Many people think that optical lenses and reflectors are basically the same, but they are different in structure and use. This is wrong.
As we all know, lenses and reflectors belong to secondary optical devices, which are also the most common light distribution devices in LED era. Without this core light controller, we'd feel like fluorescent lamps everywhere, scattering light haphazardly. So what's the difference between the two?
LED lens
LED lens can be divided into primary lens and secondary lens, we generally say the lens, is the default secondary lens, that is, outside the LED light source, and its close combination. Depending on the requirements, different lenses can be used to achieve the desired optical effect.
A lens is an optical element made of transparent material whose surface is part of a sphere. A lens consists of several lenses. There are plastic lenses and glass lenses, and glass lenses are more expensive than plastic. The more lenses, the higher the cost.
The main material of LED lens is PMMA and PC. PMMA material has good plasticity and high light transmittance (up to 93%). The disadvantage is that the temperature resistance is low, only about 90 degrees. PC material light transmittance as long as about 88%, but relatively high temperature.
A secondary lens is usually an internal total reflection (TIR) design, in which the lens concentrates light through the front, while the conical surface collects and reflects all the side light, and the overlap of these two rays results in perfect light utilization and beautiful spot effect. The efficiency of TIR lens can reach more than 90%, and it is mainly used in small Angle lamps (beam Angle & LT; 60°), such as spotlights and sky lanterns.TIR lens.
Reflective cup
Reflector refers to a reflector that uses a point light bulb as the light source and needs to gather light for illumination from a distance. It is usually in the form of a cup, commonly known as a reflector. The original light Angle of the LED is about 120°. In order to achieve the desired optical effect, the lamp sometimes uses reflectors to control the light distance, light area, and light spot effect.
The reflectors themselves fall into two categories
1, metal reflective cup: stamping, polishing process to complete, deformation memory, the advantage is low cost, temperature resistance, often used for low-grade lighting requirements of lamps and lanterns.
2, plastic reflective cup: a demoulding is completed, high optical accuracy, invisible memory, moderate cost, often used in the temperature is not high in high-grade lighting requirements of lamps and lanterns.
What is the difference between LED lens and reflector in design and effect?
Lens: the use of reflection technology + media interaction, both physical and chemical reactions.
Reflector cup: pure reflection control light, but relatively large light spot, most of the light reflected through the cup surface, light type is determined by the cup surface. In the case of the same size and Angle, due to the larger Angle of the reflector, so the anti-glare will be better.
Dongguan Xiangshun Optics Co., Ltd. specializes in the production of LED optical lenses, reflective cups and lamp holders. The company has an experienced optical design and mold manufacturing R & D team, with professional automation equipment. Professional production in line with customers in LED lighting products on various conditions and requirements of products, efficient and fast to provide customers with quality services.