LABS-free
A clean surface for seamless adhesive layers.
Coating-disruptive substances – known as LABS – can cause defects on a surface and compromise the quality of an applied adhesive layer.
To seal our LED fixtures against external influences and make them resistant to oils or coolants, the high-quality gaskets must be bonded cleanly. To achieve a strong, continuous adhesive coating, it is crucial to prepare component surfaces so they are clean, dry, free of oil and silicone, and thoroughly free of other contaminating substances—meaning LABS-free—to prevent defects in the adhesive layer. To ensure this, we rely not only on proper cleaning of all relevant surfaces before bonding the gaskets but also on LABS-compliant production areas.
Hygienic design — cleanability as a design principle
In food, beverage and pharmaceutical production environments, luminaires must be designed so that dirt, micro-organisms and cleaning residues cannot accumulate. The relevant principles are defined by the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group):
- Smooth, closed surfaces without gaps or undercuts
- Rounded internal edges (typically radius ≥ 3 mm)
- Self-draining geometry — no water pooling on horizontal surfaces
- Materials with low roughness (stainless steel Ra ≤ 0.8 µm in direct product contact)
- Fully welded joints or seals certified to FDA / EU 1935/2004
These requirements exclude many classical industrial luminaires. For hygiene-sensitive areas, dedicated designs are available with IP69K protection, stainless steel or PETG housings and EHEDG-verified geometry.
Wash-down: IP rating, material choice and cleaning compatibility
Cleaning processes in food and pharmaceutical production routinely use high pressure (up to 100 bar), hot water (up to 80 °C) and aggressive chemicals (CIP / SIP, alkaline and acidic cleaners). Luminaires in these areas must be specified accordingly:
- IP69K per ISO 20653 — protection against high-pressure and steam-jet cleaning. Standard for wash-down environments.
- Stainless steel 1.4404 (AISI 316L) or equivalent for housings — resistant to chlorides and acidic cleaning agents.
- Shatter-resistant optics (PMMA with splinter protection or polycarbonate) per HACCP requirements.
- NSF listing (USA) or EU Regulation 1935/2004 for components with potential food contact.
Suitability for a specific cleaning regime should always be verified against the manufacturer's material and chemical resistance list — not every IP69K luminaire withstands every cleaner.