Lumitex, Inc. offers a range of special optical-grade acrylic plastic rod-shaped light guides in machined, extruded or molded versions to meet a broad variety of custom applications in low, medium or high volumes.

The rods are available in a wide range of lengths (1” to 36”, or 25.4 mm to 9.14 mm) and diameters (0.100” to 1.000”, or 2.54 mm to 25.4 mm) and provide illumination that is highly directional, with excellent uniformity, low power consumption (20-25 mA) and long life (typically 20,000 to 100,000 hours to half life). The rods also offer better durability than neon and CCFL-backlit LCDs, and operate at a lower voltage/current.

“The rods can be used for illumination, backlighting or accent lighting for anything from the control panel of a 64” diagonal HDTV or other audio/visual product to a handheld remote control device to portable test equipment,” says Walter Schulz, Applications Engineer at Lumitex.

“And, they can provide the appearance of neon or CCFL-backlit LCD lighting without the EMI problems inherent in those technologies.”

The rods are supplied complete with an LED light source and wiring harness to provide designers with a plug-and-play solution. In addition, Lumitex can mold in mechanical features that assist in the positioning or locating of the light guide assembly.

“We can prototype multiple variations of a light rod, with a typical turnaround time of 2 to 4 weeks,” adds Lumitex’s Schulz, “and we can easily handle custom designs.”

Pricing for the plastic rod light guides starts at under $1.00 each for a rod that is 3” long and 0.100” in diameter. For details, contact Lumitex with your application requirements.

For more information, contact Walter Schulz at Lumitex Inc., 8443 Dow Circle, Strongsville, OH 44136. Tel: 1-800-969-5483; 440-243-8401; Fax: 440-243-8402; E-Mail: info@lumitex.com.