While there’s no singular cut length resolution that works perfectly for every project, 1- and 1.5- inch cuttability offer several benefits over longer strips. In this series, we’ll explore the pros and cons of LED modules and strips with short splits. We’ll start with the engineering team. Stay tuned for the product design, operations, and purchasing teams.

For engineering teams, small cut lengths allow specification down to the inch. You can say yes to projects that might otherwise require expensive custom modules. With 1-inch cuttability, you can fill odd-lengthed fixtures with on-hand materials. No more waiting for a custom module design or shipping time with an off-the-shelf solution.

In addition to a faster time to market for a single project, that time savings can be multiplied across projects by limiting the time you spend evaluating new modules. Get to know one set of specifications that provide you flexibility, rather than spending time evaluating a new set of modules for each project.

It is much easier to evaluate and spec a product you are familiar with for a new project. You have the predictability and risk reduction of using the same module for more than one fixture.

Are there downsides?

Some projects still need a custom module design. For example, fixtures with extremely tight pitch requirements or unusual size constraints are not a good fit for cuttable designs. There has to be enough room for a blade between the LED placements. If the pitch is too tight on a cuttable module, it increases the risk that user error while cutting will damage the LED.

Up next: benefits of shorter cut length if you are on the product design team.