Profiles With A Diffuser For LED Strips: Aluminum And Plastic, Corner Recessed And Overhead, Flexible And Other Profiles

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10

LED strips are very popular nowadays and are in great demand. They are used to decorate many interiors. But it is not enough to buy only a high-quality Led strip - you also need to select special profile bases to which it will be attached. In today's article, we will look at what such profiles are.

Peculiarities

There are many types of profiles designed for mounting LED strips. These are important and functional details, thanks to which the process of installing LED lighting on different bases is simplified and becomes possible . It can be not only walls, but also ceilings or other flat bases. Profiles are made from different materials. The most popular in recent years are those made of aluminum and polycarbonate. These are very practical products, in the design of which a very useful and necessary part is often provided - a diffuser.

The main feature of Led-bulbs is that the flow of light from them spreads to an angle of no more than 120 degrees . This negatively affects both the perception of light and the practical use of light bulbs. To get rid of such a nuisance, it is necessary to expose a suitable material in the immediate vicinity of the lamps that can effectively refract and diffuse light. This is precisely the problem that the diffuser solves.

The diffuser has a non-uniform internal structure . The particles of the basic substance are not ordered here. Due to this feature, the light passing through the specified material noticeably departs from its original trajectory in different directions. Because of this, the lighting both weakens and expands.

Due to the presence of a diffuser, profiles for diode strips are more functional and practical to use. With them, the lighting becomes better, more pleasant.

What are they?

Modern models of profiles designed for the installation of Led strips are manufactured in different ways. They differ both in their structural structure and in the features of installation. Different specimens look different and differ from each other in shape. Below we will find out more about the most common and practical sub-types of profiles with a sifting part. First of all, all profiles for belts are divided according to the materials from which they are made. Today, the following options are more common on sale.

Made of aluminum . Practical, durable and hard-wearing varieties. Easy to install, can have any shape. If necessary, the aluminum part can be painted in a suitable color.

Made of plastic . These are flexible polycarbonate profiles with a diffuser. These are also practical, but less robust options. Plastic products are usually cheaper.

The products under consideration are divided into different types and in accordance with the method of fastening. Let's take a closer look at current specimens.

Angular . The name of such products speaks for itself. They are designed for corner mounting. It is the angular type models that most often have a high-quality scattering component in their device.

Thanks to this design, the intensity of the illumination emanating from the LEDs is significantly reduced.

Mortise . An equally popular variety. Can be built into almost any flat surface. It can be both the floor and the walls in the room. It is desirable that the base is made of chipboard or drywall. Basically, mortise products are mounted together with a diffuser and have characteristic protruding edges. The latter are designed to perform the function of smoothing uneven edges of materials.

Overhead . This option is considered the most popular than the built-in or corner type of profile. Surface models can be easily installed on any flat surface. As a result, the LED backlight can be attached with glue or self-tapping screws, which is very convenient.

It was already mentioned above that the profile bases for tapes with diodes have a different structural structure. Today in stores you can find the following copies:

• round;
• square;
• conical;
• trapezoidal.

Different types of profiles may have different types of diffusers. The scattering "screen" is made both opaque and transparent. Different options provide different degrees of reduction in the intensity of the diode illumination. Diffusers are made from different materials.

Acrylic and plexiglass . These materials are characterized by approximately the same light scattering properties. They are distinguished by very good anti-vandal properties.

Diffusers made of acrylic and plexiglass do not crack, are not afraid of temperature changes.

Polystyrene . Thermoplastic polymer with high light transmittance. Polystyrene is versatile, easy to process, not afraid of temperature jumps. Strong point strikes are also not scary to him.

Polycarbonate . Durable and lightweight material with good light transmittance. It can be monolithic and cellular. Polycarbonate does not burn, does not support combustion, is not afraid of mechanical damage or precipitation.

Selection Tips

It makes sense to select profiles for LED strips based on several important criteria. Let's get acquainted with them.

• It is necessary to take into account the size of the profile parts. Dimensional parameters must correspond to the dimensional parameters of the LED strip. Fortunately, most of these products are initially adjusted to the dimensions of the diode backlight.
• It is worth choosing a product made from the most practical and reliable materials. Pay attention to what the diffuser is made of. The choice of a transparent or matte part will affect the light transmittance of the base. It is advisable to give preference to more practical and durable products that are made of materials that are not subject to mechanical damage and deterioration during temperature jumps.
• Determine exactly where you will install the tape box. Based on this, you can find on sale such a structure that will have a suitable shape and structure. This is very important, since the same corner products are not designed for all bases, as well as u-shaped or rounded options.
• It is advisable to choose the details of a suitable design. On sale you can find profiles with a diffuser, made in different colors. You can also buy a product made of aluminum and subsequently paint it in any color you like, for example, black, white, red or any other.
• Before purchasing, it is strongly recommended to carefully examine the condition of the profile and the diffuser with which it is equipped. A structure made of any material must be strong, reliable, free from defects, damage and other possible shortcomings.

If you find any deformations and breakages on the product, it is better to refuse to purchase, since such things cannot be called high-quality.

Installation technology

Profiles for LED lamps equipped with a diffuser piece can be fixed to a prepared base without the need for experienced installers. The entire installation technology of the considered structure includes simple steps that everyone can cope with without problems. Let's look at the step-by-step instructions for self-installation using the example of the popular corner box with a diffuser.

• Mounting such a product on ordinary self-tapping screws can be quite difficult. In this case, it is better to use double-sided tape. Thanks to him, installation work will be extremely simple and will not take much time.
• First you need to thoroughly degrease the substrate. This can be done using alcohol or solvent.
• The next step is to lay the tape on both sides of the part. All remaining excess will need to be very carefully cut off so that they do not interfere.
• Now you need to degrease the surface itself. For these purposes, you will need to sprinkle it a little with either water or Mr. Muscle.
• Do not neglect to degrease the surface of the base. In most cases, an angle-type profile is not ideally evenly installed to two planes. Initially, it is rarely possible to expose it flawlessly. If the surface is slightly sprinkled with water, the tape will not stick instantly, so it will be easier to adjust the part as needed.
• If you want the fasteners to be more reliable, you can use special polyurethane glue with it. All that remains is to stick the diode tape inside, install the lens and close all the plugs that come with the LED lighting.

The cut-in profile is installed differently

• First, a groove is formed in the furniture or other base, corresponding to the dimensions of the profile part.
• At the edge, you need to drill a hole for the wires.
• Then you can start gluing the tape. After that, remember to insert the diffuser lens.
• Now you can proceed to fixing the plugs, as in the case of the corner structure. Next, the part will need to be firmly driven into a pre-made groove.

If the latter was originally made back to back, you can use a special rubber mallet.

Useful Tips

Let's find out some useful tips for installing profiles with a diffuser

• Any profiles with diffusing details must be installed carefully. If the design looks untidy, it can negatively affect the overall appearance of the environment.
• The edges of the aluminum profile must be protected from burrs before assembly.
• It is necessary to mount the profiles so that later you can easily get to the diode tapes themselves.
• Mortise models are recommended to be installed in places that are not subject to heavy loads.