What are diffusers for LED lamps made of? Diffusers for LED strips - selection and mounting. Diffuser for LED strip made of polystyrene
This design is everything that a super-bright LED needs to full-fledged work as a lamp.
Not long ago I discovered super-bright LEDs at very affordable price. They look like this:
They have a lot of advantages: high brightness, relatively low energy consumption, long term service, small dimensions, resistance to repeated switching on, etc. Available in power from one watt and above, they have three different shades of white light.
But I encountered some difficulties when using them. Firstly, they get very hot. If you use them at even half power, they will need a heatsink. Secondly, these LEDs have a large dispersion angle. That is, if we make them into the simplest table lamp, then it will shine in the eyes the same way as on the table. Therefore, the light flux must be focused in the desired direction. The following design helped solve both of these problems.
A little school physics. You can focus the light flux, or direct it parallel, using a parabolic mirror if you place point source light at the focus of the parabola. Making a parabolic mirror at home is an impossible task. But it is possible to make a lamp that would simultaneously partially focus the light flux and remove heat.
The green line in the figure is a parabolic mirror, the black rectangle at the bottom is a super-bright LED, the yellow dot is the LED crystal and at the same time the focus of the parabola. And the remaining black lines are the body of the future reflector. It is clear that the body follows the shape of a parabola very approximately, but it will focus a certain percentage of the light. Dimensions, of course, are indicated in millimeters.
The reflector scan will look like this:
You can make a lamp from 0.5-1mm thick aluminum, copper, or even tin from tin can. In this case, 1mm thick aluminum was used.
In addition, for the lamp you will need a piece of one-sided foil PCB measuring 15x20mm, onto which the LED itself will be soldered.
To begin with, the reflector and textolite are cut out, then holes are drilled into them, 4 pieces with a diameter of 1 mm, two more holes with a diameter of 3 mm are drilled in the lampshade, and two holes of 1 mm each are drilled in the textolite for connecting wires. Then the reflector and the textolite are twisted together with two pieces of wire. You can also glue them together. The reflector is bent, the result is the following:
The reflector must be bent carefully so as not to deform it. seat under the LED, otherwise the LED will overheat. If the reflector is made of copper or tin, then its petals can and should be soldered together. After the reflector is bent, its edges can be processed with a file or sandpaper if necessary.
The final step is installing the LED. Before this, you need to apply a little thermal paste to the installation site to improve thermal transfer. The LED leads will have to be bent a little to fit into the holes. After this, the leads are unbent to their original state, the LED is pressed against the reflector and soldered. It is necessary to ensure that none of the LED contacts touch the reflector in order to prevent as much as possible short circuit between terminals.
Diffuser for LED strip designed to create more comfortable lighting. Thanks to the diffuser, the light is distributed evenly, creating less strain on the eyes.
Principle of operation
The diffuser is designed in such a way as to increase the angle of light spreading. The effect is achieved by using a special design made of light-refracting material. Due to the thoughtful geometry of the diffuser and its location relative to the lighting fixture, the distribution of light flux is optimized. The light disperses over the entire area, without any concentration of the flow in individual areas.
Areas of use
Diffusers are used in all facilities where LED lighting is available: apartments, offices, public and commercial establishments, personal plots, entrances to premises, etc. Light diffusion is used not only in general, but also in local lighting, for example, in aquariums, on shelves and in cabinets.
Materials for making the diffuser
To create a device that scatters light, you will need certain materials. Previously main structural element glass protruded. Today, the list has expanded to include more progressive materials.
Acrylic and plexiglass
Acrylic and plexiglass are almost as transparent as regular glass. However protective properties materials are much higher. They do not crack as a result of impacts and are able to withstand significant temperature changes - from 60 degrees below zero to 60 degrees above zero. The main disadvantage is ignition in the event of direct fire contact.
Polystyrene
Transparent polystyrene is a versatile, affordable and durable material. The degree of transparency of polystyrene is even higher compared to glass. Matte diffusers are made from polystyrene High Quality. Its disadvantage is its fragility and tendency to ignite. Polystyrene structures are offered in different designs - from transparent to rich colors.
Polycarbonate
The material is characterized by high strength, low weight and transparency. Capable of maintaining performance properties in fire, withstands significant temperature changes, is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and durable.
Polycarbonate is resistant to mechanical stress, protecting the LED strip from damage. To further increase the strength of the structure, it is recommended to use monolithic polycarbonate. This material is much stronger than standard glass and is used for anti-vandal coatings on the street.
Note! Polycarbonate - best material for the production of prismatic diffusers. Qualitative difference polycarbonate from acrylic - larger angle dispersion. Acrylic is suitable for opal diffusers with a small beam angle, while polycarbonate is suitable for clear devices with a significant beam angle.
Another quality of polycarbonate is its light weight. This is achieved due to the cellular structure.
The choice of a specific type of material depends on the purpose of application. Not all cases require an expensive polycarbonate diffuser. At home, an acrylic or polystyrene device is usually sufficient.
Fastening
Fixing the LED strip should not cause any difficulties. For this purpose, “liquid nails”, self-tapping screws or double-sided tape are used. If desired, you can create a corner mount and mount the lamp using special brackets. Also, the tape is sometimes built into one plane or another, for which a groove in the wall is prepared in advance.
For arches or similar curved surfaces, a flexible profile is used. Most often these elements are aluminum.
Making a diffuser
To create a light diffuser with your own hands, you will need one of construction materials, listed above, as well as profile. In its absence, it will do plastic profile for electrical wiring. You can create a matte surface that will scatter light from the diodes using any of the following two methods:
- We apply a special paste. It is designed to destroy the crystalline structure. The method is effective, but the toxicity of the substance must be taken into account.
- Treat the surface with abrasive. Coarse sandpaper will do.
The diffuser for LEDs is an element that creates comfortable lighting. You should not neglect it, as a pleasant soft light will help maintain good vision.
Lighting, correctly selected and installed, not only creates comfortable conditions for our eyes, but can also add a new look to the interior and zone the space. Today, LED lamps are gaining popularity, because such lighting gives the interior a special style.
Function and principle of operation of the diffuser
LED strip consists of diodes, giving very bright and unpleasant to the eyes lighting with a cold tint. This problem is solved by an LED strip diffuser, which makes the lighting more comfortable and warmer. The essence of the diffuser's work is to refract light and increase the angle of light propagation. It consists of a light-refracting material, a scattering film, and when light passes through it, it is evenly distributed throughout the room.
Application of LED lighting with diffuser
This lighting has wide area applications, starting from apartments, offices and all kinds of public institutions and right up to any street. But this includes not only the lighting of the premises themselves, but LEDs are also used as lighting for cabinets, shelves, display cases and even aquariums. On the street it can be any decor or advertising. Such diversity in the use of LEDs provides the ability to select and change any colors and shades.
Profile types
To install the LED strip, you need a profile. It has the function of protecting against various damages and also cools the tape. In addition, the profile is equipped with a diffuser, due to which the ability to dissipate heat and light is achieved, making it less bright and comfortable for our eyes. A variety of profiles for LED strips with diffusers allows you to match them to any interior. There are several ways to attach a profile. Main profile types:
The shape of the profile is“U-shaped”, “L-shaped”, “C-shaped” and other types. A variety of profile shapes allows you to choose any location for installing a diode lamp. Currently, a plastic profile for LED strip is often used, and a flexible overlay profile made of silicone is also very popular. It is made in the form of a tube, inside of which an LED strip is inserted.
The LED strip profile with a diffuser can be successfully replaced with others construction profiles which will help you save cash. However, it is the special profile that ensures the safety of the LED strip, dissipates heat and light and, therefore, this design will last a long time. In stores you can now find a profile not only by type, size and method of fastening, but also for any interior by color and material.
Diffuser materials
To date The diffuser for LED strip can be made from various materials:
It is worth noting that such an indicator as aging resistance, is an important factor when choosing a diffuser. Since diode lamps have a very long operating period. Diffusing film can extend the life of LEDs.
When choosing a transparent or matte surface for a lamp, you need to remember that the matte one will create soft light and a relaxed atmosphere, while the transparent one will provide bright lighting. What type of lighting is suitable for certain purposes is better to decide on this issue before installation. To choose a diffuser for LEDs, you first need to choose the place where the tape will be attached. And determine what the dimensions of the tape will be. And consider the conditions for placing the tape, including weather conditions.
Fastening
Attaching an LED strip is not difficult; almost anyone can cope with the task. For this purpose they use liquid nails, self-tapping screws, double-sided tape. Alternatively, you can attach special brackets to the surface and secure the lamp in them. The tape can also be embedded into the surface. To do this, you need to prepare a groove in the wall in advance. For arches or other curved surfaces, a flexible profile is ideal.
DIY LED diffuser
To make a light diffuser with your own hands, you will need plexiglass, polycarbonate or diffuser film and a profile. You can take, for example, a plastic box used for laying wires. There are two ways to ensure a matte surface of the diffuser:
- It is necessary to carefully and evenly apply a special paste that destroys the crystalline structure. But the method is harmful, since the paste is toxic.
- Treat the surface with an abrasive material, for example.
The conclusion that can be drawn is this: a diffuser for LED lamps has an important function. Without it, LED lighting will simply become unpleasant for our eyes and will not be able to satisfy a wide variety of needs. And many options for shapes, colors, and fastening methods allow you to realize any design ideas and create unique style any room or object.
The flow of light created by the lamp can be changed: make it softer, simulate uniform illumination. This function is performed by the diffuser. To make a diffuser for LEDs, plexiglass and some other polymer materials are used.
Since the LED emits a fairly pure and narrowly focused light, it is not entirely comfortable to look at. To correct this situation, a diffuser is simply necessary. Besides sanitary standards and the rules require the use of a light diffuser, making an exception only for street lighting fixtures and for illuminating architectural structures.
In more detail, the diffuser should:
- protect the LED from the external environment;
- ensure correct light distribution that is most comfortable for the eyes;
- be durable and resistant to chemical attack;
- be durable;
- have certain aesthetic properties.
As you already understand, you cannot simply replace a fluorescent lamp with an LED. Along with installing a new light source, you need to use a diffuser, then you will get a modernized, economical and eye-friendly lamp.
Features of materials
Modern materials such as polycarbonate, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, in particular acrylic glass), polystyrene, are an alternative to conventional silicone glass and are successfully used for devices in which the light source is LED. They are presented on the market by many European and Eastern trademarks, giving us a choice.
Polycarbonate withstands very high temperatures and is less fire hazardous than acrylic glass. In addition, it is not afraid of strong impacts and other mechanical damage.
If we talk about PMMA, it has high transparency, in some cases better than glass. The material is resistant to aging, which is important for LED lamps, because the LED can also work for a very long time (about 50 thousand hours).
Typically, so-called opal (matte) diffusers are made from PMMA, and prismatic models are made from polycarbonate. To ensure strength, monolithic polycarbonate is used, which is several times stronger than glass, and for indoor lamps, acrylic glass is used, which makes it possible to create lamps of an original design.
Model characteristics
In addition to the material of manufacture, a ready-to-use diffuser has other features related to color, shape, and surface structure.
For chandeliers and lamps, the diffuser may differ from other models in its design and is intended for installation:
- on suspended ceilings;
- in an overhead case;
- be universal.
There is also a light diffuser for LEDs installed in car headlights, spotlights, lanterns and other lighting devices.
The most expensive models have a matte surface. They can transmit a little more than half of the light (about 60%), which makes the lighting very soft. The light becomes warmer and more comfortable for the eyes.
A diffuser with a prismatic structure is capable of transmitting and evenly dispersing maximum light (up to 90%). This is achieved due to the transparency of the material and the corrugated surface. The light produced by the LED is refracted in hundreds of small prisms and thus dispersed throughout space.
There is a 3d diffuser polymer material. It is installed on an Armstrong type lamp and is produced in a variety of patterns and colors.
Attaching the diffusers
To mount an LED or LED strip, make aluminum profiles. A diffuser is also attached to them, choosing it in accordance with the needs of the customer. The light diffuser can be made in the shape of a ring, in which each LED is located on a strip in a circle. Such profiles are used in car headlights, in some models of lanterns and lamps.
For large ceiling light sources, profiles are made in the shape of rectangles. In principle, nothing limits a manufacturer or a self-taught craftsman from making a lamp of any shape. And all this is due to the fact that the LED has a very small size with a high light output.
It is important that the diffuser that is installed on street lamps, withstood large temperature changes, was not afraid of frost, high humidity, had anti-vandal properties. Innovative materials meet all these requirements and make it possible to create reliable and durable lighting. Taking care of consumer convenience, today they produce sets of LED lamps, which include necessary elements for editing, for controlling brightness and even color.
