When looking for a flashlight, most of the time we focus on light power, burning time, size, weight or price. But, an important attribute like the previous ones, depending on the use to be given, is the material from which it is made. The most used are plastic and aluminum.
Durability or safety are some of the features directly affected by the choice of one material or another.
The environment in which it is to be used acquires a great relevance in making the purchase decision. For example, fire services or industrial environments need to pay special attention.
Two key aspects arising from the choice of material are discussed below: heat absorption/dissipation and electrical conductivity.
Aluminum, like most metals, is a great conductor of heat. This facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by the LED, allowing to achieve a higher light performance. But at the same time, this heat conductivity works both ways. For example, if you work in a high temperature environment (see the case of firefighters), aluminum will absorb heat, making the flashlight a dangerous element. Heat absorption is also transmitted to the interior, seriously compromising the stability of the batteries.
By contrast, plastic flashlights do not conduct heat as fast as aluminum, making a plastic envelope ideal for use in dangerously high temperature environments. In addition, they are not only safer to handle, they are much better at protecting batteries in extreme conditions.
With respect to electrical conductivity, another important advantage of plastic is that, because it is significantly less conductive than metal, it avoids the possibility of causing short circuits in its contact with external equipment.
Additionally, plastics specifically developed for use in equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) do possess some electrical conductivity that prevents them from being charged electrostatically, thus avoiding the generation of a spark.
Conclusion: if the flashlight will be exposed to high temperatures or in industrial environments, technical plastic materials are presented as the safest option.
