If no light is fed in, the material offers a clear view without any disturbing optical effects due to clouding, halftone printing or inscribed textures. This makes it perfectly suited for architecture and design, furniture, store fixtures or exhibition booths. It can be used for example as an illuminated partition or door infill panel, or for ambient lighting. In non-transparent applications, ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) is the ideal material for very slim, large-scale luminous displays and picture frames, luminous ceilings and walls, city light posters and many other uses.

The clear light-diffusing particles embedded in the PMMA deflect the light rays entering the sheet edge. Total internal reflection in the light guide is suppressed, allowing light rays to exit the sheet via the surfaces in a controlled manner. This effect provides a uniformly glowing surface. Clear ACRYLITE® conducts light by means of total internal reflection. Light rays remain inside the sheet only exit via the edges. The diffuser particles embedded in ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) deflect light rays and suppress total internal reflection. Light rays can exit the sheet via the surfaces too.

Material properties

In order to determine the size of the light guide, it has proved useful to define the area to be illuminated. This is:

The largest distance between several light sources
Or, if only one light source is used, the distance between the light source and the opposite unlit edge
Measurements show that uniformity and efficiency move in opposite directions, and the grades were optimized correspondingly. Since the human eye perceives brightness logarithmically, it cannot recognize differences less than about 30%.

Forming ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten)

ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) can be thermoformed, e.g. curved. The lighting properties remain more or less intact. Light rays that are fed into the edge closer to the center of the curvature impinge on the surface at an angle that is smaller than the critical angle of total internal reflection, due to the curved surface. This means the light is not conducted into the sheet at this point, but involuntarily passes across the surface to the outside. At this point, the surface shines brightly, whereas this light is missing further from the point of light input and can no longer reach the surface via the diffuser particles. This may result in an unevenly lit surface.

Cleaning acrylic sheets

The light-guiding function ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) may be disturbed by soiling on the sheet, e.g. finger marks, but also by surface scratches. Light is refracted at these points and is therefore emitted more strongly. To prevent this, an abrasion resistant coating can be added to one or both sides of the sheet. Since this protective coating does not influence the light-guiding function of ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten), soiling or scratches do not show through

Optimized structure of a transparent application

This type of structure maximizes the amount of useful light, i.e. the light that is not lost by premature emission at the edges or the surface, in non-transparent applications. The covers or image carriers must not be bonded or laminated onto the entire surface of the ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten), because optical contact would produce disturbing brightening or darkening effects. The correct spacing should therefore be observed during construction.

Typical structure of an ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) frame system

Polishing the material edges: All edges should be polished. To minimize diffusion losses during light input, rough edges are smoothed by means of diamond milling cutters or flame polishing. Laser-cut edges require no further polishing.

Scratches can be completely removed from ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten) by polishing.
If the surface is damaged due to external influences, more light is emitted and uniform light distribution is impaired. Polishing makes it possible to completely restore the optical properties of ACRYLITE® LED (EndLighten). Light is once again uniformly distributed in the sheet. All edges should be polished to minimize diffusion losses. To avoid light losses via the unlit edges, they should be provided with a reflective surface, e.g. by painting the inside surfaces of the clamping profiles white. The LEDs should be placed as close to the edge as possible for optimal light input.

What are the advantages of LED technology?

LEDs are energy-efficient and save electricity. Their service life is over four times longer than that of fluorescent tubes. When their service life is over, all that happens is that their brightness slowly fades. There is no display failure. RGB-LEDs allow various color programs to be run. The light can simply be fed into the edge, and almost all the light passes into the sheet.

Architectural Plastics helps designers, architects, corporations, museums and private collectors bring their concepts to market with a variety of modern materials like TruVue Optium Acrylic, Acrylite Acrylic, Makrolon GP Polycarbonate, LUMAsite, Corian, Komatex (Expanded PVC) and Polygal. If you are looking for a transparent plastic that is easily moldable and has high impact resistance, it may be acrylic plastic that you ultimately need to finish your project. Whether you need one unit or thousands, our dedicated employees and state-of-the-art plastic parts manufacturers machinery will ensure the success of your project.

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STORAGE
ACRYLITE® acrylic sheets are protected with paper or polyethylene masking on both sides. Sheet should be stored vertically, preferably in a rack where the sheet can be fully supported and can lean at approximately a 10 degree angle.

If acrylic sheet is stacked horizontally, it must not be allowed to sag. Take care to prevent debris or dirt from becoming lodged between the sheet as the weight of the material can force debris through the protective masking and damage the sheet. If various sizes are stacked horizontally, the larger sheet should be at the bottom to avoid an unsupported overhang.

ACRYLITE® sheet should not be stored near radiators or steam pipes, in sunlight or near other heat sources, as excessive heat tends to soften and deform the sheet.

PREPARATION OF WORK AREA
It is very important to find a clean, dust-free work area. Cover the work table with a soft, clean, lint-free felt. When the protective masking is removed from the acrylic sheets, it will generate a static charge on the sheet surface. This charge will attract dirt and lint from other nearby surfaces.

To prevent scratching during handling, leave the protective masking on the sheet as long as possible.

SCRIBING AND BREAKING – HOW TO CUT ACRYLIC SHEETS
This method is useful for quick, straight line cutting of short lengths. Lay the masked sheet on a flat surface and mark the line to be scribed (scored). The paper masking can be marked with almost any writing tool including pencil, ball point pens, and felt tip pens for cutting purposes. Use a straight edge held firmly in place to guide the scriber, knife, or glass cutter along the line. Scribe the sheet several times with firm even pressure along the same line.

Next, position the sheet so that the scribed line is just beyond the edge of the working surface. While holding the sheet firmly in place on the working surface near the scribed line, apply a sharp downward pressure to the end of the sheet overhanging the surface edge.

This will cause the sheet to break along the scribed line.

Scribing tools made specifically for acrylic can be purchased from most local plastics distributors and are also available from the Fletcher-Terry Company. These cutters utilize the “scribe and break” principle for cutting acrylic sheets. For additional details, call Fletcher-Terry direct at (888) 883-6165 or visit www.fletcherviscom.com.

REMOVAL OF MASKING
To remove the masking, lift one corner, then pull toward the opposite end of the sheet slowly and evenly. The masking should never be exposed to excessive sunlight or outdoor conditions for extended periods of time.

The removal of old or difficult to remove masking can sometimes be assisted by dampening the masking with aliphatic naphtha, kerosene, or hexane. Afterwards the acrylic sheet should be thoroughly washed with mild soap and water and then rinsed again with clean water to remove any residues. When using these solvents, care should be taken to observe the safe handling procedures recommended by the solvent manufacturer and to protect other framing materials or framed items from possible damage. Avoid use of gasoline and sharp-edged objects such as razor blades.

HOW TO CLEAN ACRYLIC SHEETS
Should you need to clean the acrylic sheet, use a clean, damp cleaning cloth, such as the 3M® Scotch-Brite® High Performance Cleaning Cloth. Apply only light pressure, rinse with clean water, and dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois.

Dust the picture glazing with a soft, damp cloth or chamois. Dry or gritty cloths may cause surface scratches and create a static electric charge on the surface. Evonik’s line of ACRIFIX acrylic sheet cleaners and anti-static polishes can be purchased at www.acrylite-shop.com. For more information on ACRIFIX products, visit www.acrifix.com.

Do not use window cleaning sprays, kitchen scouring compounds, or solvents such as acetone, gasoline, or lacquer thinner to clean acrylic sheets.

The exception is ACRYLITE® abrasion resistant acrylic sheet. It’s proprietary abrasion resistant coating permits use of common household cleaners such as: Fantastik®, Glass Plus®, Formula 409®, Mr. Clean®, and Windex®. If the sheet is not coated on both sides, care should be taken during the cleaning process to prevent cleaners from contacting the uncoated side or edges of the sheet.

REMOVING SCRATCHES
Fine scratches can be removed by hand polishing with an acrylic polish or paste wax. Apply polish to a soft cloth and rub. When the scratches have disappeared, remove all residue and polish.

STATIC CONTROL
There are a number of commercially available plastic cleaners that provide temporary static reduction. Evonik’s line of ACRIFIX acrylic cleaners and anti-static polishes can be purchased at www.acrylite-shop.com. For more information on ACRIFIX products, visit www.acrifix.com.

Washing the sheet with mild soap and water followed by a thorough rinse with clean water will also remove static charge. When drying the sheet, it is essential that the sheet be lightly blotted with a damp cloth. Rubbing with a dry cloth will generate static charge and could scratch the sheet.

The most effective way to remove static charge from acrylic sheets is to blow deionized air on the sheet surface. Deionized air can be produced by attaching a deionizing air gun (available from SIMCO CO., Inc. (800) 203-3419) to a compressed air hose. A clean, filtered supply of compressed air must be used. Static charge and dirt or chips will be quickly and easily removed by the deionized air stream. The effects of deionized air are only temporary. Handling may, over time, cause the sheet to pick up additional static charge.

Architectural Plastics, Inc, have researched and developed superior methods to design and fabricate any acrylic product, including displays, furniture and cases. Give Architectural Plastics, Inc a call today.

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ACRYLITE® sheet provides what glass can’t deliver:
10 – 20 times more resistant to impact
Safer alternative at half the weight
Easier to handle and install
More economical to ship
Exceptional optical clarity
Guaranteed Quality
ACRYLITE® FF3 sheet is the premier acrylic framing grade guaranteed defect free or your money back. It is exceptional general purpose glazing for cherished memorabilia, photographs and prints as well as valued artwork.

Protection from UV Light (OP3)
UV filtering ACRYLITE® sheet provides the highest protection from damaging ultraviolet light, protecting paper-borne artwork, prints and documents from fading, yellowing and brittling. These conservation grades are available in cell cast or extruded sheet and provide exceptional showcasing and enduring protection.

Protection from Glare
ACRYLITE® non-glare sheet is designed to minimize glare and reflection and maximize the unhindered viewing of framed artwork and prints. The matte finish shows off the art from almost any angle under typical lighting conditions.

Protection from Abrasion and Chemicals
ACRYLITE® Optical mar resistant sheet has an abrasion and chemical resistant coating on one or both surfaces. This added protection reduces the risk of scratching or damage when handling. Abrasion resistance and UV filtering properties can be combined for maximum conservation protection. These products can be easily cleaned with common household cleaners such as Windex®.

Mix and Match Performance
ACRYLITE® sheet is versatile and provides a variety of benefits to satisfy your preservation needs. Mix and match the right combination of product attributes for optimum performance.

Performance Benefits of ACRYLITE®

performance benefits

The Perfect Complement for finishing & maintaining ACRYLITE®!
ACRIFIX® Anti-Static Cleaner

ACRIFIX® AC 1010 antistatic cleaner is the product of choice for maintaining ACRYLITE® sheet. It polishes to a streak-free shine while removing grease and dust, and its non-toxic formula is environmentally friendly. ACRIFIX® AC 1010 cleaner is available in 4 ounce, 16 ounce and gallon bottles.

ACRIFIX® Specialty Bonding Agents

ACRIFIX® 2R 0190 Versatile, the quintessential reactive SBA, is viscous, dries clear and bubble-free making it ideal for shadowboxes and vitrines where archival integrity is paramount.

ArchitecturalPlastics Inc prides itself in the unique ability to meet clients’ challenges and find solutions that our competitors cannot. Contact us today for more information.

The post ACRYLITE® Acrylic Sheet -The Clear Choice for Conservation Glazing appeared first on Architectural Plastics.

At the outset of this project, consistent light diffusion throughout the frame was a challenge. This is not a difficult task when only one or two surfaces of an object have to be lit. However, the frames for this project would be viewed from every angle, 360 degrees around the fixture. Lighting the frames without showing any “hot spots” caused by light beams overlapping or shadows caused by wires, electrical components and light mounts was a complex puzzle.

Evenly lighting a leg of the frame was the first step to solving the problem. After making a working leg sample, the trickier corners were tackled. Following this brief R&D period, a solution that would work for the entire frame was found.

Each frame contains almost 100 feet of lighting strips. Getting power to flow evenly became the next step of the project. A series of tests was conducted to analyze and adjust the power distribution amongst the lighting components.

Planning for production was as formidable a task as solving the lighting issues. Very little time was given to create over one thousand of these large and complex frames. While part of the design crew worked on the lighting, a second construction crew designed special work tables for fabricating the fixtures in a new 10,000 sqft facility.

Due to the detail work required for these light frames, additional overhead lighting was installed with the workstations to make it easier for the fabricators to see. Safe, bright, clean and well organized working conditions are a necessity for any project.

Packing and shipping logistics were the final phase of this project. Custom crates were designed to protect two frames and their power supplies. A schedule was set in motion and Architectural Plastics organized the flow of shipping from the facility throughout the country.
Each completed fixture was pre-programmed to produce thirteen distinct colors for different events that would take place throughout the year.

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