LEDs are successfully used in many spheres of human life, while increasingly displacing other technologies. For example, incandescent lamps are simply not able to compete with these devices. They still have only one trump card - cost. And for all other indicators, LEDs have long been ahead.

In order for them to qualitatively fulfill their role, many devices have been invented. For example, diffusers. You can see it in the photo. Here we will talk about them, in particular, about models made of plexiglass.

About plexiglass

Otto Röhm created plexiglass in 1933. For this there was a long twenty-year path of research and experimentation. Interestingly, the invention received many positive reviews, thanks to which, within a few years, it began to be produced in large volumes.

The popularity of plexiglass today is at a high level in a wide variety of industries. What is the secret of this material? It's simple. The foundation of popularity lies in the properties of the material. Plexiglas has high strength, lightness, light transmission, and processing flexibility. Due to the presence of these qualities, as well as some others, a large number of different products are created.

One of these is the diffuser. For the manufacture of such products, plexiglass is an excellent material. For this, the material has a high surface quality, optical transparency, the ability to transmit sunlight up to 92%. Therefore, losses when used as a diffuser are minimal.

It is also worth paying attention to other advantages of the material. For example, resistance to ultraviolet radiation. This prevents the material from becoming brittle and yellow over time.

At the same time, plexiglass perfectly resists the effects of chemicals, so the practicality of use is guaranteed. And this property is complemented by water resistance - no additional protection against moisture and water is required.

You should also not forget about environmental friendliness. Indeed, organic glass, even when burning, does not emit a harmful amount of vapors.

And given the use of plexiglass as a material for creating a diffuser, it is very important that it is a dielectric. Ease of processing allows you to create products of the most varied shapes.

Objectively considering the quality of the material, it is impossible to highlight only the positive aspects. Therefore, it is worth looking at the cons. They exist, although there are few of them: they are highly flammable, difficulties in manufacturing may arise, and damage easily occurs on the coating.

Views

There are several types of diffusers:

• universal;
• for fixing to any kind of ceiling;
• with surface-mounted or built-in housing.

Some models have a prismatic material structure with the highest level of transmittance and an excellent "smooth" light distribution effect. Other products have a matte surface that provides a throughput of up to 60%. As a result, the light is warm and soft.

A variety of types of plexiglass diffusers makes it possible to choose the most optimal model for specific conditions. So, diffusers for LEDs are effectively used in certain conditions. For example, in a bedroom where concentrated light is contraindicated, such a device will come in handy.

How to install

To do this, you should use the instructions for the electrical appliance, in the design of which there is a diffuser. Therefore, as a rule, you have to make several movements in order to fix the products on an electrical appliance with LEDs.

A simple solution

Indeed, if the light from the LED source does not suit you in terms of concentration, you can always use an effective solution - a plexiglass diffuser. It allows you to achieve such a light perception, which is necessary in specific conditions. Therefore, such products are widely used by professional designers, which allows you to create exclusive interiors.

Many lighting fixtures today are equipped with diffusers. With their help, the formation of a luminous flux of the required quality is ensured.

Many lamps that are sold today in lighting stores are already equipped with these elements. But if desired, anyone can try to make such an element with their own hands. So you will not only spend time with interest and benefit, but you will also be able to equip any home lamps of this kind with an addition. And you won't have to run to the store.

Useless detail

Any lighting fixtures create a luminous flux of a certain level. 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 lighting emanating from modern economical light bulbs (LED, fluorescent, halogen, etc.) screwed into luminaires.

LED lamp with diffuser

Particular attention should be paid to LED lighting fixtures. The LED gives a highly directional and clear light. Therefore, it will not be very comfortable to look at him. Therefore, this situation must be corrected with the help of scatterers. This must also be done because such recommendations are spelled out in SNiP.

Note! The only exceptions in terms of modulating the luminous flux to an optimal level are only street lamps, as well as lighting of architectural structures.

A diffuser in LED luminaires must perform the following functions:

• protect LEDs (or other light source) from environmental influences;
• create a comfortable and correct distribution of the light flux emitted by the lamp for the eyes;
• improve the durability of the lighting product;
• to increase the resistance of the device to various kinds of chemical influences.

As you can see, it is impossible to make the usual replacement of a fluorescent lamp with an LED light source. Here it is necessary to additionally install a diffuser. As a result, you will receive an economical, modernized and harmless lamp with your own hands, the light of which is suitable for a comfortable stay in the room during its operation.
For many lamps (for example, Armstrong, Opal, etc.), this element is made of plexiglass. The diffuser can be made 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 such an element as a diffuser with your own hands. As a rule, it must be done for LED types of lamps Armstrong, Opal, etc.
The list of materials suitable for the manufacture of a diffuser includes:

Note! Resistance to aging is very important for LED luminaires, since this light source also has one of the longest periods of operation (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 of it.

All of the above materials are alternatives to standard silicone glass. They are successfully used as a diffuser for all LED-type luminaires (Opal, Armstrong and others). With the right approach, you can make a high-quality diffuser from any material mentioned above.

What you need to know

Installing the diffuser

If you decide to build a diffuser for an LED type of lighting device (Armstrong, Opal, etc.) with your own hands, you must choose not only the material for manufacturing, but also decide on other parameters:

• Colour;
• surface structure;
• the form.

A do-it-yourself diffuser for lamps will have various design options, differing in color, shape and structure.

Matte element

These elements of the luminaire design may differ depending on the type of installation:

• on the overhead lamp housing;
• on false ceilings;
• universal.

In addition, a separate group is made up of diffusers designed for installation on the headlights of various vehicles, as well as non-standard lighting devices.
The design of the diffusers can be as follows:

Prismatic structure

• with a matte surface. This is the most expensive model. Their feature is the transmission through themselves a little more than half of the light flux (about 60%). As a result, the light becomes softer, warmer, which increases its comfort for the eyes;
• with a prismatic structure. Almost the entire luminous flux (up to 90%) is transmitted here. This is possible due to the corrugated surface and the transparency of the material. As a result, light is refracted on the corrugated surface, which allows light to diffuse throughout the room.

Now that we have clarified all the important aspects of the structure and operation of the diffuser, we can proceed to the description of its manufacture.

We do it ourselves

To make a diffuser, you will need the starting material from the above list. In addition, you will need tools:

• cutter;
• glass cutter;
• nichrome thread;
• drill with a set of drills for working with various types of glass;
• construction hair dryer.

Note! The choice of material and tools depends on what kind of end result you want to get.

You will also need a constant light source to test your finished homemade product.
The manufacturing procedure also consists of the following sequential operations:

Now it remains to fix the diffuser to the luminaire. For large lamps, such as Armstrong, this element is attached to aluminum profiles. The profile frame can be round or rectangular. The first type is often used for home lamps and car headlights, while the second option is used for office spaces and corridors.

For street lamps, it is important to make such a diffuser so that it can withstand the various climatic conditions of the place of its use.
As you can see, it is not so difficult to make a diffuser for LED type lighting fixtures. 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 that, little remains to be done.

Lighting in the kitchen of a small apartment Choosing a lamp for a bathroom mirror, placement options

One of the disadvantages of LEDs is the directionality of the radiation, which leads to the formation of shaded areas. Many of the commercially available LED lighting fixtures are already equipped with diffusers, which allows you to form a uniform luminous flux with a large angle. But the cords and ribbons are sold only complete with an adapter.

In some cases, a diffuser is also necessary for them, and you will have to purchase this special device made of plastic with a special surface texture. A diffuser for an LED strip, however, using a more simplified technology, can be made by hand, and quite easily and quickly. The advantage of this solution is that the size, shape, configuration of the diffuser are determined independently, since it is sometimes difficult to find exactly what you need on sale.

• Ensuring the uniformity of the light flux is not the only purpose of the diffuser. In addition to making the light "warmer", with the right choice of material, this device protects the tape from mechanical damage.

• Light transmission is also an important factor. Therefore, before proceeding with the manufacture of the diffuser, a number of points should be analyzed - where the tape will be attached, its purpose (zone lighting or additional / illumination) and modification (single or multi-color). Then it will become clear what it is better to make it from.

• The thickness of the material used in the manufacture of the diffuser. It is not enough to choose the best options for polycarbonate or glass. Of course, it is better if it is initially matte. But it is not always possible to find such samples, especially when selecting fragments from what is in the barn, garage, and so on. In this case, the surface of the transparent material needs to be given some roughness. Why this is needed, the diagram explains well.

Looking at it, it becomes clear that the thicker the diffuser, the higher the probability of incorrect formation of the luminous flux due to the multiplicity of refractions. Therefore, in the end it may not "go" at all as intended. At the same time, a decrease in thickness means a decrease in the mechanical strength of the protective cap.

Based on this, in the manufacture of the diffuser, you will have to experiment with this parameter and types of glass. As a rule, it is taken with a thickness (in mm) from 2 to 5. But this already depends on the power of the LED strip and the desired illumination intensity.

• The required shape of the diffuser. Silicate glass with your own hands, at home, cannot be bent. For devices of complex configuration, the best options are plexiglass or polycarbonate. It is much easier to work with them. But you will definitely need a hairdryer, and not a household one (its power may not be enough), but an industrial one. We'll have to purchase.

Glass matting options

Chemical method

A layer of special paste is applied to one side of the diffuser. It literally "etches" the glass, changing its crystal lattice to a certain depth. The result is a matte finish.

Pros - high speed of work, uniformity and uniformity of the resulting layer.

Cons - matting pastes are expensive; besides, you will have to practice on several fragments to get a good result. The difficulty is in determining the required thickness of the applied paste and in the uniformity of its laying. It is not difficult to do everything competently with your own hands if you have experience of such work. But a beginner will have to spend a fair amount of time.

Mechanical method

Glass can be processed with any abrasive. For matting to be of better quality and uniformity, it is necessary to use materials with fine fractions. For example, sand.

Pros - good speed; it is quite difficult to make a mistake, since the processing result is immediately visible.

Minus - it is impossible to achieve high quality matting of some types of glass with ordinary emery paper (for grinding). In addition, this work is quite laborious and will require a lot of time. For ordinary silicate glass (window glass), you will need a sandblasting apparatus. It is not difficult to do the simplest option with your own hands, but you will have to look for a source of compressed air.

It is unlikely that anyone would buy a compressor for the manufacture of a diffuser. But if there is an opportunity to get it, at least for a while, then it is better to work with it, and not with pasta.

It is much easier with acrylic or polycarbonate glass. These materials are more malleable to processing, so matting can be done with your own hands with fine-grain "sandpaper".

Plus - no hassle; everything you need is at hand.

Minus - it will take not only time, but also the utmost care and accuracy.

All the technologies discussed above are suitable for those cases when a certain box is meant, along which the LED strip is laid.

Or if it is mounted inside a piece of furniture, which implies additional glazing. But for motorists, such methods of making a diffuser are hardly suitable. There is a more advanced technique that is applicable to any type of LED-devices, regardless of their power, geometry and installation location.

Universal diffuser for LED strip

The whole technology lies in the fact that the LED strip is placed in a mold made (by hand, according to its size) and filled with the prepared mixture. The result is a monolith that meets all the requirements - uniform dispersion and reliable protection against damage. But there is also a minus - such an illuminator cannot be repaired anymore.

What is needed

• Epoxy resin. But not the one that is found on sale everywhere, but a special, jewelry one. Unlike the usual composition, it does not turn yellow after hardening, and even over time. Its crystal clarity does not reduce the light transmittance of such a diffuser. Therefore, we can talk about its 100% permeability. It is marked as PEO-510KE-20/0.

• A powder that will simulate the heterogeneity of the structure. It is called the Diffuser (DF - 151). Perfectly suited for these purposes, as it completely dissolves in the resin, giving it the required matte finish.

• Dye. If there is a need for it, then the choice is large - simple pigments, phosphoric, fluorescent, and so on.

• Silicone. You can quickly make any shape from it with your own hands - in size, configuration, depth.

In what proportions to mix the main components (resin and diffusant), you will have to decide on your own. Although, judging by the correspondence on the relevant forums, many believe that the optimal ratio is 100/1.

Do it yourself - always a process that involves an element of creativity. Do not be afraid to experiment with materials, compositions. The main ideas are given, and if the meaning of making the diffuser is clear and what must be taken into account in the process of work, then your own original ideas will certainly appear.

Good luck to you, home masters!

The LED strip diffuser is designed to create more comfortable lighting. Thanks to the diffuser, the light is evenly distributed, creating less stress on vision.

Principle of operation

The diffuser is designed in such a way as to increase the light spreading angle. The effect is achieved by using a special design made of light refractive material. Due to the well thought-out geometry of the diffuser and the position in relation to the lighting fixture, the distribution of the luminous flux is optimized. The light spreads over the entire area, without any concentration of the flux in individual areas.

Areas of use

Diffusers are used on all objects with LED lighting: apartments, offices, public and commercial establishments, private plots, entrances to premises, etc. Light diffusion is used not only in general lighting, but also in local lighting, for example in aquariums, on shelves and in cabinets.

Diffuser materials

To create a device that diffuses light, you need certain materials. Previously, glass was the main structural element. To date, the list has expanded to include more progressive materials.

Acrylic and plexiglass

Acrylic and plexiglass are almost as transparent as regular glass. However, the protective properties of 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 Celsius. The main disadvantage is ignition in the event of direct fire contact.

Polystyrene

Transparent polystyrene is a versatile, affordable and durable material. The transparency of polystyrene is even higher than that of glass. High quality matt diffusers are made of polystyrene. Its disadvantage is fragility and a tendency to ignite. Polystyrene structures are offered in various designs - from transparent to saturated colors.

Polycarbonate

The material is highly durable, lightweight and transparent. It is capable of maintaining operational properties in fire, withstands significant temperature drops, 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 outdoor coatings.

Note! Polycarbonate is the best material for making prismatic diffusers. The qualitative difference between polycarbonate and acrylic is a larger scattering angle. Acrylic is suitable for opal diffusers with a small angle of radiation, and polycarbonate is suitable for transparent devices with a large angle.

Another quality of polycarbonate is light weight. It is achieved through a honeycomb structure.

The choice of a specific type of material depends on the purpose of the 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", screws or double-sided tape are used. If desired, you can create a corner mount and mount the luminaire using special brackets. Also, the tape is sometimes embedded in one or another plane, 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.

Diffuser making

To create a light diffuser with your own hands, you will need one of the construction materials listed above, as well as a profile. In its absence, a plastic profile for wiring is suitable. You can create a matte surface that will scatter light from the diodes in any of the following two ways:

1. We apply a special paste. It is designed to destroy the crystal structure. The method is effective, but the toxicity of the substance should be taken into account.
2. Abrade the surface. Coarse sandpaper will do.

The diffuser for LEDs is an element that creates comfortable lighting. It should not be neglected, as a pleasant soft light will preserve good vision.

This design is all that a super-bright LED needs to function properly as a luminaire.

Not so long ago I discovered super-bright LEDs for myself at a very affordable price. They look like this:

They have a lot of advantages: high luminescence brightness, relatively low power consumption, long service life, small dimensions, resistance to repeated switching, etc. They are produced with a capacity of one watt and above, have three different shades of white glow.

But when using them I ran into some difficulties. First, they get very hot. If you use them at even half the power, they need a radiator. Secondly, these LEDs have a large dispersion angle. That is, if you make a simple table lamp out of them, then it will shine in your eyes the same way as on a table. Therefore, the luminous flux must be focused in the desired direction. The following construction helped to solve both of these problems.

A bit of school physics. You can focus the light flux, or direct it in parallel using a parabolic mirror, if you place a point light source in the focus of the parabola. Making a parabolic mirror at home is an impossible task. But it is possible to make a shade that would simultaneously partially focus the light flux and remove heat.

The green line in the figure is the parabolic mirror, the black rectangle at the bottom is the super-bright LED, the yellow point is the LED crystal and at the same time the focus of the parabola. And the rest of the black lines are the body of the future reflector. It is clear that the body repeats the shape of the parabola very approximately, but it will focus some percentage of the light. Dimensions, of course, are in millimeters.

The unwrap of the reflector will look like this:

The shade can be made of 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-clad PCB 15x20mm in size, on which the LED itself will be soldered.

To begin with, a reflector and textolite are cut out, then holes are drilled in them, 4 pieces with a diameter of 1 mm, two more holes with a diameter of 3 mm are drilled in the plafond, and two holes of 1 mm for connecting wires are drilled in the textolite. Then the reflector and the textolite are twisted together by two pieces of wire. You can also glue them together. The reflector bends, resulting in the following:

Bend the reflector carefully so as not to deform the seat for 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 folded, the edges can be filed or sandpaper if necessary.

The final step is to install the LED. Before that, you need to apply a little thermal paste to the place of its installation in order to improve thermal transfer. The LED pins will have to be bent slightly to fit into the holes. After that, the leads are unbent to their original state, the LED is pressed against the reflector and soldered. Care must be taken that none of the LED contacts touch the reflector in order to prevent a short circuit between the terminals as much as possible.