Silicone PC and Acrylic Diffusers Compared
Our specifications name the diffuser material on every model. The choice between silicone, PC and acrylic changes how the fixture looks, how bright it is and how it survives shipping.
Our specifications name the diffuser material on every model. The choice between silicone, PC and acrylic changes how the fixture looks, how bright it is and how it survives shipping.
Silicone Gives the Most Even Face
The high quality silicone diffuser used on SX2126, SD2126 and SB2167 hides the individual diodes completely and stays flexible, which matters on a long extrusion that has to survive transit. It costs some light output for that evenness.
See High Purity Alu Ceiling Light SX2126-RS RM RL
Acrylic Gives More Output
Acrylic passes more light than silicone at the same wattage, which is why it is used on the 2313 and 2126-CL fixtures where the panel area is large. It is more rigid, so it needs proper support and protection in the carton.
See SD2313-4C Aluminium Acrylic Pendant Light
PC Survives Long Spans
On the 1200 and 1270 mm linear pendants the diffuser is PC. Over that span a rigid material is the part most likely to crack in transit, and PC has the impact resistance that keeps a long diffuser intact.
See High Purity Alu Pendant Light SD2169-A
What to Check on a Sample
Look at the lit face from 45 degrees rather than straight on. Diode dots show at an angle first. Then look at the unlit face in daylight, because a diffuser that looks grey when off will look grey in the room all day.
Related Products
Ceiling LightsHigh Purity Alu Ceiling Light SX2126-RS RM RLSlim 40 mm ceiling light in three sizes, 15 W to 30 W, matt black, matt white or rose goldView specification
Chandeliers and Pendant LightsHigh Purity Alu Pendant Light SD2169-A1200 mm straight linear pendant, 120 mm wide, 34 W, sand blackView specification
Chandeliers and Pendant LightsSD2313-4C Aluminium Acrylic Pendant Light900 x 900 mm crossed-bar pendant, 40 W, matt white, drop 200 to 1500 mmView specificationProjects Where This Mattered
Sectors This Applies To
How We Handle It On An Order
Questions On This Topic
Which diffuser is brightest at the same wattage?
Acrylic. Silicone trades some output for a completely even lit face.
Why is PC used on long linear pendants?
Over a 1200 mm span a brittle diffuser is the part most likely to crack in transit. PC has the impact resistance for that span.
Can I request a different diffuser material on a standard model?
Ask before ordering. The diffuser is part of the extrusion design, so it is not always interchangeable.
Apply This To Your Order
Send your fixture schedule and we mark up the decisions covered in this guide against your line items.