Can I use LEDs without PCB?

I recently purchased LEDs on ebay that were supposed to come attached to star PCB (as a heat sink). The items I received are just the LEDs (no PCB). They are listed as 3W LEDs, with a forward voltage of 3.0-3.4V, and current at 700mA.Will I damage/destroy the LEDs if I use them without a heat sink? If not, what is the best way to mount these to preserve their life during operation?

PCB Assembly
November 13, 2023

If you received actual 3W LEDs and were to run them at 3.5V, 700 mA without a heatsink, then yes, you will sooner-rather-than-later kill them.

You have three options.

Run them at a lower voltage/current.
Heat sink them, perhaps improvised out of some aluminum bar stock and metal epoxy (Home Depot)
Buy star PCB heat sinks and assemble them yourself.

#PCB Assembly

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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