Diffusers for LED tapes - choice and fixing

LED lighting appeared on the domestic market relatively recently, but thanks to its economy, flexibility and high production resources, it is gaining more and more popularity in various industrial sectors, as well as in everyday life. One of the main constructive elements that make LED-lighting comfortable, and the diode itself is protected from damage, are the diffusers for LED strips.

Functions performed by the diffuser

Although traditional incandescent bulbs are quite uneconomical in use and short-lived, the light spectrum emitted by them is the most optimal for human eyes, since in many respects it is identical to natural light. The diode band provides bright, but cold and unpleasant for the eyes lighting.

The solution to the problem was the scatterers, which are a structural part of many lamps that make the light warmer and more natural. But there are also objects that do not need to "refine" the light spectrum. An example can serve as architectural monuments or appliances that do not require protection from damage.

The tasks that the diffusers perform for LED tapes are not limited to obtaining low-cost lighting. Such devices are used to decorate the appearance of an object: a room, a car or an interior. You can not forget about the protective function and vandalism, which is especially important in public places.

Materials

Modern technologies significantly expanded the range of materials used for the production of diffusers. For today, besides usual classical glass, use the combined compositions.

Dispersers for LED strips can be made of such materials:

• Polymethyl acrylate materials (acrylic / organic glass) are characterized by high transparency, strength, resistance to aging, plasticity. It is also worth noting the flammability and fragility of the material.
• Transparent polystyrene - thermoplastic polymer is distinguished by its strength, versatility, low cost.
• Polycarbonate. Products are distinguished by their high strength, durability due to their UV resistance, high transparency and lightness. Adding fire retardants and fire extinguishing elements makes the material ideal for making diode lamps. At cost, it is more expensive than acrylic.

The choice of material depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer and the requirements for lighting equipment, as well as environmental conditions.

Types of scatterers

In addition to the differences in the composition of the material, the diffusers for LED strips have differences in the way the light is applied and the surface structure, thereby expanding the scope of its application. The surface may differ in its color and structure.

Lamps made from prismatic glass, due to the effect of refraction of light rays, give the greatest effect of light scattering (up to 90%). With the use of frosted glass , the coefficient is not higher than 60%, while providing a cozy, muted light.

A separate type of diffusers, differing in variety in the drawing and color, is made using 3D-polymer material. Such devices are mounted on large Armstrong type lighting fixtures.

Installation Methods

The profile with the diffuser for the LED strip can be installed:

• Invoice / universal.
• Mortise. It is installed in chipboard or cardboard: ceilings, furniture.
• Angular. For indoor lighting, furniture.
• Interior. It is easily combined with any decoration of the room, it is used for installation of LED strips.
• For mounting on glass shelves with silicone gaskets.

Convenience and ease of installation allow you to do the work yourself, the main thing is to choose the type of glass you need. Also it is worth bearing in mind that, due to the fragility of acrylic, it is advisable to order delivery from a trusted company, since installing a damaged profile can be dangerous to health. The diffusers based on plastic and polycarbonate are more practical because they have a more resistant structure to mechanical shocks.

Types of fastening

The diode band has several ways of installation, therefore, and the diffusers are produced in the form of blanks, allowing for the most rapid and convenient installation.

To install the tape, an even and smooth surface structure is required, specially designed profiles for LED lighting meet these requirements. Thus, it is possible to install LEDs in the form of rulers, strips, lamps, searchlights, rings, allowing to decorate car headlights, etc.

Flexible diffuser for LED strip is most often installed on a plastic profile to provide illumination of various interior objects in the form of a circle or along an arc on arches, car lights and circular lamps.

Applications

The diffusers for luminaires made with the use of acrylic materials are of several types: with a high level of transparency, and also with a prismatic or matt structure. The disadvantage is fragility. Therefore, such devices are recommended to be used indoors. They are produced with a smooth or corrugated surface.

Due to the ease of handling, the use of Plexiglas is very popular for interior decoration of apartments, nightclubs and other public buildings.

For street lighting, including transport, public places and in rooms subject to constant vibrations (underground, stations, transitions), the most optimal option will be scatterers from monolithic carbonate. Indoor use is impractical due to their relatively high cost.

Plastic diffuser for LED strip is made of polystyrene, characterized by its small price and ease of installation. It is widely used for installation on street lamps and indoors, as well as in the industrial sector. Types: mirror raster of aluminum (Armstrong lamps), opal (matte), prismatic, transparent.

Nuances

The task of the scatterer is to give a soft and uniform glow, removing the punctuality inherent in LED strips and lamps. Since the lighting level for different residential zones and objects is different, the luminaires must have different degrees of dispersion. In this regard, a separate sale of components for installation. The diffuser is selected separately depending on the customer's requirements. Convenient installation allows in an independent manner to replace a non-approached or damaged profile.

In the process of planning costs, it should be borne in mind that the matte fixtures, most often used to create a warm semi-darkness in bedrooms and children's rooms, have a higher cost than transparent ones.

Street luminaires for fixtures must withstand temperature changes and shocks. Such devices should not contain cracks through which moisture can penetrate.

Finally

The new century requires new types of lighting. The usual fluorescent lamp due to its low cost still firmly holds positions in the domestic market, but the situation is changing. LEDs in combination with the diffuser, despite their high cost, are chosen by an increasing number of buyers who want to not only illuminate and decorate the room, but also save energy.