Get the Best Acrylic Lenses
Lenses are one of the most commonly used light fixtures to control and distribute lighting. Plastic lenses and light guides allow to reduce glare, diffuse light correctly, and in most cases protect lamps. They also serve as a decorative element to enhance the fixture’s appearance. The most common lens materials are acrylic and polycarbonate.
Both materials offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding flexibility, and great light diffusion. Also, they are strong and lightweight and offer state-of-the-art optical advantages. Depending on the characteristics and function of the luminaire, you can select one or the other. It is therefore essential that you know the characteristics of both so that you can compare and decide whether you prefer polycarbonate or acrylic.
Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate: Which is Right for You?
Acrylics
Regarding the visual effects of acrylic versus silicone and polycarbonate, these lenses allow you to create a soft lighting effect by controlling the brightness of harsh lighting. They offer uniform illumination, which reduces the use of additional devices, can protect from dust, and are easier and cheaper to manufacture, making them a very competitive option. Even when comparing silicone versus acrylic lenses, you will find more advantages in acrylic.
The material allows for a very glossy finish, more translucent than transparent, ideal for light diffusers. They have greater durability against scratches, superior optical properties, and higher light transmission. They are more flexible and also have UV resistance, ideal for outdoor use. Among their applications, they are ideal for:
- Linear fixtures
- Store lights
- Interior architectural lighting fixtures
- Commercial lighting fixtures
- Troffer lighting fixtures
- Low and high bay industrial lighting fixtures
- Downward and upward lighting fixtures
Polycarbonate
Best polycarbonate lighting fixture lenses are ideal for very demanding applications, including those requiring impact or fire resistance. The frosted finish provides adequate light transmission and excellent diffusion of hot spots.
Also, they are more impact resistant, more rigid, and have greater resistance to moisture and heat (fire-resistant grades are also available). Lenses made of this material are more versatile and can be exposed to extreme conditions, including high temperatures. The characteristics of the material even allow them to be punctured without cracking.
They are not UV resistant, so they tend to turn yellow if exposed to the sun. They are also more susceptible to scratches, and significantly more expensive (roughly 2 to 3 times). Despite this, they are easier to work with.
They are popular for their extraordinary durability, which makes them preferred in any industrial application. They withstand more abuse than acrylics, and will not break if dropped. Even if they are thick enough, they can withstand bullets. The most common applications for polycarbonate lenses are:
- Industrial luminaires
- Sight glasses
- Skylight glasses
- Marine luminaires
- Hazardous location luminaires
Get the Top Acrylic Lenses
If you want to take advantage of the benefits and versatility of the best lenses, Apollo Optical Systems is your best choice. We are the world leader in lens design, engineering, and manufacturing, and we’re ready to serve you. Enjoy extraordinary illumination, with superior quality materials. All this at the most competitive prices in the market. Explore our custom optics and find the ideal one for your needs.