Posters made of single/double printed paper, polyester or vinyl are particularly suitable for use with light diffusing acrylic sheet. Enhanced graphic substrates such as Duratrans improve the light diffusion of color contrast.

Light intensity transmitted through the face of this type of acrylic sheet is governed by parameters such as location, quantity and length of light source. For example, a sign/display panel measuring 24 inches in length by 16 inches in width can be successfully lit by placing only one fluorescent lamp on the longer edge. A larger panel measuring 32 inches by 40 inches can be fully illuminated by placing a fluorescent lamp on each of the opposite edges from the width. The maximum width attainable with an even illumination is about 48 inches; however, with ever-improving technology, greater attainable widths will be possible in the future.

An economic and very effective way to boost lighting from standard fluorescent tubes is to place metalized reflective adhesive tape around the tube to direct the maximum amount of light into the edge of the acrylic sheet. Reflective film can increase lighting efficiency up to 20 percent by preventing light from exiting the panel.

In preparing the sheet for installation, it is very important that the edges remain perfectly flat, as optical defects in the edges will affect the amount of light that the panel will receive. Because some sign makers are only providing a clean saw cut edge, it may be necessary to smooth that edge further. Saw marks, if any, can be successfully removed by scraping the edges or using diamond discs cooled with water. In order to obtain the maximum effect, it is recommended that the sheet edges, where the light enters, be polished with a diamond edge finisher. This will enhance the amount of light entering the sheet panel. It is also important to avoid gluing or bonding any materials to the sheet as this may inhibit its light transmitting properties.

Light diffusing edge-lit acrylic sheet has all the mechanical, thermal, fabrication and weathering properties of standard cell cast acrylic sheet. However, comparing the lighting behavior of this sheet with standard cell cast acrylic clear sheet is not relevant. Clear acrylic sheet will work only as a light guide and prevent the light from diffusing throughout the sheet face of edge-lit. Only light diffusing edge-lit acrylic sheet diffuses light when edge-lit. Following standard procedures for cell cast acrylic sheet, edge-lit acrylic sheet can be thermoformed into a curve to a maximum radius of 20 inches to create original shapes and designs.

Because it is light weight, easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing, public demand continues to increase as a result of the many positive attributes that light diffusing edge-lit acrylic sheet possesses.

For more information, contact Mike at Ultra Acrylics, Inc.