Features

• Manufacturers blow-mold transparent or translucent resin to form composite lightbulbs. The resin, polypropylene can be blended with fillers, fire-proof agents such as glass fibers, glass micro particles and nylon particles. The manufacturer then hermetically joins the molded composite bulb with the lamp stem. The last step in the process involves filling the bulb with an inert gas and installing it by screwing it into the lamp base.
  
  

Accentuate Light & Safety

• According to inventor Cheng Wei, the composite light bulb has increased color pigmentation, light refraction, total reflection and diffusion properties and less chance of breaking due to the use of the composite materials, as opposed to traditional single material light bulbs.
  
  

Cost

• As of 2010, prices for commercially available composite lightbulbs range from $4.10 for an M-Series bulb to $36 for the Philips vehicle high composite lightbulb. Philips manufactures the composite lightbulb specific automobile makes and models. Not all vehicle models are compatible with the design specifications required by the manufacturer. Most sellers and resellers include a vehicle compatibility list on their website or in the store location.
  
  

Uses

• Manufactured by Royal Philips Electronics as of 2010, the composite light bulb is used for headlamps for military and outdoor vehicles. A composite bulb also proves useful in automobiles, emergency vehicles and lighting for remote locations. Other uses could include floodlights for outdoor use, the entertainment industry and home use.
  
  

Changing a Composite Lightbulb

• According to "Popular Mechanics," changing the composite head lightbulb does not require any tools. Since 1991, many car manufactures began installing composite bulbs in their vehicles. Some consumers may not know their vehicle is equipped with a composite head lightbulb. The composite head lightbulb is distinguishable by its shape and the fact that bulb changing does not require removing screws. The traditional non-composite bulbs have in the shape of a rectangle or a circle and the same size as the sealed-beam two-headlight setup.
  
  

Warning

• Many late-model cars have a cramped under hood that make it difficult getting to the bulb, according to "Popular Mechanics." This complication requires an assortment of wrenches to temporarily remove obstructing components such as cruise control and air-cleaner housing.