Light Diffuser Masterbatches are formulated for LEDs.
Press Release Summary:
Light Diffuser Masterbatches are manufactured by using polymer-based diffusion compound formulated for polycarbonate, acrylic, and other clear plastics. Used to eliminate hot spots caused by LEDs in applications such as signage and illuminated knobs, products contain spherical polymer particles that scatter and spread light in plastic sheets and films to form even illumination, while allowing light transmission levels of 90% or more.
Original Press Release:
New Line of Light-Diffusion Masterbatches from Ampacet Improves LED Device Efficiency
Tarrytown, NY, May 21, 2007 - Those who make and use diffusers to eliminate the hot spots caused by light emitting diodes (LEDs) in such applications as signage and illuminated knobs can turn to a new line of diffusion masterbatches from Ampacet to improve efficiency and brightness. Ampacet developed its light diffuser masterbatches using a polymer-based diffusion compound specially formulated for polycarbonate, acrylic and other clear plastics. These masterbatches provide greater light transmission than traditional mineral-based light diffusers. Most LED diffusers contain fine particles of a mineral like calcium carbonate, barium sulfate or titanium dioxide. In addition to scattering light, such minerals absorb significant light and often reduce the transmission of LED light to 80 percent or less. Ampacet's new products contain proprietary spherical polymer particles that scatter and spread light in plastic sheets and films to form an even illumination, while allowing light transmission levels of about 90 percent or more. A 35-mil acrylic sheet containing 3 percent Ampacet 603171-AY, for example, has a light transmittance of 95 percent. A similar sheet formulated with 3 percent calcium carbonate has a transmittance of 55 percent. Similarly, 35-mil polycarbonate sheets containing 3 percent and 7.5 percent Ampacet 603170-PC had transmittance levels of 93 percent and 92 percent, respectively, while the sheet without the diffusion masterbatch had a transmittance 95 percent. "LED use is burgeoning because these light sources are energy efficient, operate at relatively low temperatures and last for many years," says Stu Swain, market development specialist. "Our new masterbatches offer a way to make fuller use of the light emitted by LEDs in signs, auto buttons, and knobs and illuminated switches on electronic devices. It can make any device using this light source more efficient, so manufacturers can offer brighter products or install fewer LEDs in an array for the same illumination." Ampacet offers its light-diffusion masterbatches in conjunction with color pigments or dyes, UV stabilizers and all other additives needed for an interior or exterior application. The diffusion masterbatch is typically used at a rate of 3 to 6 percent, depending on the level of diffusion needed and the thickness of the part. Ampacet also has across-the-board UL recognition for its masterbatches and provides processing support to ensure the optimal use of its polycarbonate light-diffused concentrate, Ampacet 603170-PC, or its acrylic version, Ampacet 603171-AY. About Ampacet Ampacet Corporation is a global masterbatch leader and offers the broadest range of custom color, special effect, black, white and specialty additive masterbatches for extrusion, molding and a multitude of other processes and applications. Founded in 1937, it now employs more than 1,500 people and has revenues exceeding $725 million. Headquartered in Tarrytown, N.Y., Ampacet Corporation operates technical and color development centers and manufacturing sites throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. For more information on Ampacet Light Diffuser masterbatches, contact: Stuart Swain or Morgan Gibbs at Ampacet, 660 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. Mr. Swain can be reached at 507-474-4455 or stuart.swain@ampacet.com. Mr. Gibbs can be reached at (513) 247-5404 or Morgan.Gibbs@ampacet.com. Or visit:www.ampacet.com.
