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Making a piece of Plexiglass illuminate

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SirPeale:
If you're looking to get the imperfections in the plexi to show up, you need to have the illumination on the edge of the plexi, not behind it.  The plexi acts as a light pipe, and the imperfections (scratches) will stand out.

BORIStheBLADE:

--- Quote from: Peale on January 06, 2008, 05:35:25 am ---If you're looking to get the imperfections in the plexi to show up, you need to have the illumination on the edge of the plexi, not behind it.  The plexi acts as a light pipe, and the imperfections (scratches) will stand out.

--- End quote ---


Ya, but with what I'm trying to do I don't think I can put anything in the sides. The edges are going to be exposed.
 

RandyT:

I can't seem to figure out the effect you are after.  If you just want the panel to illuminate evenly, you are going to have to ditch the clear and go with white plexi.  Even then, you will need to arrange your lighting evenly behind it to minimize "hot spots."

FWIW, you should consider the effort and use of specialized optical components put into the design of LCD panel backlighting, as it relates to what you are doing. 

A little more info on the effect you are attempting to achieve might yield better input from the group.

RandyT

BORIStheBLADE:

--- Quote from: RandyT on January 06, 2008, 12:57:27 pm ---
FWIW, you should consider the effort and use of specialized optical components put into the design of LCD panel backlighting, as it relates to what you are doing. 

RandyT


--- End quote ---


This is basically what I'm trying to do. What I'm trying to do is put backlighting on a CP overlay. Certain things on a CP overlay I would like to back light. I'm trying to figure out the most converional way of doing this.

RandyT:
That makes it easier ;)

First, use white plexiglas (acrylic).  Next, have an overlay printed on material that will allow light to pass through it where it's not too densely printed.  You may need solid blacks in area you don't want to illuminate.  You may also want to look at a black vinyl mask to prevent light from coming through where you don't want it.  Then just create some openings in the panel material that line up with the parts you want to illuminate (while keeping the strength of the panel intact) and light from below.

But if you want the entire panel to light, you are fighting the laws of physics if you intend to use anything other than a surface lighting technique like EL panel.  And while these are pretty cool, they tend to have longevity issues, are very expensive, require high voltage, and the white ones are usually pink when not lit (it's been a while, maybe that has changed now?)

RandyT

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