The landscape of illumination is evolving. Engineers across industries — whether they work on control panels in industrial automation machinery or next-gen vehicles to enclosures for next-gen communication devices — seek innovative solutions that deliver targeted illumination while seamlessly integrating into their end products.
One of the solutions that is rapidly gaining traction is the silicone flexible light pipe. These versatile tools offer a unique blend of design flexibility and functionality. However, functionality alone isn’t enough; harsh operating environments require illumination that withstands the elements. This is where IP ratings become crucial.
How can design engineers ensure their next light pipe design is both high-performing and durable?
Benefits of Silicone Flexible Light Pipes
Silicone flexible light pipes offer several advantages over traditional illumination solutions, making them particularly attractive for demanding applications.
Unmatched Design Flexibility
Unlike rigid light pipes, silicone’s elastomeric properties allow for bending and shaping without compromising light transmission. This enables engineers to integrate light precisely into complex designs and tight spaces.
Superior Durability and Environmental Resistance
Silicone boasts exceptional thermal stability, withstanding a wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +200°C) without degradation. This makes it an ideal material for harsh environments with extreme heat or cold. In addition, silicone’s inherent UV resistance prevents yellowing or cracking over extended periods of exposure to sunlight, leading to long-lasting performance. Silicone formulations offer excellent resistance to chemicals, including oils, solvents and cleaning agents. This makes silicone a viable solution for industrial settings.
Efficient Light Transmission
High-quality silicone exhibits excellent optical clarity, enabling efficient light transmission with minimal internal loss. This establishes consistent and predictable light output at the target location. In addition, silicone’s refractive index closely matches that of many light sources (particularly LEDs), minimizing internal light scattering and maximizing transmission efficiency.
UHF Series: Unveiling Bivar’s Silicone Light Pipe with Superior Ingress Protection
Bivar’s UHF Series takes silicone flexible light pipes to the next level by introducing a patent-pending rib design. The unique interlocking ribs create a tighter seal around the entry and exit points, eliminating the need for external gaskets and achieving an IP67 rating. This translates to superior dust and moisture resistance, making the UHF Series ideal for applications in harsh environments.
How Ribs Innovate Illumination
The UHF Series features a one-piece, clear silicone light pipe and lens construction with a unique ribbed pattern. These strategically placed ribs serve a dual purpose:
Enhanced Sealing: The ribs interlock, creating a tighter seal around the light pipe’s entry and exit points. This significantly reduces the potential for dust and moisture ingress, achieving the coveted IP67 rating.
Simplified Assembly: The interlocking ribs eliminate the need for external gaskets, nuts and washers, streamlining the assembly process and reducing the number of components required.
Ingress Protection for Demanding Environments
An IP67 rating signifies that the UHF Series can withstand complete dust infiltration and immersion in water up to 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. This superior protection makes the UHF Series the perfect choice for applications for systems such as fire protection, HVAC, marine video, and indoor agriculture.
The UHF Series’ ability to succeed in challenging environments, coupled with its built-in flexibility and efficient light transmission, makes it a powerful tool for device engineers seeking innovative and resilient lighting solutions.
Tips for Designing with UHF Series Light Pipes
Bivar’s UHF Series unlocks a world of design possibilities for engineers, but achieving optimal performance requires some key considerations.
Selecting the Right Diameter
Choose a UHF diameter that aligns with your chosen light source (LED size) to guarantee compatibility for efficient light capture and minimal internal reflection losses. Wider diameters offer not only a broader light distribution but can also be advantageous for heat dissipation in high-power applications. Consider your desired light pattern at the target location: wider diameters for broader coverage, or narrower ones for more focused beams.
Compatibility with Light Sources
The UHF Series is primarily designed for visible LEDs. Ensure your chosen LED’s dimensions and operating temperature range are compatible with the selected UHF Series light pipe. While optimized for visible LEDs, some UHF variations might accommodate other light sources like UV or IR LEDs. Consult Bivar’s design experts for compatibility details.
Environmental Factors Beyond IP Rating
While many silicone formulations offer good chemical resistance, some particularly harsh chemicals might require special considerations. Identify any potential chemical exposures in your environment to ensure the UHF Series remains compatible. And, while the UHF Series boasts a wide operating temperature range, if your application involves exceptionally high or low temperatures beyond that range, consulting Bivar for specific recommendations might be prudent.
By following these practical tips, engineers can leverage the full potential of UHF Series light pipes, achieving precise light placement and efficient illumination within their designs.
Unleashing Innovation with Bivar’s UHF Series Light Pipes
Silicone flexible light pipes offer unparalleled design freedom and efficient light transmission. Bivar’s UHF Series elevates these benefits to a new level with its patent-pending rib design, achieving an impressive IP67 rating.
For manufacturers seeking high-performing illumination solutions, UHF Series light pipes offer design flexibility, exceptional durability and efficient light delivery. Bivar offers pre-cut options alongside valuable design resources and technical expertise to fast-track your project from concept to completion. Explore the possibilities of UHF for your next project and contact Bivar today.
