We all know that artificial lighting is of great importance in our lives. In addition to creating comfort for the eyes, it also performs the functions of zoning the room, which is important, and implementing interesting design solutions. That is why it is now very important to use LED strips with a diffuser. After all, well-chosen lighting helps give the room style and special individuality.
Purpose
The LED strip is structurally composed of individual LEDs with high brightness, so the diffuser is designed to evenly distribute the light flux. Its use is important not only from the point of view of aesthetics and beautiful appearance your lighting system, but also to create soft light in the room.
The figure shows a profile for an LED strip with a diffuser
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of the diffuser for LED strip is to increase the angle of light distribution due to a special design made of light-refracting material. Its own geometry and location relative to the light source is designed in such a way that the luminous flux falling on it is effectively distributed over its entire area and passing through the body of the diffuser, ensuring uniform illumination of the entire room.
The photo shows the LED diffuser disassembled and assembled.
Kinds
Structurally, it is a metal or plastic profile various shapes and, directly, a removable diffuser made of polycarbonate, polystyrene or methacrylate. This is advisable, since these materials are quite strong, but do not weigh down the structure much. The main profile shapes that are used are:
- corner;
- U-shaped;
- c-shaped.
The profile shape is selected depending on the planned installation location. A tape is attached to the profile, and the diffuser cover itself is snapped on top. It comes in two types:
- matte;
- transparent.
The photo shows a matte, plastic, corner aluminum profile
Before you make a purchase, you need to think about what your lighting goals are. If we are talking about illuminating a shop window in a retail space, then most likely a diffuser with a transparent surface will be more suitable for you. If you want to give a casual atmosphere to a cafe-bar, then you should give preference to matte.
Flexible
There is also a flexible profile of LED diffusers. It is fundamentally different from the designs described above. This type of component product is a silicone tube in which an LED strip is placed.
The photo shows LED strips of different colors in flexible silicone profiles
For the right choice diffuser for LED strip, you need to think about the conditions. This includes examining the surface to which you will be attaching the system, dimensions the LED strip itself and the climatic conditions of the room (or outside, which is also possible).
It should be noted that despite the fact that diffusers are often made of fusible materials, there is no need to worry about their toxicity. During operation, the LED emits a very small amount of heat, which practically does not heat the surface of the diffuser.
Fastening
The profile can be attached in an overhead manner to any surface. For this, self-tapping screws, liquid nails or even double-sided tape are used. There are options when special “ears” are attached to the wall, into which both rigid and flexible profiles are subsequently ideally fixed. Built-in installation of the diffuser profile is carried out using a pre-cut groove in chipboard or drywall. In the second case, you can create very sophisticated lighting in furniture. And if you use a flexible profile for an LED strip with a diffuser, then you will not have problems mounting it on curved surfaces, arches, and the like. In any case, all fastening methods are completely simple and are accessible even to a non-professional.
Application
The potential for application is enormous. Backlight bookshelves and kitchen cabinets, display cases and aquariums. At home and in the office, in shops and cafes - use LED strips with diffusers it will be appropriate and attractive. And dust and waterproof ones allow you to use such lighting for outdoor advertising and any decoration on the street.
Don't forget about the possibility of using strips with LEDs of different colors and those that can change them. This will give a unique atmosphere of celebration and comfort.
How to make it yourself
I would like to immediately add that there is an alternative to buying a ready-made LED diffuser - this is to make it yourself. What to make a diffuser for an LED strip from? Actually, this is not at all difficult; you can use a regular plastic box as a profile, which is used for laying wires in a groove, and polycarbonate or plexiglass as the diffuser itself.
To obtain a matte surface, you can use mechanical or chemical method. Chemical method consists of applying a special paste to the surface, which will destroy the crystalline structure and give an excellent matte effect, but at the time of application you need to be very careful, since the paste releases toxic substances. Mechanical method much less harmful, since it involves treating the surface with an abrasive material, for example, emery, but it requires great physical effort.
The video shows the fast, easy and cheap way to create a homemade LED strip diffuser.
The photo shows the interior of the room, using LED strip lighting.
To summarize the above, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the diffuser for an LED strip is an important, multifunctional component. Also, you see that the variety of design options will certainly be able to satisfy almost any conditions. Comfortable and original lighting is always a huge plus in creating a stylish, themed interior. It could be classic style or high-tech style, minimalism or kitsch, loft or avant-garde - the use of LED strips with diffusers will always highlight the best design ideas and will leave a pleasant impression of the time spent in such a room.
Lighting, properly selected and installed, creates not only 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 range of 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 other building profiles, which will help 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 think over 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 mounting methods allow you to embody any design ideas and create a unique style for any room or object.
This design is everything that a super-bright LED needs to fully function 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 a point light source at the focus of the parabola. Do 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 lampshade from 0.5-1mm thick aluminum, copper, or even tin from a 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. You need to make sure that none of the LED contacts touch the reflector to prevent a short circuit between the terminals as much as possible.
Reflectors for LEDs make it possible to obtain the most directional flow while simultaneously increasing the brightness of the devices. Modern manufacturers offer very wide choose similar devices, but if you have free time, available tools and simple materials, you can try to make reflectors with your own hands.
Where can a reflector come in handy?
Reflectors can significantly improve the basic properties of LEDs, so their scope of application is not limited to any specific area of lighting technology.
A reflector is equally useful in the following cases:
- when altering turn signals and other types of automobile lamps;
- when assembling or upgrading flashlights of various ranges;
- when improving home lighting.
The debate over the best automotive optics does not subside, and what is better to use - lenses or refractors - everyone decides for themselves. Both devices help to achieve approximately the same reflectance; the issue here is rather the complexity of controlling the light beam.
For side lights or other light sources with a large number of LEDs, reflectors are not only more economical option, but sometimes the only possible one. Instead of a huge lens, it is much easier to use a refractor or their system.
What and how to make a reflector from?
To make a reflector, it is important to determine not only its dimensions. The number of planes from which the rays will be reflected plays a certain role. The main difficulty is precisely to form them.
The basis can be any moderately pliable, but quite durable material. There are quite functional reflectors made of plastic, laminated plywood or non-woven fabric. How the fixture will be formed depends on the type of housing. Sometimes polyhedral crystals may be required (these can be found in some types of old lamps, and when small sizes reflectors (beads used in the manufacture of jewelry) are suitable to give the refractor the desired properties.
It is important not only to give the material the required form, but also make it reflect the light that the LEDs provide.
An excellent option for external coating is chrome paint, which is sold in cans. You don’t have to apply a reflective coating, but entrust this procedure to specialists from a specialized workshop.
When designing any optical systems, it is important to maintain a balance between the final cost of assembly and the correct placement of elements. In this case, the following pattern should be taken into account: the higher the efficiency of the element, the greater its sensitivity to the installation site.
The components of the system can be secured not only with glue and adhesive tape, but also with the use of pins and hooks with fuses that pass through the board.
What are modern reflectors like?
Manufacturers are constantly replenishing the lineup, significantly expanding the possibilities of light tuning. Refractors are available for a wide variety of LEDs and their combinations. Now you don’t have to limit yourself to just one shade.
The devices reflect light in the forward and reverse directions, thereby making the distribution of rays more uniform.
Reflectors can be designed for installation with an acrylic rod, and they will help to neatly hide the LEDs for their most effective use in the rear lamps of automobiles.
Refractors can correct and redirect LED illumination. They are designed to operate at right angles to the diode axis. When selecting a reflector, it is important to take into account all the parameters of the light sources. Case types and designs are constantly being replenished, so it’s worth regularly monitoring new items so as not to miss out on the most interesting options optics.
Reflectors significantly improve the properties of the flow produced by LEDs. They are equally needed for tuning car optics and for assembling flashlights and lamps. Simple models You can try to do it yourself, but in some cases it’s simply pointless to compete with manufacturers.
Today, many lighting fixtures are equipped with diffusers. With their help, the formation of a luminous flux of the required quality is ensured.
Many lamps that are sold in stores today lighting fixtures, are already equipped with such elements. But if desired, anyone can try to make such an element with their own hands. This way you will not only spend time with interest and benefit, but you will also be able to equip any home lamps with this kind of addition. And you won't have to run to the store.
Useless detail
Any lighting devices create a certain level of luminous flux. But it can be changed. For these purposes, the diffuser was invented. With its help, you can simulate the luminous flux and make the lighting softer. Most often, a diffuser is used to modulate the lighting emanating from modern energy-efficient light bulbs (LED, fluorescent, halogen, etc.) screwed into lamps.
LED lamp with diffuser
Particular attention should be paid to LED lighting fixtures. LED produces highly focused and pure light. Therefore, it will not be very comfortable to look at him. Therefore, this situation must be corrected with the help of diffusers. This must also be done because such recommendations are prescribed in SNiP.
Note! The only exceptions in terms of modulating the light flux to the optimal level are Street lights, as well as illumination of architectural structures.
The diffuser in LED lamps must perform the following functions:
- ensure protection of LEDs (or other light source) from environmental influences;
- create a comfortable and correct distribution of the light flux emitted by the light bulb for the eyes;
- increase the durability of the lighting product;
- increase the resistance of the device to various types of chemical influences.
As you can see, it is impossible to simply replace a fluorescent light bulb with an LED light source. Here it is necessary to additionally install a diffuser. As a result, you will receive with your own hands an economical, modernized and harmless lamp, the light of which is suitable for a comfortable stay in the room during its operation.
For many lamps (for example, brands Armstrong, Opal, etc.) this element is made of plexiglass. It is quite possible to make a diffuser from the same material with your own hands at home.
Material for work
Polycarbonate
Today, there is a wide variety of materials from which you can make an element such as a diffuser with your own hands. As a rule, it must be done for LED lamps of the Armstrong, Opal, etc. brands.
The list of materials suitable for the manufacture of a diffuser includes:
Note! Resistance to aging is very important for LED lamps, since this light source also has one of the longest operating periods (over 50 thousand hours). Such diffusers are especially common on Opal and Armstrong lamps.
Polystyrene
- polystyrene This material also has all the necessary properties for diffusers to be made from it.
All of the materials listed above are alternatives to standard silicone glass. They are successfully used as a diffuser for all LED-type lamps (Opal, Armstrong and others). With the right approach, you can make a high-quality diffuser with your own hands from any of the materials listed above.
What you need to know
Diffuser installation
If you decide to build a diffuser with your own hands for an LED type of lighting fixture (Armstrong, Opal, etc.), you need to choose not only the material for manufacturing, but also decide on other parameters:
- color;
- surface structure;
- form.
A do-it-yourself lamp diffuser will have various options designs, differing in color, shape and structure.
Matte element
These luminaire design elements may vary depending on the type of installation:
- on the overhead lamp body;
- on suspended ceilings;
- universal.
In addition, a separate group consists of light diffusers intended for installation on headlights of various types. Vehicle, as well as non-standard lighting fixtures.
The design of light diffusers can be as follows:
Prismatic structure
- with a matte surface. This is the most expensive model. Their feature is that they transmit a little more than half of the light flux (approximately 60%). As a result, the light becomes softer and warmer, which increases its comfort for the eyes;
- with a prismatic structure. Here almost the entire light flux is transmitted (up to 90%). This is possible thanks to the corrugated surface and transparency of the material. As a result, light is refracted on the corrugated surface, which allows light to be diffused throughout the entire space of the room.
Now that we've got it all figured out important points structure and operation of the light diffuser, we can begin to describe its manufacture.
Do it yourself
To make a light diffuser, you will need the starting material from the list above. In addition, you will need the following tools:
- cutter;
- glass cutter;
- nichrome thread;
- drill with a set of drills for working with various types glass;
- construction hairdryer
Note! The choice of material and tools depends on the end result you want to achieve.
You will also need a constant light source to check the finished homemade product.
The manufacturing procedure consists of the following sequential operations:
Now all that remains is to attach the light diffuser to the lamp. For large lamps, such as Armstrong, this element is attached to aluminum profiles. The profile frame can have a round or rectangular shape. The first type is often used for home lamps and car headlights, but the second option is for office premises and corridors.
For street lamps It is important to make a diffuser so that it can withstand the different climatic conditions of the place where it is used.
As you can see, making a light diffuser for LED lighting fixtures is not so difficult. The main thing here is to decide on the type of source material, as well as the final result, what kind of light you need to make - diffused or dim. After this, the matter remains small.
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