Focus on high quality outdoor lighting fixtures
LED wall washer light lens is an indispensable part of the LED wall washer light, the lens material directly affects the optical performance, durability and aesthetics of the lamps and lanterns. In the market, the common LED wall washer lamp lens material mainly has the following kinds:
1. polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is one of the most commonly used materials in LED lenses. Its advantages include:
High strength: polycarbonate has good impact resistance, able to withstand certain external impact.
Good light transmission: Polycarbonate has a light transmission rate of over 90%, making light transmission efficient.
Weather resistance: specially treated polycarbonate is more resistant to UV rays and atmospheric conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Moderate cost: Compared to other materials, polycarbonate has a moderate cost and is suitable for mass production.
However, the drawback of polycarbonate is that it is less resistant to scratches, and surface wear may occur after prolonged use.
2. Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic, also known as acrylic, is another common lens material. Its characteristics include:
**Excellent light transmission: acrylic's light transmission can reach more than 92%, with superior optical performance.
Lightweight: acrylic's lower density and lighter overall mass make it easier to design and install.
Excellent processability: it can be molded in a variety of ways, such as grinding and laser cutting, to achieve complex lens designs.
However, acrylic is weak in impact resistance compared to polycarbonate and is susceptible to damage from external forces; also, prolonged exposure to UV rays may lead to aging and discoloration.
3. Glass
Certain high-grade LED wall washer lights may use glass as the lens material. Its advantages are mainly reflected in:
Excellent weather resistance: glass has excellent abrasion resistance, is not easy to scratch, and performs well in extreme weather conditions.
High light transmittance: glass has a high light transmittance and can effectively maintain the brightness of the light source.
Aesthetics: Glass lenses usually have a better visual effect, which enhances the overall grade of the luminaire.
However, the weight of glass is relatively large and fragile, transportation and installation costs are high. In addition, glass is relatively complex in processing, usually requiring specialized processing equipment.
4. Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resins are mainly used for lenses with specific complex shapes and high performance requirements. Its characteristics include:
Good optical performance: epoxy resin can be made into lenses with a variety of shapes to meet different lighting needs.
Durability: epoxy resin has good corrosion resistance and chemical stability.
Adaptability: formulations can be adjusted to obtain the desired properties for different applications.
However, epoxy resins tend to be more costly and have longer curing times.
5. Silicone
Silicone lenses are gaining acceptance in the market, especially in a number of innovative applications. Its advantages mainly include:
Elasticity and toughness: silicone has good elasticity and toughness to withstand external forces.
Heat resistance: silicone maintains its performance even under high temperature conditions, making it suitable for demanding application scenarios.
Waterproof performance: Silicone itself has good waterproof characteristics, suitable for outdoor lamps and lanterns.
However, silicone is more difficult to process and its optical properties may be slightly insufficient compared to other materials.
Summarize
When choosing the material for the lens of LED wall washer light, you need to consider a variety of factors such as lighting effect, durability, processing costs and the use of the environment. Polycarbonate and acrylic are the most common materials and are suitable for the vast majority of applications, while glass and epoxy are suitable for the high-end market or special applications. Silicone, although newer and less commonly used, has also demonstrated its unique advantages in specific areas. The performance and service life of LED wall washer lights can be significantly improved by choosing lens materials wisely.