Edge Lit Sign Help

[dcruze]

I have been experimenting with Edge Lit Acrylic that I can route on my CNC machine. I am using 3/16" Acrylic and don't have any trouble routing it, but I have trouble getting it to look right when I light it. I tried to attached a photo of the problem I am having. but it wouldn't let me. I get a flood of color through the acrylic and not just where it is routed. I tried covering up every other LED to try and reduce the light but it still doesn't look right. I am using LED strips from SuberBrightLEDs.com with a Transformer of 12v .5A. Any help would be appreciated. Also if anyone can tell me the proper way to attach a photo it would help.

 

[J Hill Designs]

http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?34997-How-do-I-post-pictures-at-Signs-101

welcome from cali

most edge-lit acrylic signs I have seen are 1/2"

 

[dcruze]

1/2"

Does the 1/2" acrylic allow the light to spread out differently?

 

[Techman]

I make edge lit panels using 1/8 thick plastic. It works great for engraved images. Looks like magic.

 

[J Hill Designs]

interesting. I would still like the see an image of the OP's issue

 

[iprint]

My guess would be that you are using the incorrect type of acrylic. Some acrylics have diffusing particles in them to make the whole panel light up. Talk to your supplier and let them know what your desired effect is and they should have a solution for you (or at least be able to get in touch with the manufacturer and find out).

 

[dcruze]

Post Photo

I have tried to post a picture, but when I reply my form doesn't show me the tool bars at the top that allow me to attach a file. I can't find out how to turn them on.

 

[dcruze]

LED Photo

I finally figured the attachment out. I was using Firefox as my browser and it would not upload an attachment. When I switched to Internet Explorer it worked.

Anyway I have attached a photo of the LED. In it you can see the red glow from the LED's. This is taken with everyother LED blacked out.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Moze]

My guess is you're using extruded acrylic rather than cast. You might want to try an LED with a wider cone as well.

 

[dcruze]

Extruded/Cast

I was not aware there was a difference in Acrylic. Is there a way to tell if it is Extruded or Cast Acrylic? Or do I have to ask the distributor?

 

[synergy_jim]

thickness has little to do with it..... we use 1/4" all the time...

 

[dcruze]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone. I will check with the distributor and see what they know.

 

[Techman]

raise the acrylic off the led's.
Align them so they are fully under the panel and that no light spills out over the edges..

The plastic must be absolutely clean. Any dirt or dust or haze illuminate and cause those ghosts.

I don't remember it saying on the liner, I guess it probably depends on the brand you're using.

Usually, a paper liner is cast.. a plastic liner is calendared.

 

[Signed Out]

A little off topic, but how do these edge lit signs look indoors with the lights on?

 

[Moze]

The etched/lighted portion is still very easy to read. Not sure if that answers your question.

 

[Signed Out]

Partially answers the question. I have a customer interested in this type of sign for their office. The office will have normal office lighting. I've looked a lots of pictures of these signs, and most are taken in a dark environment. It would be awesome if someone has or knows where once can find a picture of the same edge lit sign in both light and dark environments.

 

[Moze]

Partially answers the question. I have a customer interested in this type of sign for their office. The office will have normal office lighting. I've looked a lots of pictures of these signs, and most are taken in a dark environment. It would be awesome if someone has or knows where once can find a picture of the same edge lit sign in both light and dark environments.

I just happen to have a few old pictures from my previous place of employment....

The first picture barely shows an edge-lit sign next to my stretch-wrapped desk that was waiting for me after I got back from vacation.

The other two pictures show an edge-lit acrylic panel (edit: just realized it wasn't on in the first picture) and then with the lights off (the "ABC EXS 369" panel).

 

[Signed Out]

Thanks for the pics. It looks like they still light up pretty good in a bright environment.