In the Field of Industrial Lighting

In the field of industrial lighting, LED lamps, with their significant advantages of high efficiency, energy saving, environmental protection and sustainability, are gradually replacing traditional lighting methods and becoming the mainstream choice for various industrial environments. The light-transmitting component, regarded as the “soul window” of an LED lamp, not only undertakes the important task of accurately distributing light to the required area but also perfectly combines the aesthetics and practicality of the lamp.

This article will conduct an in-depth analysis of two mainstream light-transmitting materials used in industrial LED lighting fixtures—PC (Polycarbonate) and tempered glass. It will elaborate on their characteristics, advantages, and limitations in detail, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive selection guide. This guide will help you accurately select the most suitable lighting solution for your needs in the complex and diverse lamp market.

PC Material: Lightweight, Impact-Resistant, and Flexible in Processing

PC (Polycarbonate) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in industrial LED lighting fixtures due to its unique properties. The main characteristics of PC light-transmitting components include:

• Lightweight: PC material has a low density, and its weight is much lighter than that of glass. This makes the design and installation of lamps more convenient and reduces transportation and installation costs.
• Impact-Resistant: PC material possesses extremely high impact resistance and can withstand large external impacts without breaking. This feature is particularly crucial in industrial environments, as lamps often need to endure various accidental collisions and vibrations.

Flexible Processing & Limitations of PC Material

Flexible Processing: PC material has excellent plasticity and can be easily processed into various shapes and sizes through processes such as injection molding and blister molding, meeting different design requirements.

However, PC material also has some shortcomings. For example, its surface hardness is relatively low, making it prone to scratches. Meanwhile, in high-temperature environments, PC material may deform or age, which affects its light transmission performance.

Tempered Glass: High Strength, Heat Resistance, and High Transparency

Tempered glass is glass treated with a special process, featuring extremely high strength and heat resistance. As a light-transmitting component for industrial LED lighting fixtures, it has the following advantages:

• High Strength: The impact resistance of tempered glass is 3-5 times that of ordinary glass, which can effectively resist various external impacts and ensure the safe use of lamps.
• Heat Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand high-temperature environments, is not easy to deform or break, and is suitable for various harsh industrial lighting environments.
• High Transparency: Tempered glass has excellent light transmission performance, which can transmit light clearly and improve lighting effects.Limitations of Tempered Glass
• Despite its many advantages, tempered glass also has some limitations. For instance, once tempered glass breaks, it produces sharp shards that may cause injury to personnel. Additionally, its processing cost is relatively high, and it is not easy to process into complex shapes.
• Selection Recommendations
• When choosing light-transmitting components for industrial LED lighting fixtures, a trade-off should be made based on specific application scenarios and requirements. Below are some recommendations:
• Consider the Environment: If the lamp needs to be installed in an environment prone to collision or vibration, PC material is recommended due to its stronger impact resistance. In high-temperature or harsh weather conditions, however, tempered glass may be more suitable.
• Focus on Cost: PC light-transmitting components have relatively low processing costs and are easy to design into complex shapes. In contrast, tempered glass has higher processing costs but offers better transparency and heat resistance. Therefore, a balance must be struck between budget and performance requirements when making a choice.
• Prioritize Safety: Although PC material and tempered glass each have distinct safety features, tempered glass, in general, may produce sharp shards when broken. Thus, caution should be exercised when selecting it for occasions where safety is a top priority.
• In conclusion, as the main materials for light-transmitting components of industrial LED lighting fixtures, PC and tempered glass each have unique advantages and limitations. When selecting, a comprehensive consideration of the specific application scenario, cost budget, and safety requirements is necessary to choose the most suitable light-transmitting material.