Have you heard of an LED Strip diffuser? Are you an architect, designer, or engineer who deals with LED light projects?
If you haven’t heard of an LED strip diffuser—it’s okay. But If your answer is yes to the next question, then it’s clear that you know these two things:
- LED lighting produces focused lights, which have hot spots.
2. They are too bright and intense for specific areas sometimes.
Although LED lights play many roles in the design and aesthetics of a building, signage, automotive applications, etc., the issues above could pose a few threats.
Hence, it would help if you had a LED strip diffuser.
In this article, you’ll get all the answers you need—from its purpose and how to create it to some FAQs.
The Function of the LED Diffuser
We previously mentioned the primary function of the LED diffuser— evenly distributing LED lighting.
But there’s more.
Recently, LED diffusers helped regulate the color and add to the design of a location.
So, let’s jump into the reason why you need LED diffusers.
The Key Functions of LED Diffusers
Here are key reasons why LED diffusers are essential;
- It’s excellent for scattering and spreading LED light within a location.
2. Diffusers help remove hot spots when using LED lights.
3. With diffusers, you can feel the sun’s soft light indoors. And this effect creates a natural feel of the atmosphere and clouds—while removing harsh shadow light. Also, the diffuser can produce soothing light for your eyes—thanks to its ability to break straight LED beams.
LED Strip Diffuser DIY: How to make Your Diffuser for LED Strip
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an LED strip diffuser.
Step 1 – Get the Calculation (Mathematics) 1
For this article, we’ll use 5050 LEDs. Besides, they are the standard LEDs you’ll find on an LED strip. Plus, the LEDs are 5mm x 5mm.
Hence, if you have 60 LED lights per meter, you’d have an LED within 17mm on the strip. And the LEDs will have a beam angle of 120 degrees.
Step 2 – Buy the Perfect Aluminum Extrusions
Next, choose the most suitable aluminum extrusions required to house your LED strips.
We recommend you go for extrusions with a flat diffuser screen and deeper profile. Also, you can opt for one with an 11mm depth, which stays higher than the regular LED diffuser of 10mm.
But if you want the LED to stay farther away from the LED with a larger diffuser, you can go for a 17mm extrusion.
Step 3 – Get the Calculation (Mathematics) 2
Now, you have two aluminum extrusions to choose from, which are 10 and 17mm.
To get the best results, you need to consider two things about both sizes:
- The 10mm extrusion overlaps only half of the aluminum cone. Plus, the borders nearly touch the LEDs and diffuser.
2. With the 17mm extrusion, you can have three cones overlapping and still have space. In the end, you’ll enjoy better light distribution.
In short, getting the 17mm extrusion is a better and safer option.
Step 4 – Test the Extrusions
If you’re still unsure about the extrusion—10mm or 17mm, it’s best to take a test.
It’s always good to do this test. That way, you’ll find out which of them distributes your LED light strip better. Don’t assume 17mm will always be the best choice because it’s the more extensive option. Plus, you need to consider if you’d use the LED strip for a more prolonged exposure or not.
Step 5 – Take the Diffuser father Away from the Source.
If you’ve established the 17mm extrusion as the best distributor of light, it’s not enough. You can still improve your LED lighting distribution.
Remember that an LED is a single source of light that only hits one direction. But with the help of a diffuser, it spreads evenly. And the diffuser has a flat surface. Hence, we must consider the diffuser’s angle and light intensity.
And the best way to handle this part is to take the light source farther from the diffuser. For instance, you can have a 60 degrees angle for the extrusion, which has a 17mm depth.
Step 6 – Enhance the Results (2X Diffusion)
There’s an easy and effective way to double your LED diffusion. And it’s by placing wadding between the diffuser and LED strip.
FAQs of LED Light Diffuser
Q1: Do LED lights need a diffuser?
Yes, especially if you want to get even distribution of the LED lighting.
Q2: How do you diffuse LED Strip Lights?
There are three simple ways:
- Place an opaque material over the LED light.
2. Put a semi-transparent covering on top of the LED light.
3. Increase the distance between the diffuser and LED extrusion.
Q3: Can LED strip lights to cause you cancer?
No, there’s no recorded case of LED strips causing cancer. And it’s because it doesn’t produce UV rays.
Closing Words
Now, you’ve got more comprehensive information about an LED strip diffuser. As we earlier stated, the diffuser does a great job of distributing light evenly. It also helps you remove the hot spots produced by LED lights.
So, it’s a tool we highly recommend you use when planning an LED lighting design. Plus, you can create your diffusers if you consider the steps we listed here.
Moreover, we are eager to assist you in answering other questions about the LED strip diffuser. So， All you need to do is get in touch with us today!
