24V LED Module for Lightboxes and Stretch Ceilings: Technical Specifications by Application

Frontline S-TW18 is a 24V linear LED module designed for backlighting projects where it is necessary to correctly identify the type of application.

Although it can be used in lightboxes, stretch ceilings, backlighting, and general lighting, not all of these applications require the same technical specifications.

In a lightbox, the priority is usually on the visibility of the graphic, uniformity across the diffuser, and integration into a thin profile.

With a tensioned ceiling, the technical requirements are higher: the light can serve as ambient or general lighting, so factors such as power, efficiency, visual comfort, CRI, and spectral quality become even more important.

For this reason, the Frontline S-TW18 should be evaluated not only based on its technical specifications, but also on how those specifications perform in each application.

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Frontline S-TW18
Dimensions	600 × 20 × 6.7 mm
Voltage	24 V
Power Consumption	8 W / 13 W
LED Color	2,700K – 6,500K
Options available upon request	2,700K – 5,000K / 4,000K – 6,500K
Luminous flux	≈ 928 lm / ≈ 1,456 lm
Efficiency	≈ 116 lm/W / ≈ 112 lm/W
CRI	> 80
Beam of light	175º
Dimmable	Yes
Service life	> 56,000 h
Tp max.	65 °C
LED	Mid-Power
Protection	IP44 for indoor use

These specifications position the Frontline S-TW18 as a high-performance backlighting solution with a wide aperture and dynamic white capability.

The key is to correctly interpret each piece of data depending on whether the project is a light box or a stretch ceiling.

Downloadable datasheet

Technical reading for lightbox

In a lightbox, the main goal is usually to achieve a visible, uniform, and stable image.

The light is positioned behind a diffuser—usually made of fabric or opal—and its purpose is to make the image stand out without casting shadows, creating visible spots, or producing areas of low intensity.

In this context, the most relevant technical data are:

Criterion	Relevance in the lightbox
Homogeneity	Very high
175° beam angle	Very useful for covering surfaces
Power	Important, but in line with the graph
Dynamic White	Useful in special cases, but not always essential
High CRI	This is not usually the primary criterion
Energy Efficiency	Usually secondary to visibility
Thin	Very important for compact cases

For lightboxes, the Frontline S-TW18 is a good choice when you’re looking for linear, uniform, and controlled backlighting, especially in thin lightboxes.

The 8W version is usually the most balanced option for this type of application.

Technical Specifications for Tensioned Ceilings

With a tensioned ceiling, the role of light changes.

It is no longer just a matter of making a graphic visible, but of illuminating a space or creating a luminous surface that directly influences the perception of the environment.

In this case, the technical criteria are more stringent:

Criterion	Relevance in Tensioned Ceilings
Light Output	High
Energy Efficiency	High
Dynamic White	Very useful for scenes and comfort
CRI	More important than in the lightbox
Spectral Quality	Essential for demanding projects
Harmony Between Warm and Cool	Important for a balanced visual mix
Homogeneity	Very high
Visual Comfort	Priority

For stretch ceilings, the 13W version is usually the best choice when more light is needed.

However, it is important to note that the Frontline S-TW18 has an overall CRI of >80. If the project requires a CRI of 90, 95, or 98, full-spectrum lighting, or an advanced circadian lighting solution, it will be necessary to evaluate specific configurations or solutions with higher chromatic performance.

Power options: 8W and 13W

Frontline S-TW18 is available in two main versions:

Version	Power	Approx. Flow	Approx. efficiency	Recommended reading
S-TW18 8 W	8 W	≈ 928 lm	≈ 116 lm/W	Lightbox and efficient backlighting
S-TW18 13 W	13 W	≈ 1,456 lm	≈ 112 lm/W	Stretch ceilings or higher brightness

The 8W version is ideal for many light boxes that require efficient, stable, and uniform backlighting.

The 13W version is better suited for surfaces that require greater light output, especially stretch ceilings or backlighting applications where light plays a more prominent role in the environment.

Dynamic White and CCT Ranges

The Frontline S-TW18 operates with a standard dynamic white range:

2,700K – 6,500K

This makes it possible to combine warm and cool light within a single installation.

There are also custom options available upon request:

Variant	Color temperature (CCT)
Standard	2,700K – 6,500K
Available upon request	2,700K – 5,000K
Available upon request	4,000K – 6,500K

In Lightbox, this variation in color temperature can be useful in special campaigns, storefront displays, or retail spaces where you want to alter visual perception.

In stretch ceilings, dynamic white has a more direct application: it allows you to adjust the atmosphere of the space with warm, neutral, or cool lighting scenes.

Luxes in a diffuser

Under reference conditions:

Version	Luxes in diffuser
S-TW18 8 W	4,000–6,000 lux
S-TW18 13 W	6,000–8,000 lux

These values are calculated based on a lightbox with a white RAL 9010 lacquered interior and a white Samba®-type backlight fabric from Berger Textiles.

In Lightbox, this data helps estimate the visual presence of the graph.

In the case of stretched ceilings, they serve as an initial reference, but they should be interpreted with greater caution because the goal may be to illuminate a space, not just to backlight a surface.

Light Quality: CRI and TM-30

The general specifications for the Frontline S-TW18 are: CRI >80

Values by color temperature:

Temperature	CRI	TM-30-18 RF
2,700K	85	RF 87
4,400K Mix	88	RF 86
6,500K	85	RF 84

The 4,400K intermediate mix has the highest value in the set, with a CRI of 88.

For advertising lightboxes, these values are usually sufficient, since extreme color reproduction is not typically a priority.

For tensioned ceilings, however, the CRI should be evaluated based on the project’s requirements. If the space requires high-quality light, advanced color rendering, or lighting conditions similar to natural light, it may be necessary to opt for solutions with a higher CRI.

175° beam angle

The 175° beam angle is one of the most notable features of the Frontline S-TW18.

Its wide aperture helps distribute light across the diffuser and improve uniformity.

In Lightbox, this results in a more uniform graph.

In stretch ceilings, it helps create a more uniform illuminated surface, reducing areas of concentrated light and harsh shadows.

The wide beam allows for work on thin structures, provided that the recommended distances and layout are followed.

Format and Adaptation

The Frontline S-TW18 has the following dimensions:

600 × 20 × 6.7 mm

The module features a slim, linear design, making it suitable for integration into light boxes, stretch ceilings, and backlit chambers.

Reference sections for format adaptation:

Settings	Length
Complete module	600 mm
Intermediate section	400 mm
Short section	200 mm

This modular design allows the installation to be adapted to different formats, whether in light boxes or on larger-scale backlit surfaces.

Layout Recommendations

The optical performance depends on the available depth, the spacing between modules, the diffuser, and the interior color of the system.

The datasheet recommends:

Lightbox Thickness	Recommended spacing
70 mm	180 mm
100 mm	200 mm

These recommendations are based on a white interior (RAL 9010) and a white fabric panel for backlighting.

In Lightbox, these distances help maintain a consistent layout.

For tensioned ceilings, these can serve as a starting point, but the validation process must take into account the expected lighting level, ceiling height, use of the space, and visual comfort requirements.

White interior and color control

The interior of the system must be white to prevent color distortion.

A colored interior trim piece can tint the light and alter the appearance of the diffuser.

In the lightbox, this may affect how the graph is interpreted.

In stretch ceilings, it can affect the overall color scheme of the space.

For consistent results, it is best to work with:

Matte white interior
Neutral Reflective Surface
Suitable diffuser
Regular spacing
Calculated distribution
Preliminary Validation of the Lighting Scene

Connection and Unit Limits

The Frontline S-TW18 allows you to connect multiple modules in series while adhering to the defined maximum limits.

Model	Max. units connected in series CE	Max. units connected in series (UL), 96 W
S-TW18 8 W	17	12
S-TW18 13 W	10	7

The 8W version allows for more units to be connected in series.

The 13W version offers greater brightness, but requires that the installation be divided into lines or groups beforehand.

These limits are important for both lightboxes and tensioned ceilings, especially in large-format projects.

Control and Dimming

The Frontline S-TW18 is dimmable and allows for dynamic white color control via warm/cool channels.

This allows:

Moderate intensity
Change Color Temperature
Create warm, neutral, or cool scenes
Adapting the Lighting to the Use of the Space
Integrate the system with CCT-compatible controls

In Lightbox, the adjustment feature can be used to adjust brightness or create specific commercial effects.

In stretch ceilings, dimming plays a more functional role, as it allows the lighting to be adjusted to suit different times of day, activities, or comfort needs.

Durability and Protection

Parameter	Value
Service life	>56,000 hours
Maximum temperature Tp	65 °C
Rulings	Category F10
Luminous Flux Maintenance	Category L70
Color coordinates	5-step MacAdam ellipse
Color retention: 6,000 hours	5-step MacAdam ellipse

The Frontline S-TW18 is intended for indoor use due to its IP44 rating.

If the project requires a higher degree of water resistance, it must be integrated into an enclosure that ensures the necessary IP rating.

Technical Selection Criteria

Criterion	Lightbox	Stretch Ceiling
Top Priority	Visible and uniform lighting	Space Lighting
Most Common Version	8 W	13 W
Dynamic White	Optional depending on the campaign	Relevant for scenes
CRI	Usually not critical	Should be reviewed as required
Efficiency	Secondary in many cases	Important
Power	Sufficient for a speaker	More demanding
Homogeneity	Very important	Very important
Advanced Spectrum	Uncommon	May be necessary
Alternative solution	Fixed white if CCT is not required	High CRI or full spectrum if the project requires it

This table summarizes the main difference: with a lightbox, a graphic is illuminated; with stretch ceilings, a space is illuminated.

The Frontline S-TW18 is a 24V dynamic white LED module designed for professional backlighting projects, but its technical specifications vary depending on the application.

With Lightbox, its value lies in its uniformity, the visibility of the graphic, and its integration into thin light boxes.

For tensioned ceilings, a more rigorous analysis is required, taking into account power, efficiency, visual comfort, CRI, the mix of color temperatures, and the possible need for higher-spectrum lighting.

The 8W version is particularly well-suited for lightboxes.

The 13W version is best suited for stretch ceilings or surfaces that require greater light output.

If the project requires CRI 90, CRI 95, CRI 98, full spectrum, or advanced circadian criteria, it will be necessary to explore a specific solution with higher color rendering quality.