A diffuser is not a cover that happens to let light through. Its geometry, wall thickness and surface structure decide how the light leaves the fixture.
From point sources to a line of light
An LED is a small, intense source. Left uncovered, a row of LEDs reads as a row of bright dots. The diffuser spreads that energy so the eye sees a continuous luminous surface.
Scattering versus redirecting
A frosted or embossed surface scatters light in many directions, which hides the sources at the cost of some output. A prismatic or lens surface redirects light deliberately, which shapes the distribution and controls glare with less loss. Many profiles combine both.
The role of wall thickness
Wall thickness changes both transmission and diffusion. Thicker walls diffuse more and transmit less, and they affect how the profile cools and holds its shape during extrusion — so the optical target and the producible geometry are settled together.
Verifying the result
The reliable check is a photometric measurement of the complete luminaire, or a visual assessment in the intended environment. Trial lengths produced from the production die give a representative result, because prototype and production share the same tooling.
Related products and applications
Need this profile made to your drawing?
We extrude PC and PMMA diffusers, covers and lenses from your drawing, sample or photometric target. Tooling is developed in-house.
Frequently asked questions
Does a diffuser always reduce efficacy?
Yes, by some amount. The aim is to get the appearance and glare performance you need for the smallest possible loss.
Can the diffuser be tuned after tooling?
Surface finish and material can be adjusted within limits, but the geometry is fixed by the die. Set the optical target before tooling.