August 2006 – Recent developments in LEDs and acrylic optical structures have made it possible to deliver durable and cost-competitive rigid light guides able to provide even, linear light patterns like fluorescent and neon tubes. CML-IT’s rugged and cost-effective 7530 series of rigid light guides (RLGs) is available in diameters of 6.5, 10 and 14mm and has been designed for use in a wide range of applications. Because of their ruggedness 7530 series RLGs are ideal for use in vehicles, aircrafts, boats and machinery, where breakage and safety concerns have prevented the use of fluorescent and neon tubes.
When paired with CML-IT’s LED light engines, 7530 series rigid light guides create a solid-state light source generating little heat and providing a very long service life. Clear and UV-resistant, CML-ITs RLGs are highly durable, can be formed into required shapes and are intrinsically safe. A unique, integrated reflective strip focuses light in the required direction while eliminating stray light and glare. Reflective strips are superior to standard approaches of getting light out of RLGs by abrading or notching the material.
Composed of an outer (PMMA) cladding, an acrylic polymer core and a proprietary reflector, all components are combined in a co-extrusion process, providing for consistent quality and low costs. Light acceptance angle of 7530 series RLGs is 55 degrees (27 degree half angle) and the guide has a numerical aperture of 0.46. The devices are designed for an operating temperature range from -40 up to +80 degrees Celsius and exhibit excellent chemical resistance.
