{"id":1210,"date":"2025-10-18T06:32:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T06:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/?p=1210"},"modified":"2025-12-19T02:23:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T02:23:40","slug":"gwfi-in-diffusers-for-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/blog\/2025\/10\/gwfi-in-diffusers-for-lighting\/18\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of GWFI in Diffusers for Lighting: Safety and Compliance with IEC 60695-2-12"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When designing LED lighting, engineers must balance <strong>optical performance, thermal stability, and fire safety<\/strong>. One critical indicator for safe material selection is the <strong>Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI)<\/strong>, a global standard used to evaluate a plastic\u2019s resistance to ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>Hexatron<\/strong>, our optical-grade materials are tested and certified to meet <strong>IEC 60695-2-12<\/strong> standards, ensuring both <strong>optical excellence and compliance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-gwfi\">What Is GWFI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/share.google\/mYzMtVNrDZYIl1cAs\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/share.google\/mYzMtVNrDZYIl1cAs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GWFI<\/a><\/strong> measures how resistant a plastic is to ignition when in contact with a <strong>heated metal wire<\/strong>.<br>This test, defined by <strong>IEC 60695-2-12<\/strong>, replicates conditions such as overheating or short circuits that might occur in electrical or lighting components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A heated wire \u2014 between <strong>550\u00b0C and 960\u00b0C<\/strong> \u2014 is pressed against the sample for a few seconds. The test then observes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Whether the material ignites,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">How long it burns, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Whether it self-extinguishes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A higher GWFI indicates <strong>superior fire resistance and faster self-extinguishing<\/strong>, essential for <strong>luminaire safety and regulatory compliance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-gwfi-matters-in-lighting-design\">Why GWFI Matters in Lighting Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lighting fixtures are often enclosed or installed near heat-sensitive structures. Over time, LED modules and drivers generate heat, which can affect surrounding plastics if their flammability resistance is inadequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why GWFI compliance is critical:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Prevents ignition<\/strong> from overheated components or electrical faults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Reduces fire spread<\/strong>, protecting ceilings, diffusers, and enclosures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Ensures compliance<\/strong> with international safety standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Required for certification<\/strong> under CE, ENEC, and UL programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Provides peace of mind<\/strong> in offices, homes, hospitals, and schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In essence, GWFI is not just a technical metric, it\u2019s a key part of responsible, safe lighting design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hexatron-technologies-product-series-and-gwfi-ratings\">Hexatron Technologies Product Series and GWFI Ratings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of Hexatron's optical materials undergoes <strong>SGS-certified glow-wire testing<\/strong> to confirm compliance. Below is an overview of our core product families and their <strong>GWFI levels<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-polycarbonate-pc-poly-series-gwfi-960-2\">1. Polycarbonate (PC) \u2014 Poly Series (GWFI 960\/2)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/products\/led-diffuser-sheets\/\">Poly Series<\/a><\/strong> uses optical-grade polycarbonate with a <strong>GWFI of 960\u00b0C at 1.5 and 2 mm thickness<\/strong>, one of the highest ratings available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Excellent <strong>flame retardancy and self-extinguishing<\/strong> behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">High impact resistance and dimensional stability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Suitable for <strong>office and commercial lighting<\/strong>, where reliability and safety are essential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Available in <strong>opal, clear, matte, translucent, and prismatic<\/strong> finishes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"979\" data-id=\"1215\" src=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-1024x979.jpg\" alt=\"Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) test report for polycarbonate products\" class=\"wp-image-1215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-1024x979.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-768x734.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-1536x1469.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png-1200x1148.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-report-polycarbonate.png.png 1740w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">GWFI test report verifying flammability resistance of polycarbonate materials<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1004\" data-id=\"1213\" src=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-1024x1004.jpg\" alt=\"Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) test on Polystyrene (PS) 700\/1.5 material\" class=\"wp-image-1213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-1024x1004.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-300x294.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-768x753.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-1536x1506.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png-1200x1177.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/hexatron-gwfi-test-polystyrene-ps-700-15.png.png 1652w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">GWFI test conducted on Polystyrene material (PS 700\/1.5) for safety and flammability compliance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"947\" data-id=\"1214\" src=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-1024x947.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-1024x947.png 1024w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-300x278.png 300w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-768x710.png 768w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-1536x1421.png 1536w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm-1200x1110.png 1200w, https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-10-18-at-23948-pm.png 1734w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">GWFI Test Report for PS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Click each image to see a bigger display<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-pmma-plexi-series-gwfi-700-1-5\"><strong>2. PMMA \u2014 Plexi Series (GWFI <\/strong>700<strong>\/1.5)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/products\/ugr19-prism-optics\/\">Plexi Series<\/a><\/strong> is made from optical-grade <strong>PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)<\/strong>, offering a <strong>GWFI of 700\u00b0C at 1.5 mm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Superior <strong>optical performance and light transmission<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ideal for <strong>residential and office lighting<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Excellent weather resistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Available in multiple finishes: <strong>matte, opal, translucent, and prismatic<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-polystyrene-ps-s-series-gwfi-750-1-5\"><strong>3. Polystyrene (PS) \u2014 S Series (GWFI 750\/1.5)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/products\/led-diffuser-sheets\/\">S Series<\/a><\/strong>, produced from high-quality polystyrene, reaches a <strong>GWFI of 750\u00b0C at 1.5 mm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Balanced <strong>cost-effectiveness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Stable performance in <strong>indoor ambient lighting<\/strong> conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Suitable for high-volume production where <strong>economy and performance<\/strong> must align.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-finishes-and-customization\">Surface Finishes and Customization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All Hexatron Tech optical materials are available in a variety of <strong>surface finishes<\/strong> tailored for lighting environments that require visual comfort and efficiency:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Matte:<\/strong> Soft light diffusion, ideal for low-glare environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Opal:<\/strong> High diffusion for uniform, hotspot-free illumination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Translucent:<\/strong> Balanced diffusion with good light transmittance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Clear Prismatic:<\/strong> Optimized for <a href=\"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/products\/ugr19-prism-optics\/\">UGR&lt;19<\/a> luminaires.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Opal Prismatic:<\/strong> Combines diffusion and optical control for office lighting with <strong>UGR&lt;19<\/strong> performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-manufacturers-should-prioritize-gwfi-compliance\">Why Manufacturers Should Prioritize GWFI Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the competitive lighting market, <strong>compliance equals trust<\/strong>. Specifiers and OEMs increasingly request materials that can demonstrate tested fire performance.<br>Non-compliant plastics can lead to product recalls, certification delays, or even safety incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By choosing GWFI-certified materials, you ensure:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Easier <strong>CE, ENEC, and UL certification<\/strong> for luminaires.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Compliance with <strong>European building and safety standards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Reduced risk of heat-related deformation or ignition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Long-term reliability in commercial and public installations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Hexatron Technologies, we can provide <strong>SGS test reports<\/strong> for our diffusers to verify compliance with <strong>IEC 60695-2-12<\/strong> standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"building-safer-and-more-reliable-lighting-systems\">Building Safer and More Reliable Lighting Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As LED systems continue to evolve, the materials surrounding them must meet equally advanced standards.<br>Fire-rated plastics like <strong>polycarbonate, PMMA, and polystyrene<\/strong> play a vital role not just in <strong>light diffusion and efficiency<\/strong>, but in <strong>safety and certification readiness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By selecting the right material with the right <strong>GWFI rating<\/strong>, lighting manufacturers can design products that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Deliver <strong>consistent light quality<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Maintain <strong>thermal and mechanical integrity<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Provide <strong>safe operation in offices, homes, and commercial buildings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>Hexatron<\/strong>, we are committed to supporting our partners with <strong>optical materials that meet both aesthetic and safety demands<\/strong>. Our GWFI-tested materials ensure your luminaires achieve a<strong> balance of performance, and compliance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more details or to request an <strong>SGS test report<\/strong>, please contact our technical team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When designing LED lighting, engineers must balance optical performance, thermal stability, and fire safety. One critical indicator for safe material selection is the Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI), a global standard used to evaluate a plastic\u2019s resistance to ignition. At Hexatron, our optical-grade materials are tested and certified to meet IEC 60695-2-12 standards, ensuring both optical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1210"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1210\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hexatrontech.com\/he\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}