enlightened summer 2012

enlightenedThe Northern Lights Magazine

In this issue:

Legoland Hotel Allison Pike Design Isrotel Ganim Lobby Pendant Laser Cutting Lighting Safety What’s New?

Issue 3 Summer 2012

Enlightened Issue 3 Legoland:Layout 1 07/08/2012 09:18

enlightened2

Contents410121618202426

Project Focus:How Northern Lights illuminated The Legoland Resort Hotel, Windsor

Designer Profile:Working with Allison Pike Architects and Designers

Production Focus:The Isrotel Hotel, Ganim’s stunning feature lobby pendant

Supplier Spotlight:Philips discuss the new Fortimo LED Line System

Supplier Spotlight:Thorn introduce their new street lighting range - Alumet

Factory Feature:An in-depth look at laser cutting

Technical Talking Point:The Lighting Industry Association talks about ensuring lighting safety

What’s New?:New products from the Light & Building Show, Frankfurt plus our latest releases


enlightened 3

Welcome,As this edition went to press wewere getting ready to visit theGuangzhou InternationalLighting Show. China stilldominates the lighting industrywith many European lightingcompanies having factorieslocated there.

At the volume end of lighting there is no doubtthat China offers good value and Europeanfactories find it hard, if not impossible, to compete.The competitive advantage is due to the fact thatChinese labour rates are a fraction of those in theUK and Europe. However, things are changing.Over the last four years Chinese labour priceshave increased by approximately 300% and this, inturn, is driving prices up. Traditionally the Chineseapproach has been to increase the labour force tocope with demand and efficiency was thereforenever a major concern.

The key to maintaining a UK manufacturing sectorlies in efficient manufacturing. With Chineselabour becoming more expensive we have awindow of opportunity to reclaim some of our lostmanufacturing, but we have to move quickly asthe Chinese will soon adapt to their changingsituation. It is essential that we as manufacturersinvest in modern plant and good staff training.

At Northern Lights we are trying to do our bit,having just invested in two new CNC cuttingmachines. These will give us a greater range ofmanufacturing capacity as well as the ability toreact faster to designers’ requests. This newcapability will in turn give rise to new and excitingproducts, so watch this space.

However, there does appear to be a shortage ofpeople with the relevant skills suited to themanufacture of lighting. It is becomingprogressively harder to find the right type ofpeople for the job. Whilst we operate in-housetraining programmes we are now in the process oftaking on apprentices to fill the skills gap.

Continued investment in people and plant is our way of trying to reclaim some of this lostmanufacturing. At our Chesterfield factory we areconstantly striving to improve our productioncapabilities whilst maintaining our competitiveedge.

John FlemingManaging DirectorNorthern Lights(Chesterfield) Ltd

One of our new CNC Cutting Machines


How do you produce anentire lighting schemearound a brick-basedchild’s toy?

Illuminating Leg

enlightened4

Legoland Windsor has been one of the country’smost popular day-out attractions since its grandopening in March 1996. With the opening of theLegoland Windsor Resort Hotel in the spring of2012, it is now set to become one of the hottestshort break locations for families.

The 150 room hotel was designed by Nigel Woods,Creative Director at Merlin Studios, in collaborationwith John Bray and company at the Allison PikePartnership. This is the same team that deliveredthe safari style accommodation at ChessingtonWorld of Adventures. The Allison Pike Partnershipturned to Northern Lights to realise the designtheme with respect to the entire lighting schemethroughout the hotel.

The Resort Hotel guarantees an unforgettableLEGO adventure for its visitors big or small. TheHotel features 1,600 LEGO models from a giantroaring green dragon that guards the mainentrance, right down to a tiny 7cm delicatebutterfly. These impressive features ensure thatthe hotel has all the hall marks of LEGO’s fun andcreativity stamped throughout. It has beendesigned with families’ – mainly children’s -enjoyment firmly in mind.


goland, Windsor

enlightened 5

With the main design feature through the Hotelfocused around LEGO, this meant that NorthernLights had to approach the project from a differentangle with the light fittings taking a ‘back seat’ tothe scheme. Normally we would be asked to lookat bespoke decorative feature lighting whereby afitting would give that ‘wow’ factor to a specificarea. With the LEGO models providing the ‘wow’factor, the lighting had to be essentially functionalwhilst accentuating the design theme in towhichever area it was located.

One area where the subtlety of the lighting isshown is in the conference suites. Theseconference rooms offer stylish event andconference facilities - perfect for business - so an‘adult orientated design’ is adopted. With discreetLEGO touches in the exclusive executive loungeand bar areas, the corporate side of the hotel hasbeen designed for those guests who willappreciate a more ‘grown-up’ take on LEGO. Atfirst glance the lighting may just look like‘standard’ drum shades and wall lights. Uponcloser consideration, you’ll see that the repeatedtrio of shallow drum pendants in rectangularrecessed ceiling areas give a design nod to theshape of a standard LEGO brick. The drumshades also replicate the circle locking componentthat holds two LEGO bricks together, and therectangular wall lights again pick up the design ofthe LEGO brick. The side profile of the brick ismirrored in the wall lights, giving the subtleimpression that LEGO had been used to help buildthe wall.

In the public areas of the Hotel, the designer reallywent to town with the LEGO theme. As you walk

The Creator Suite Boardroom

The Creator Suite Theatre


through the entrance, you are greeted by aremarkable floor to ceiling rotating LEGO ‘toy box’mobile. Exploding out of the base are all sorts ofLEGO models from footballs to emergency vehicles,and at child’s level sensors allow smaller guests toactivate noises. At the top of the mobile structuregiant models reflecting key attractions in the parkare suspended, including a yellow submarine(Atlantis Submarine Voyage) and flying pirate ship(The Jolly Rocker). There is also an astonishingreception area where you’ll be mesmerised by a wallmade entirely of over 6,000 tiny LEGO Minifigures!This area is lit by various LED downlights supplied byNorthern Lights, giving the wall a dramatic but welllit feel so that every detail of the figures can beeasily seen. This is another example of howNorthern Lights can supply all light fittings on aproject, making it much easier for the client to havejust one point of contact rather than a long list ofsuppliers. Northern Lights can also buy from othersuppliers and still remain competitive due to long-established working relationships.

As you continue on your journey through the Hotel,LEGO themed lifts and corridors lead you to thebedrooms There the iconic theming really kicks in –from the wallpaper to the carpets with manyNorthern Lights standard products used tocomplement the scheme. Themed bedrooms aresplit into three different types based on the themesof Swashbuckling Pirates, Old World Kingdoms orAdventures in Foreign Lands. The lighting in theserooms had to tie in to each theme and it wasdecided that due to the short lead times, it would bebetter that fittings were based on standard productsfrom the Northern Lights Traditional Catalogue. Items

such as oil burner style lanterns and traditional stylelamps with parchment shades were altered slightlyto meet the required specification. Modificationsincluded: brass finishes in some rooms, antiquebrass in others and finishing touches such as ropeedges to the shades in the Kingdom bedrooms. Allof these little extra design touches add to the overallambience.

The biggest ‘wow’ factor feature can be found in themain restaurant called ‘Bricks’. 29 child-sized LEGOmodel chefs have gone mad and taken over therestaurant. One is trapped in a giant jelly; another iscaught up in the exploding spaghetti machine. Therestaurant itself is designed to be a high quality,child-friendly and tasty restaurant where the kidscan help themselves to their own buffet of simple,fun food – including a Wok Bar, Rotisserie and everychild’s dream – an ice cream machine! The lightingin the restaurant was designed to show off this mad-cap scheme at its best. Downlights andspotlights were used to highlight the LEGO modelsand designer glass pendants were used to illuminatethe dining tables. The discreet LEGO theme iscontinued here through these pendants with a red,blue and yellow primary colour scheme. These arethe three most commonly used colours for LEGObricks. Finally, large colour-changing LED light boxes,(reminiscent of the flat LEGO pieces) were used toprovide ambient light throughout the restaurant.The colour changing option means that the lightingcan be changed to suit the mood of any occasion orspecial event that is taking place.

In the evening time when the park itself is closed,the attention moves to the relaxation areas of the

enlightened6


enlightened 7

The Entrance to Bricks Restaurant


Hotel, especially the ‘Skyline Bar’ complete with itsLEGO built Manhattan style skyline scene with LEGOMinifigures at work and play.

Kids can enjoy the magical stage and play areawhere they can climb a castle turret - complete withLEGO princess and noisy ogre. The play area canalso transform into a LEGO City backdrop with aLEGO builder working in his cab while an escapedLEGO pirate dangles from the ceiling. Or children cansimply sit and play with LEGO bricks and make newfriends in the playrooms. Again with the LEGO brickbeing the primary inspiration, the lighting continuesto reiterate this design aspect. We again see the useof repeated shallow drum pendants in therectangular recessed ceiling as we saw in theconference suites. There is also the use of a single

pendant in the quiet area of the bar - this time in asquare recess - hinting at the single square LEGObrick. The Skyline Bar also sees the addition ofvarious wall lights and up/down lights in the brickshape, along with standard lamps, again with thebrick-themed shade. These are finished withchrome legs and bases to give a touch of luxury tothe more adult-orientated area of the bar.

The collaboration of a wonderful design from theteams at Merlin Studios and Allison Pike coupledwith the expert lighting knowledge and ability todeliver quality light fittings from Northern Lights hasproduced a unique themed Hotel that will deliver anunbelievable short break for families for many yearsto come.

enlightened8

The Skyline Bar


enlightened 9

• A team of 45 skilled LEGO model makers from acrossEurope have created the Hotel’s 1,600 LEGO models.

• Over 15 million individual LEGO bricks have been used inthe build which increases the total number of Resort LEGObricks to an incredible 80 million.

• Each model has been individually made by hand.

• The reception area features a wall made from an incredible 6,000 Minifigures.

• The biggest individual model is a 100 kilo, roaring andsmoke-breathing dragon with a 6m wing span, perched inthe entrance clock tower.

• The smallest individual model is a tiny 7cm ladybird.

• Red is the most frequently used LEGO brick and grey is the least used.

• The central play area features a 6m high LEGO city craneattached to a massive castle drawbridge complete with aprincess in the turret and noisy ogre.

Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel Fascinating Facts

The Skyline Bar - Manhattan Skyline

The Skyline Bar - Quiet Area


enlightened10

Mark Allison from Allison Pike talks creative lighting

Working With...Lighting is a crucial element in any well consideredinterior design. Allison Pike have been producingbespoke commercial interiors for bar restaurantsand hotels since 1984 and their relationship withNorthern Lights lasts almost as long. A designerneeds a close and creative relationship with theirpreferred lighting supplier. Allison Pike work withNorthern Lights by establishing the main lightingparameters within a scheme, whether it be adramatic statement piece or a more subtle ambientlighting effect, and together evolve a technical andaesthetic solution to achieve the final lighting design.Bespoke lighting solutions for individual schemes areoften the choice in an Allison Pike design and thisrequires careful and thoughtful design input. Abalance is needed , incorporating technicalknowledge of what current technology offers, anappreciation of what is cost effective and anunderstanding of what can be completed within theproject timescales. Often programme demands inbar/restaurant projects are quite severe and thedesigner has to work with the lighting supplier tofind the best way to achieve a realistic timeframefor delivery of the desired design. Bar/restaurant schemes have their own particulartime pressures with decision making often beingvery close to the start date for projects. The earlyestablishment of what is possible within thetimeframe is something that Allison Pike work withNorthern Lights to do. Lighting can be created usingcomponentry from the extensive catalogues oftraditional and contemporary fittings combined withbespoke elements such as the shades made inhouse by Northern Lights.Hotels are often larger and more significant projectsin terms of value and have a longer gestation andlead in period. This can lead to a greater designfreedom with one off and unbranded projects where

Allison Pike are commissioned to create a uniquedesign. In this situation they will work with NorthernLights with a broader palette available, combininglonger delivery, high quality and brand namesuppliers together with hand crafted solutionsutilising a broader range of materials than might beavailable in short time frames. Examples of projects where Allison Pike have workedclosely with Northern Lights on bespoke lightingdesign include the Legoland Hotel Windsor, featuredin this edition of Enlightened and the 256 WilmslowRoad project for Hydes Brewery in Manchester’sFallowfield. With 256, the brief was to createdramatic lighting to sit within a large former church,with the new fittings being obviously contemporaryand contrasting with the host building. Suspendedsquare grids with golf ball lights give the impressionof a lowered ceiling while still allowing the volume ofthe space to be visible. Large numerals are alsosuspended over the dance and performance area,creating a bold unique signature for the venue. Allfittings utilised latest dimmable LED technology. Branded hotel and restaurant schemes form asubstantial part of the practice workload and toevolve new fittings for this type of scheme thecreativity of the designer is blended with thepractical knowledge and experience of production ofa company with the resources of Northern Lights.Once established, the range of light fittings within abranded concept needs to be available to call off atreasonably short notice and minor evolutions needto be incorporated. The designer needs to haveconfidence in the lighting supplier both with thedesign and manufacture detail, but also withconsistency and quality control. Allison Pike enjoythis confidence with Northern Lights and continue toevolve new lighting designs with current andongoing project briefs.


Allison Pike Architects & Designers

DRINKINGEATINGSLEEPINGLIVING

7 Buxton Road West Disley Cheshire SK12 2AE t: 01663 763000 www.allisonpike.com


On the Dead Sea's shores, at the heart of Ein Bokek'stourist area, lies the Isrotel Ganim Hotel, known for itswarm and relaxed atmosphere, only two minutes’walk from the Beach. It’s approximately 80 minutesfrom Jerusalem and two hours from Ben GurionAirport. The hotel has recently been refurbished, withNorthern Lights supplying the majority of the featurelighting for the public areas.

Working with ara design, we were tasked withengineering a show-stopping lobby feature pendant.We had to fill an area of 16metres x 2metres on theceiling with an organic shaped chrome ceiling platewith varied globe drops.

As you probably now know, every feature pendantand light fitting at Northern lights is modelled by ourdesign team in SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Weproduce accurate 3D models which enable us tooutput 2D drawings and DXF files to scale formanufacture. One of the most difficult tasks whilstengineering this fitting was dividing the shape of theceiling plate into manageable sections. Sheet steel iscommonly only supplied in 2m x 1m sheets, and theplates needed to be shipped on a pallet and handledeasily on site during installation.

The shape of the fitting was divided up on thecomputer into approximately 43 separate plates thatwere to be accurately laser cut. Careful consideration

and thought at the design stage can save largeamounts of time during the manufacture andinstallation stages. Our design team see it as theirresponsibility to make life as easy as possible for ourfactory and for the contractor. With this in mind, timewas spent modelling ‘jigsaw’ features that would helpthe plates to match up easily and correctly. Eachplate was marked to be laser etched to identify theplate number on a drawing plan. This utilises thesame laser that cuts the metal to just mark thesurface.

As well as supplying full scale drawings to site forinstallation, we printed full size templates of theentire ceiling plate, which covered the entire length ofour office! These were then posted to the contractorin Israel, before the plates were shipped, to aid thecontractors with installation of the plates. When theceiling plate was installed, John Fleming flew out toinstall the polished chrome and bronze globes thathad been shipped from China to dress the ceiling plate.

Making a splashin the Dead Sea

enlightened 13

Ceiling plate layout with string locations

A closer look at the amazing feature lobbypendant at The Isrotel Hotel, Ganim, Israel


“The real challenge when working on largeinstallations with mirror polished finishes isengineering the assembly to minimisecontact during manufacture. Underneath theseemingly simple construction lies a complexfitting designed to eliminate hassle for thecontractor during assembly; a classicexample of how our experience helps saveyou and your client time and money.”

enlightened14

Once the globes had arrived on site, we had todesign a way to save time suspending them fromthe fitting. At our factory in Chesterfield wedesigned and manufactured an adjustablesuspension fitting with a chrome spinning andcable clutch to adjust the drop of the globe. Thisfreely slotted into the globes on site and thenscrewed down on to the globe to fit.

This job demonstrates how Northern Lights canhandle large ambitious projects with ease, not justfrom design to installation but also general projectand logistics management. We controlled,organised and timed the shipping from twodifferent countries to site and made provisions inthe design process to tackle any issues withtolerance etc, to make sure the installation timewas kept to a minimum.

Apparently, the feature pendant soon became the‘talk of the Dead Sea’. Other hoteliers werespecifically visiting the site to view the feature asits highly polished and reflective surfaces were sostunning and unique.

Top View

Bottom View

- Natalie Grayson - Northern Lights Lighting Designer


enlightened 15

Northern Lights also manufactured fittings for most of the otherpublic areas including; cork and fabric pendants, tripod standardlamps, table lamps and rectangular fabric shades. We don't justtackle large feature pendants, we can also supply the morestandard fittings to a very high quality; often with rapid turnaroundtimes. Have you ever struggled with suppliers because of low stocklevels, resulting in delays and long lead times? The advantage ofdealing with a bespoke supplier like Northern Lights is that wemake most of our fittings from raw materials in-house. We can fine-tune heights, drop lengths, diameters, fabrics, diffusers, finishes oneach and every fitting; meaning you don't have to compromise yourdesign intent and vision by just selecting standard items from acatalogue. You can make your projects truly unique by keepingcomplete control over all of the lighting elements.


FORTIMO LED LINE SYSTEMSurpassing fluorescent efficiency at lowest cost

The fluorescent market transition to LEDs.At the Light & Building Fair 2012 the proof that LEDs have now equaled and surpassed fluorescent lamps in performance was visible for everyone to see. All light source manufacturers and the majority of luminaire manufacturers showed LED solutions capable of replacing fluorescent. LED tubes of different lengths and lumens, vied with LED modules of the linear form factor, all boasting an energy efficiency (well) above the 100 Lm/W. And all with a high quality of light, not only backed up by the specifications, but also visually for the eye to see. At the same time it was also obvious that, despite the fact that LED technology is now capable of outperforming fluorescent, the translation to uniform, low glare luminaires may take a little longer. There were many good examples on display, but also some hurriedly concocted luminaires with poorer results.

Advertorial

Zhaga compliantThe importance of the fluorescent market for LEDs was also recognized, in an early stage, by the Zhaga consortium, which has recently published Book 7, on the specifications of linear LED modules. Although a very recent publication, there were several Zhaga compliant LED modules on show at the Light & Building Fair, promoting the interchangeability of linear LED modules.

Leading in energy efficiencyThe Philips LED module proposition for replacing fluorescent tubes is the Fortimo LED Line system. With energy efficiencies of up to 135 Lm/W, surpassing all T5 fluorescent lamps, the Fortimo LED Line system is poised to become the new LED engine for luminaires previously manufactured with fluorescent.

Multiple applicationsThe starting point for developing the new Fortimo LED Line family was the fluorescent application itself. Lumen packages and light distribution were carefully selected based on the T5 High Efficiency and High Output lamps. Lumen per length was a very important factor in the design process, resulting in the choice between 1ft and 2ft LED modules with lumen packages ranging between 650lm up to 2200lm. Distribution of light was also an important factor when considering the main fluorescent applications. Office applications with direct lighting from 3m ceiling heights are ideally suited to light sources with more diffuse beam patterns. Racking systems in warehouses or supermarket shelves with high lux levels require a more vertical light distribution. This choice is offered by the different options of 1 row, 2 row or 3 rows of LEDs on the LED Line modules, which ensure the light spread is directed either more in the horizontal or vertical plane.

Smart system approachThe range of Xitanium linear drivers accompanying the Fortimo LED Line portfolio has the same dimensions as the T5 fluorescent drivers, in order to fit smoothly inside existing T5 luminaires being adapted to LEDs. The ratio of one driver per LED module is no longer applicable in this case, as one driver can drive multiples of LED line modules. The key feature of Xitanium drivers is that they work with operating windows and adjustable output current. Operating windows offer the flexibility that is necessary to manage new Fortimo LED module generations, as the driver will operate any module with a current and voltage setting that

falls within the window. This enables future proof solutions and continuation of production lines. Xitanium drivers also have an adjustable output current feature, which allows a luminaire manufacturer to differentiate himself with a unique LED Light engine specification, by choosing for a lower or higher lumen package and thereby also an associated higher or lower efficiency. Adjusting the current is a smart feature of the Xitanium drivers, which can be done by means of a Programmable driver and software tool, or by the use of a resistor whose settings can be changed.

There is a choice of isolated or non-isolated driver to offer flexibility to luminaire manufacturers who wish to make open or closed luminaires with LED lines.

For more information, please visit:www.philips.com/oem

LED Line 1R

LED Line 3R

LED Line 2R

Advertorial

enlightened18

Bringing Dramato the Street...

Introducing TheAlumet Range from

Lighting is used every day tocreate different moods andfeelings, from a bespoke piecethat creates drama and impact toeveryday pieces that enable us towork effectively and safely. Wetake great care in choosing thecorrect lighting solution inside ourbuildings but what are the optionsfor external urban areas? Just asa bespoke lighting piece cancreate a talking point or aspotlight can highlight a piece ofart, external lighting can producebreathtaking effects.

Our Alumet range combinesperformance and elegance tocreate stunning effects that willwork within all urban landscapes.

Creating bold yet effective lightingwithin urban areas is easy toachieve through the installation ofthe Alumet range. With so manyoptions available the rangeprovides a complete lightingsolution for pedestrian spaces.

Alumet Classic

This sleek and simple lighting column, can orchestrate lighting compositions in a planned sequence while blending harmoniouslywith traditional and modern urban landscapes.

A sleek and minimalistic shape provides distinctive lighting effects by night and decorative urban furniture during the day.

Suitable for pedestrian precincts, building surrounds, shoppingcentres, parks and business centres.

Exceptional visual comfort.

Electronic ballast ensures energy savings.

Ideal for creating visual guidance and safe ambience in urban spaces.

Decorative lampshield provides further design and customisationpossibilities to better match architectural projects and tastes.


enlightened 19

Alumet Control Direct

Combining performance, lightingcontrol and aesthetics.

The highest performing and efficientmember of the Alumet family.

The glass lense prevents the directvision of the lamp, limiting glare.

Direct lighting principle for a bettercontrol of light (ULOR<2%).

A shining and stylish presence idealfor enhancing and modernising apedestrian area.

Combined with a 180° lampshield,Alumet Control Direct is an ideal solution for building surrounds andresidential areas.

Alumet Stage

By day Alumet Stage is decorative andvisually appealing. By night it comesinto its own, enabling the designer tocreate a multiplicity of dramaticlighting effects.

Lighting principle: Four multi-layereddirectional spotlights, boosted byvarious optical accessories, create awide range of effects without the needto change the position of the luminaire.

Wide choice of light sources, beamoptions and colours: Either 35W metalhalide (HIR-CE111) with 10°, 24° or 40°beam or 17W LED modules (warmwhite 3600°K or cold white 7400°K red,blue, green, amber) with intensive orsemi-intensive beam.

Adjustable optical accessories (anti-glare louvre, asymmetrical refractorand colour filters) available to turnyour vision into reality.

The fully customisable decorativelampshield cover accessory providesfurther aesthetical appeal andintegration within architecturalprojects.

Alumet Control Indirect

A unique optical design for outstandingcontrol of light and aesthetic effect

Sets of Fresnel aluminium rings containover 97% of upward flux. A shining andstylish presence in the city ideal for enhancing and modernising a pedestrian area.

Electronic ballast ensures energy saving capacities.

White light with good colour rendering.

Alumet Control Direct Alumet Stage

Alumet Control Indirect


enlightened20

The process of laser cutting has revolutionised theway that we look at manufacturing light fittings,improving overall quality, lead times and costs forcertain fittings. The flexibility in material usage,shape and quantity enables you to get what youwant, within shorter lead times. The knowledge ofthis process drives our design team to developnew, more efficient and cost-effective assemblyprocedures; opening up new ways ofmanufacturing complex and elaborate fittings thatmay not otherwise be achieved within yourbudget. You will have seen some examples in ourprevious editions, such as the spectacular LotusFlower pendants which are made up almostentirely of laser-cut parts, or the large open boxstructure for Jamie’s Italian, Islington.

Laser cutting works by directing the output of ahigh-power laser, by computer, at the material tobe cut. The material then either melts, burns,vaporises, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leavingan edge with a high quality surface finish.Industrial laser cutters are used to cut flat sheetmaterial. New laser cutters have a positioningaccuracy of 10 micrometres and repeatability of 5micrometres. Northern Lights do not have thesemachines in-house, but instead use a select groupof suppliers with the appropriate technology foreach specific job. Very often mild steel parts canbe with us within 24-36 hours.

Working with laser-cut component parts reallydoes allow almost infinite design possibilities. Notonly are metal components available in a hugevariety of materials and thicknesses, but we canalso provide parts cut from other materials such asMDF and plywood. We can also have logos, roomnumbers or any fancy details and motifs etched inplace to personalise your products even further.Just supply us with an image of a pattern youwould like to replicate and we can do the rest.

The Cutting EdgeAn in-depth look at state-of-the-art laser cutting and how it can save time and money!


enlightened 21

Laser-cut parts are very often visible but you maynot realise it. A lot of feature pendants include‘mirror finish’ stainless steel ceiling plates –something which houses downlights or wherecrystal strings are hung from. This part lends itselfperfectly to the laser cutting process as ‘mirrorfinish’ stainless steel is particularly prone toscratches or damage during processing in thefactory. Laser cutting these parts reduces theamount of contact by hand and allows a plasticfilm to be applied to prevent damage duringshipping and installation. The film is removed onlywhen the plate is installed – ensuring as perfect afinish as possible. Polished materials such asstainless steel, copper and brass can take up to10-14 days to be produced, depending on the sizeof the job.

Our designers and factory team possess theability to design intricate sheet metal parts thatcan be mass-produced by a laser cutting machine.When you send an enquiry through to us, weevaluate the best and quickest way to engineeryour lighting concepts within budget and weanalyse whether a laser-cut part can replace afeature, to save assembly time or improve overallquality. From laser-cut trim plates, to locationholes to hang the crystal, we can use laser cuttingto automate part of the process, turning largebatches of fittings from a paper drawing to aphysical object in a short amount of time. Youmay expect to pay a premium for this service, butit is all part of Northern Lights’ commitment toproviding a bespoke package and this often helpsus remain competitive on cost and quality.


enlightened22

Our three designers use in-house CAD software to not onlydesign the components, but also provide the laser cuttingsuppliers with the detailed drawings they need to producethem. This is all part of the complete bespoke service weoffer to you; most companies charge for programming andwe bypass that cost by doing it in-house. We use SolidWorks3D CAD to help realise our ideas and to produce accurateassemblies before outputting 1:1 to 2D DXF and DWG files to go to laser cutting.

Where large numbers of fittings are concerned, laser cuttingcomponents can sometimes help us to pass on cost savingsto you; supplying quality British made fittings at our bestprice. Eliminating the labour time to hand-cut or guillotinesheet metal obviously means that we don’t have to allow forthis in costing a fitting. This is particularly effective on largequantities, typically fittings for hotel bedroom suites. Lasercutting gives us the technology to make a batch of fittingslook exactly the same, improving quality control and it canalso reduce the time to assemble, meaning more complexfittings can be delivered to site sooner.

If you have any specific requirements that you feelmight benefit from being laser-cut or etched, pleasedo not hesitate to get in touch with a member of oursales or design teams.

Some images in this articlewere taken on site with the kind permission of E.S.P LaserCutting, Rotherham.

For more information visit:www.esplaser.com


enlightened 23

A brilliant example of the use of laser cuttingtechnology, is this stunning 'starfish' multi-conependant recently produced for Pizza Express,Sheffield St Pauls. The Pizza Express designteam in collaboration with Studio 48, approachedus with the concept and we realised the design,with the use of laser-cut MDF for the mainstructure. We often use laser-cut MDF when aveneer finish is specified on a fitting as itadheres well to the material. Using laser cuttingwe were able to reproduce the exact shape fromour CAD drawings; maintaining accuracy acrossall 7 pendants, ensuring they all look exactly thesame. We were also able to easily replicate thethickness of the central shape, which would havebeen much too heavy or too expensive in anymetal. Our in-house designers always work withyou to transform your ideas into reality. As youcan see here, we have almost perfectly realisedthe designer’s vision.

- Pizza Express Design Team

A slice of the action...“We’ve been working with famousdesigners, chefs, theatre directors,fashionistas, conversation expertsand even a professor of acoustics tocreate a new kind of PizzaExpress.”

“We’ve been working with NorthernLights on most of our restaurants inthe last 12 months and havethoroughly enjoyed the experience.Their combination of creativity,practicality and value for moneyhave proved to be a winningcombination.” - Pizza Express Design Team


enlightened24

How can you be sure Peter Hunt - Joint Chief Executive of The LIA talks about lighting safety and their Code of Practice

Despite the reduction inthe number ofmanufacturers anddistributors in the UKselling decorativelighting to the retailer,the range of products onoffer is larger than everwith some suppliersoffering catalogues ofencyclopedic proportions.

This is partly due to a more discerning and fashionhungry consumer and partly to the variety of lightsource technology that is available. Go back just25 years and there was very little other than a GLSor candle incandescent lamp, now we have CFLs inevery conceivable shape, halogens of every shapeand size and LEDs are now starting to make theirpresence known and, owing to their size, we canexpect a bigger variety still from this technology.

Add to this the breadth of retailing such thatlighting is now available in everything from DIYstores to gift shops, supermarkets to furniturestores, hardware stores to dedicated lightingspecialists and, of course, the internet.

How can you be certain the products you sell aresafe and compliant with the ever increasingregulations which apply to our market sector? Lookfor the CE mark you may think, but remember thisis a manufacturer's self declaration that theproduct complies. Behind that declaration they arerequired to keep detailed technical files on theproduct to prove compliance but how do you knowthey have done this?

Market surveillance is on the increase in the UK,not only are Trading Standards officers seeking outnon-compliant product but the Government hasappointed the National Measurement Office tocheck nationwide for compliance with recentEnergy Using Products Directives from Brusselsand regulations on the restriction of hazardoussubstances (RoHS). They are trawling retailoutlets, purchasing products they suspect mightbe in breach of regulations, testing them andprosecuting. There has never been a stronger casefor ensuring the product you buy is compliant.

How do you check a product is compliant? Thebest answer is ask for copies of all the certificationavailable for a product but the problem is withsuch a large variety of product available,manufacturers cannot afford to laboratory testevery product in their range without passing on asignificant increase to their customers. Manyretailers are content to request a certificate ofcompliance with the relevant regulations but thisis nothing more than the aforementioned selfcertification and is no guarantee that the supplierhas fulfilled his legal duty.

The answer is to buy from a company thatcomplies with the Lighting Industry AssociationCode of Practice. This code was initially set up inthe 1980's after a woman was seriouslyelectrocuted by a domestic light fitting.Fortunately the incident was not fatal but it wasenough for the TV Watchdog programme to takethe industry to task and the result was the firstCode of Practice.


enlightened 25

your lighting is Safe?

Over the years the CoP has developed to coverinspection of members’ premises, their qualitycontrol procedures, inspection of technical filesand certification, their testing procedures,calibration of their test equipment and in theincreasing case of overseas manufacture,inspection of their factories abroad. The LightingIndustry Association visit and inspect UK membersevery year and raise any non-conformities forimmediate action. A delegate from the LIA alsovisits China at least three times a year to auditmembers’ supplier factories and train factoryauditors.

The Code of Practice is constantly updated asregulations change so when you buy from a Codeof Practice member you can be sure they are up tothe minute with their documentation andprocedures. Compliance with the Lighting IndustryAssociation Code of Practice is a condition ofmembership and members proudly display theirannual certificate in their receptions and in theirliterature. There is no other scheme availablewhich offers such a thorough check of yoursupplier and which provides the level ofconfidence a retailer needs to know they areselling safe and fully compliant products.

The Lighting Industry Association is aware that anumber of retailers are directly importing productsfrom outside the EU. In this case the retailer isclassed in law as the maunufacturer as they arethe organisation first placing the product on themarket in the EU. In this case the retailer mustcomply with all the same regulations as a lightingmanufacturer including the maintenance oftechnical files and establishing that the product isfully compliant for sale in the EU. The retailertakes on full responsibility for the CE marking ofthe product. In such cases where the retailer is, in effect, themanufacturer their professional indemnityinsurance should reflect this otherwise they mightfind themselves personally liable should a productdevelop a fault which causes damage to people orproperty. Take for example a light which throughnon-compliance overheats and causes a fire. Theretailer who imported that product would bedeemed responsible and therefore liable.

Any retailer who direct imports a product fromoutside the EU is strongly advised to join theLighting Industry Association Code of Practice toensure their compliance with the currentregulations and to support their claim to CE marktheir product. Associate retail membership of theLIA is not sufficient to prove a retailer has mettheir legal obligations as an importer.

For more information pleasecontact the Lighting IndustryAssociation or visit the website:www.thelia.org.uk

Peter HuntJoint Chief Executive of TheLighting Industry Association

Chinese supplier audit


enlightened26

The Light & Building fair inFrankfurt is always a high pointin our lighting calendar. Lookingfor new and exciting advances intechnical lighting and ‘stand out’new designs and concepts isgenerally the order of the day.

This year was no exception with both Philips and Osramshowing huge OLED structures as main features on theirstands. While OLED may not be cost-effective yet, beingused in only the most prestigious of projects, progress inthis field may bring this stunning technology to one ofyour designs sooner than you might think.

Innovative design concepts seemed to be around everycorner this year. The ‘flocked’ range of spheres andcones (shown by Northern Lights at Sleep last year)proved to be an instant hit, with almost everyone whopassed the stand stopping just for a moment to touchthem.

Another exciting new look came in the form of recycledcardboard boxes and other materials such as aluminiumand packing materials which were transformed intostunning lighting & furniture pieces. Cardboard boxesand packing cases never looked this good before!

Something else that also caught our eye was a stunningrange of acrylic products. From illuminated pendants andstandard lamps to tables and planters, we feel that usingany of these distinct new models on your scheme couldreally give it the edge your design is looking for!

If any of the exciting new products here catches youreye just contact our sales team for our latest pricing.

Highlights fromFrankfurt


enlightened 27

1 - Slash Cut Wall LightLaser-cut, brushed steel finish

2 - Pleated Shade Wall LightPolished chrome finish

3 - Half Shade Wall LightMicropleat shade, chrome finish

4 - Double Arm Wall LightPolished chrome finish

5 - Block Wall LightBrushed steel finish

6 - Veneered Base Wall LightVeneer base and chrome arm

7 - Mirrored Base Wall LightChrome and mirror backplate

8 - Swan Neck Wall LightPolished chrome finish

1 2 3

6 7 8

4 5Be

dsid

e W

all L

ight

s


Northern Lights (Chesterfield) LtdHardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate,

Holmewood, Chesterfield, S42 5SA

T: 01246 858750 F: 01246 858751W: www.northern-lights.co.uk E: [email protected]

If you do not wish to receive further issues of this magazine please email: [email protected]

E & OE Disclaimer StatementWhilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, Northern Lights cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

THE CATALOGUENOW RELEASED

Request your copy todayTo request your copy of the new Northern Lights Cataloguefeaturing exquisite lighting from Pendants to Table Lampsplease email [email protected] - or simply visitwww.northern-lights.co.uk where you can view thecatalogue online or download a PDF version.


enlightened summer 2012

Documents

lighting safetywhats

lighting safety whats

new products

lighting industrywith

themanufacture of lighting

new cnc cuttingmachines

anentire lighting schemearound

volume end of lighting