.

Cut points are marked every 50mm along the strip. Cutting between marked points will disable the segment between your cut and the previous cut point. Always cut on the marked copper pads.

Trim (Rigid Bar, 1m Sections)

Trim uses an aluminum substrate for heat sinking. Each 1m bar has solder pads at both ends and cannot be cut to shorter lengths without voiding the warranty and risking emitter damage. Trim is specified where linear precision matters: display case interiors, shelving reveals, and architectural niches where a reel would introduce unnecessary splice points.

Commercial Grade

Commercial doubles the emitter density of the standard Roll and increases total flux output by approximately 180%. It is designed for applications where brightness drives the specification: high-ceiling coves, large signage fills, and outdoor-rated architectural work. Commercial is available in IP20 (bare PCB) and IP67 (fully encapsulated) variants.

Eco

The Eco tier uses the same optical mixing substrate as the standard Roll but at a reduced emitter density that still achieves dot-free output at viewing distances of 150mm or greater. For applications where the strip is recessed or behind glass, Eco delivers the Pixel-Free characteristic at a cost closer to standard LED strip.

Color Options and CCT

Pixel-Free LED is available in the following output types:

• Single color: Warm White (2700K), Neutral White (4000K), Cool White (6500K), Red, Green, Blue, Amber
• Tunable White (CCT): 2700K to 6500K adjustable, requires a two-channel driver
• RGB: Three-channel color mixing, requires an RGB controller
• RGBW: RGB plus dedicated white channel for accurate white reproduction

All CCT and color products use the same footprint and physical format as their single-white counterparts. The difference is in the number of circuit channels and the driver requirement.

Power Budgeting

Undersizing your power supply is the most common installation error with LED strip. Pixel-Free LED draws more current per meter than standard strip due to higher chip density. Always calculate your total load before purchasing drivers.

For runs longer than 5m, use power injection at both ends or at the midpoint. Running full load over a longer uninjected run causes a visible brightness gradient from the feed end to the far end.

Bending and Cutting

Flexible Roll product can be bent in-plane (lying flat, curving like a letter C). The minimum safe bend radius is 30mm. Tighter bends risk cracking the copper traces. For 90-degree inside corner turns, use a corner connector rather than bending the PCB.

Where to Cut

Every 50mm segment has a cut zone marked with scissor icons and exposed copper pads on both sides of the cut line. Use sharp scissors or a dedicated PCB cutter. Do not use utility knives, which compress and delaminate the substrate rather than making a clean cut.

Extrusion and Channel Selection

Pixel-Free LED can be mounted bare (direct adhesive to surface) or inside an aluminum extrusion profile. For the majority of architectural PixelFreeLED applications, an extrusion serves three functions: heat sinking, protection of the PCB edge, and aesthetic framing of the light output.

Profile Width

Pixel-Free LED Roll is 10mm wide. Specify a 10mm or 12mm inner channel profile. Wider profiles leave a visible gap between the strip and the profile wall, which creates a shadow line in the output that defeats the purpose of a dot-free strip.

Diffuser vs. Open Channel

Because Pixel-Free LED achieves its uniformity optically rather than through diffusion depth, it works effectively in both open-channel and diffuser-cover profiles. For most exposed architectural applications, an opal diffuser cover adds protection without meaningfully reducing output uniformity. Clear covers preserve maximum flux output and are appropriate for display case installations where brightness matters more than softness.

Dimming Compatibility

Pixel-Free LED is compatible with PWM and 0-10V dimming when driven by a compatible driver. For smooth dimming performance at low levels (below 20% brightness), specify a driver with a PWM frequency of 1000Hz or higher. Low-frequency PWM drivers produce a visible flicker at low dim levels that is particularly apparent in video and photography applications.

Thermal Management

Pixel-Free LED Commercial operating at full load generates significant heat at the PCB. Junction temperature directly affects both output and lifespan. At an ambient temperature of 25°C and with no heat sinking, Commercial product will throttle output after approximately 45 minutes of full-load operation to prevent thermal damage.

Mount all Pixel-Free LED product to a thermally conductive surface. Use thermal tape rather than standard 3M adhesive when mounting inside aluminum extrusions. For Commercial grade product, the extrusion must be mounted to a metal substrate or concrete surface. Wood and drywall mounting will reduce rated lifespan significantly.