Light Diffusion Findings

Polycarbonate

Maximum Service Temp: 96 - 120C

Glass Transition Temp: 147C

Melting Temp: 155C

Minimum Service Temp: -46.2 - -37.2C

88% - 90%

for materials at 3mm in thickness

• tougher and more durable

• flammability characteristics

• impact resistance

• lightweight (1.2g.cc)

• cold formed into curved light diffusers

• tensile strength of 9500psi

• long lasting

• water absorption of 0.15

• more expensive (ranges from $88 - $200)

  • brands and sizes

• susceptible to scratching

  • can be coated with protective layer

• tuffak lumen xt (translucent, white polycarbonate)

• tuffak lumen xt-v (enhanced flammability characteristics)

• tuffak dx-nr (translucent polycarbonate sheet for outdoor use with non-reflective uv texture on one side)

• lexan is a cheap brand

• bmw 5 series has light rings made of makrolon polycarbonate

Acrylic

Maximum Service Temp: 56.9C

Glass Transition Temp: 109C

Melting Temp: 160C

(a lot of pages say the acrylic can withstand ~80C)

Minimum Service Temp: -74.2 - -66.2C

92% - 93%

for materials at 3mm thickness

• tough

• lightweight (1.05g/cc)

• easy to fabricate

• water absorption of 0.15

• high stiffness and flexural strength

• cheaper than polycarbonate

• operate at lower temperatures

• easily stained by grease and oil

• easily scratched

• optix ld

• optix 95 led

• optix frost led

• plexiglas sylk

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Glass Transition Temp: 80C

Melting Temp: 265C

85%

• high damage resistance