Diffusers for lamps

Currently, there is a wide variety of luminaires with different characteristics, styles and types of lighting. A rather important function is performed by diffusers for luminaires, which provide an even distribution of the rays of the luminous flux.

Diffusers, or shades, are an optional part of the luminaire, they play a secondary role, but there are situations when their presence is simply necessary. For example, to protect against excessive lighting, since this product is a kind of light filter, or to change the design of a lighting fixture. In these situations, it is much more rational to install a different shade than to purchase a new lamp.

The diffuser as a structural element of the lighting device performs a number of important functions:

1. Distributes light from the main source, creating even illumination.
2. Protects eyes from glare.
3. Performs the function of protecting the luminaire from all kinds of mechanical influences, as well as dust, moisture and insects.
4. It is a great addition to the overall interior design.

An important characteristic of luminaires with diffusers associated with the field of application of devices is the angle of dispersion, which is understood as the area where the light fluxes from the source diverge.

For the manufacture of diffusers, a variety of materials are used, each of which affects the degree of refraction and diffusion of light radiation. Also, some properties of the plafond depend on the quality of the material - these are durability, and resistance to mechanical stress, and reliability, and frost resistance.

The material for the lampshade can be ordinary or acrylic glass, thermoplastic, monolithic polycarbonate, light-scattering plastic, various metals, etc.

Plafonds from glass have been used for a long time, and the advantages and disadvantages of such products are no secret to anyone. The main disadvantage of glass shades is their fragility, but the beautiful design makes this material quite popular.

In some cases, products are used as a diffuser. crystal... This is quite an expensive pleasure, and not everyone can afford such a luxury.

Monolithic polycarbonate - this is the most durable material that provides reliable protection against mechanical stress, sufficiently resistant to high temperatures. From a single sheet, you can create a shade of any shape and size. It is an inexpensive material with high transparency, but the aesthetic side leaves much to be desired.

In the production of metal diffusers, they are mainly used aluminum and steel, they act as a reflector and also direct the flow of light.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) quite popular, although in a number of properties it is inferior to polycarbonate. The limitation in temperature determines its use as shades for LED and fluorescent lamps.

By design, light diffusers are divided into partially and completely closed.Fully closed shades provide greater protection from excessive lighting. Also, the diffusers can be matte or transparent, have a smooth or corrugated surface.

There are a large number of types of diffuse light shades on the market, which are divided according to the texture of the material, but in practice, five main ones are more popular. They are made of polystyrene - plexiglass resistant to UV rays, retaining transparency throughout the entire period of operation and characterized by a beautiful appearance.

There are such models of scatterers.

• "Prism" has a prismatic structure of the material, reduces the brightness and the degree of scattering of the light flux. Material thickness - 2.5 mm, light transmission - 85%. Microprism is a shade made of strong, durable polystyrene with a small geometric pattern, thickness 2.0 mm, light transmittance - 83%.
• "Crushed ice" outwardly similar to the “microprism” diffuser, but has a different texture that creates the effect of crushed ice. Polystyrene thickness - 2.5 mm, light transmittance - 88%.

• "Honeycomb" it got its name due to the texture, reminiscent of a honeycomb, the thickness of the PMMA material is 3 mm, the light transmission is 85%.
• "Pin-spot" has a point structure, thickness - 2.5 mm, light transmission - 89%.
• "Opal" It has a matte surface that gives the lighting a slightly yellowish tint, is used mainly for certain design purposes, thickness - 1.5 mm, light transmittance - 73%.

When choosing a diffuser, first of all, it is necessary to determine the requirements for the lighting device. In any case, the aesthetic data and safety of the luminaire must be organically combined. Particular attention should be paid to the degree of light transmission. Depending on the place of use of the luminaire, it is necessary to take into account the special requirements for the plafond: the presence of protection against mechanical influences and adverse conditions, the level of fire safety.

See below for more details.