Lighting industry

Materials used in luminaires and illuminated signs and advertising boards

What is diffusion of light and why do we need different diffusers? How to select the correct LED diffusor

Diffusion refers to the scattering of light. A common requirement is that diffusion must be sufficiently effective to disguise LED light sources. In addition, the light must spread evenly over the surface.

The choice of diffuser is influenced by factors such as the thickness, translucency, shape and surface of the material and the machining methods used to produce it. In addition,a range of materials with different properties are available on the market to meet the varied requirements presented by different applications.

While standard diffusers perform well, they do not scatter light as evenly as premium diffusers and they also offer lower translucency. Standard diffusers offer a cost-efficient light diffusion solution.

Premium diffusers are made of materials designed and optimised for diffusing light, particularly in LED solutions. Thanks to their excellent properties related to light diffusion and translucency, these materials produce high-quality results at a lower luminous flux. Because of this, they offer an energy- and cost-efficient solution. Premium diffusers also include flame-retardant options.

Translucency refers to the material’s ability to permit light to pass through. It is measured in percentages.

Diffuser properties

Standard diffusers
Premium diffusers

PMMA

PMMA

PMMA XT Opal, 30 - 45 - 70% translucency PMMA LED cold white, 60% translucency (1693N)
Coloured warm white, 65% translucency (1695N)
PMMA GS Opal, 30% translucency Coloured
Coloured PMMA GS Lumina clear, illuminated edges

PC

PC

PC Makrolon®GP 130 ja 150 Opal, 30 - 50% translucency Makrolon®DX warm white, 72-76% translucency

PETG

cold white, 65-64% translucency
Vivak UV white 2130 30% translucency Makrolon®FR DX 139 cold white, 53% translucency
Makrolon®DX Sky

clear, 90% translucency