Fri, 11 Nov 2011
Fifty Bucks For A Lightbulb? Say Hello To LED
Fast Company recently posted an interesting article on the components of what makes an LED work.
Tue, 30 Aug 2011
As of July 2011, all non-Chinese lighting manufacturers are experiencing a shortage in supply of Rare Earth Metals used in the manufacture of fluorescent lighting products. Candela has put together a series of PDFs created by GE, Philips and Osram Sylvania to help inform you of the details behind the shortage.
GE - Rare Earths: The Why & How
Philips - Phosphor: A Critical Component in Fluorescent Lamps
OSI - Rare Earth Phosphor Crisis
Additionally, here are some articles about the issue from a handful of media outlets:
Red Lodge Clearinghouse - Weighing the Costs of Unobtainium
Rare Element Resource Ltd.
Seeking Alpha - China Keeps Rare Earth Supplies Tight Despite WTO Warning
National Geographic - Rare Earth Elements
The Wall Street Journal - China Moves to Strengthen Grip Over Supply of Rare-Earth Metals
Hot Air - Great news: China hoarding rare-earth metals needed for "green" energy
We recently sent an email to all of our customers regarding the chaotic situation with Rare Earth Metals. In a nutshell, as our vendors increase prices or run out of product, your Candela CSRs will keep you up to date. The important thing to consider is quote expiration dates, which we must shorten on certain products. We know it's tough on you to offer a price to a customer that may not stick and we apologize for our need to respond to what's happening in this volatile time.
Tue, 16 Aug 2011
Can The U.S. Break China's Stranglehold On Rare Earth Metals?
Fast Company reports on the US mining industries attempt to play catch up with China in rare earth element extraction.
Thu, 14 Jul 2011
China's latest rare earth move disappoints EU, US
Reuters reports that China has increased their export quota of rare earth elements used in the manufacture of energy efficient fluorescent lighting products, but the EU and US are not satisfied that this latest move will bring any noticeable change.
China slashed rare earth export quotas by 35 percent for the first half of 2011, choking off global supplies and causing prices to soar.
