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Lightbox
Technology
Diffusion Patterns & CNC Engraving |
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| Edgelit
lightboxes on the market today use several types of bulbs (CCFL, LED T5),
however, without a tested and developed light diffusion method any bulb
would be considered worthless. This "light diffusion" is a method
that transmits the brightest light found near the edges (near the bulbs)
to areas of the light box that have the least amount of light (the center
of the panel) in an even pattern of distribution (all areas of the panel
are the same). Alternative patterns - those preferred by us - transmit slightly
more light to the center of the panel, which is the central focus point
for viewing graphics, and slightly less light to the perimeters or edges
of the panel. To transmit more light to the center of the panel and less
to the perimeters is technically more difficult than to distribute light
in an even pattern, but again, this is preferred by us. This whole concept
of diffusing light away from the light source (lamps) resolves the traditional
light box issue of having "hot" and "cold" spots or
"shadows" where the fluorescent tubes were and were not placed.
There are 3 basic methods of diffusing light from the bulbs, and within each technique there is a lot of room for variation. To date, the three methods of diffusing light are printed patterns, CNC engraving, and most recently, a light diffusing acrylic. Our tests have generated qualified printed and CNC patterns that can transmit enough LUX (brightness) to meet our standards, but almost all homogenous acrylic methods have, so far, failed our LUX standards. A truly high-quality lightbox has an efficient diffusion pattern giving either, 1) an even glow throughout the panel, or 2) one that transmits more light to the center of the panel. A light box purchaser needs to be aware of many fake manufacturers, or manufacturers making false claims about how their lightboxes are "homogenous" or utilize diffusion patterns (see the comparison images). Many of these 2nd tier manufacturers take short cuts, in many cases to avoid existing patents, and print or engrave a pattern in the acrylic panel that has no logic to it. Their patterns do nothing to transmit or diffuse the light in any logical manner. It is just a grid or pattern put on the acrylic to fool the consumer into thinking it is a technically advanced lightbox. We have seen countless samples whereby there is a straight grid pattern (which is no pattern) imprinted in the acrylic. We scratch our heads saying to ourselves, "what are these guys thinking, what is the purpose of this pattern?" A true light diffusion pattern will not be "uniform", but an irregular pattern calculated by algorithms that take into consideration the area of the panel, the distance between lamps, the thickness of the acrylic, and the wattage of the lamps. Most of these algorithms and techniques are patented. Examples of real light
diffusing patterns: A printed diffusion pattern is farther spaced out
at the edges (closest to the bulbs) and is tighter at the center where
more surface area needs to get light. Examples of fake light
diffusing patterns that do not achieve the goal.
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