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Custom 8mm Horizontal & Vertical Bend Neon Strip – 84 LEDs/m, 3535 RGBW

Custom 16×16 neon strip with 8mm PCB width, 84 LEDs/m SMD3535 RGBW (4000K), DC24V, and horizontal/vertical bending. Built for a UK client project with rigorous sample testing.

Project Behind-the-Scenes

8 min read • By Elisa



Published: October 2026 | Category: Custom Strip | Application: Custom LED Strip


Quick Answer

This custom 16×16mm neon strip is engineered for both horizontal and vertical bending, using an 8mm-wide PCB with 84 × SMD3535 RGBW (4000K) LEDs per meter. Operating at DC24V and 25.2W/m, it delivers high-density, flexible illumination with a 5-meter reel and 5 bare wires for input. The specification was developed for a UK client based on a long-term partnership and verified through sample testing — choosing 3535 RGBW LEDs over standard options to match the 8mm PCB width and achieve the required brightness.


The Story Behind the Spec

For clients who work with high-density LED strips, "standard" isn't always enough.

When Nathan from the UK approached us for a custom neon project, we already had years of experience working with his company. We understood their specific requirements for high-density lighting — and we knew that a standard 60 LEDs/m strip would not meet their expectations.

So we recommended 84 LEDs/m instead.

For this particular 16×16 neon profile, the internal strip needed to fit an 8mm PCB width. After testing physical samples, we confirmed that SMD3535 RGBW was the right LED to use — balancing brightness, color quality, and mechanical fit within the 8mm constraint.

This is how custom strip solutions are built: by combining material knowledge, application experience, and real-world testing.


Product Overview: Custom 16×16 Neon Strip

Feature

Specification

Model

XXA-NEON1616-3D-3535RGBW-24V

Profile

16mm × 16mm (horizontal & vertical bend)

PCB Width

8mm

LED Type

SMD3535 RGBW (4000K)

LED Density

84 LEDs/m

Voltage

DC24V

Power

25.2W/m

Reel Length

5 meters

Input Wiring

5 bare wires (no output wires)

Wire Colors

1–24V (black) / 2–R (red) / 3–G (green) / 4–B (blue) / 5–W (white)

Mounting

2 clips per meter

Bend Direction

Horizontal & vertical


Key Features

1. 8mm PCB Width – Engineered for 16×16 Neon

The 8mm PCB is the critical enabler for this 16×16 neon profile. It allows the strip to fit precisely inside the housing while maintaining the mechanical integrity required for horizontal and vertical bending.

2. 84 LEDs/m – High Density for Demanding Projects

We specified 84 LEDs/m rather than the standard 60 LEDs/m because we knew Nathan's company requires higher-density illumination.

Density

Brightness

Best For

60 LEDs/m

Standard

General decorative use

84 LEDs/m

High

High-density, premium projects

The higher density delivers:

  • Smoother, more uniform light

  • Better brightness without overdriving the LEDs

  • Enhanced visual impact for architectural and display applications

3. SMD3535 RGBW (4000K) – Verified Through Sample Testing

The SMD3535 RGBW LED was selected after physical sample testing. It offers:

  • Dedicated 4000K white channel for clean, neutral white light

  • Full RGB color mixing for dynamic effects

  • Reliable performance within the 8mm PCB constraint

4. Horizontal & Vertical Bending – True 3D Flexibility

The 16×16 profile supports:

  • Horizontal bends — for flat curves and corners

  • Vertical bends — for changes in height and 3D shaping

This makes it suitable for:

  • Architectural outlines

  • Curved signage

  • 3D displays and installations

  • Creative lighting designs

5. DC24V, 25.2W/m – Efficient and Stable

Operating at DC24V with 25.2W/m provides:

  • Reduced voltage drop over longer runs

  • Consistent brightness across the 5-meter reel

  • Compatibility with standard 24V power supplies

6. 5 Bare Wires – Simple Input Connection

The input side features 5 bare wires with clear color coding:

Wire

Function

1 (Black)

24V

2 (Red)

R

3 (Green)

G

4 (Blue)

B

5 (White)

W

No output wires are included — the strip is designed for single-end power input.

7. 2 Clips per Meter – Secure Mounting

Each meter comes with 2 mounting clips, ensuring the neon strip stays securely in place along its run.


Technical Specifications

Parameter

Value

Model

XXA-NEON1616-3D-3535RGBW-24V

Profile

16mm × 16mm

PCB Width

8mm

LED Type

SMD3535 RGBW

Color Temperature

4000K

LED Density

84 LEDs/m

Voltage

DC24V

Power

25.2W/m

Reel Length

5m

Input Wiring

5 bare wires

Output Wiring

None

Mounting

2 clips/m

Bend Direction

Horizontal & vertical


Applications

Application

Why This Neon Strip Fits

Architectural outlines

3D bending, high-density light

Curved signage

8mm PCB fits 16×16 profile

3D displays

Horizontal and vertical bend capability

Creative installations

RGBW color mixing, 84 LEDs/m

Retail and hospitality

Smooth, bright, uniform illumination


Summary

Advantage

Benefit

8mm PCB width

Fits 16×16 neon profile precisely

84 LEDs/m

High density for demanding projects

SMD3535 RGBW (4000K)

Verified through sample testing

Horizontal & vertical bend

True 3D flexibility

DC24V, 25.2W/m

Stable, efficient operation

5 bare wires

Clear color-coded input

2 clips/m

Secure mounting


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