In this two-part study, Taber abrasion and high-velocity particulate impact testing are used to evaluate the suitability of borosilicate glass, polycarbonate, and aviation grade acrylic in exterior jet aircraft lighting applications. In the aerospace industry, Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology promises to keep planes operating longer with reduced maintenance costs and lower power consumption. With…

Designing a glass lens, filter, or component? Not sure how to best meet your performance requirements? Our comprehensive eBook on the properties of glass can help you.   Glass is a unique and complex material—much different than other transparent materials; if you’re new to designing glass lenses, it can be an intimidating challenge. You’re probably wondering why…

There are many transparent materials out there for you to consider when designing a lens for a lighting application. Take a look at the image above; these different transparent materials all look fairly similar don’t they? You may be asking yourself “What makes glasses and plastics so different? Which material is right for my lens?”…

This is the first article in a three-part series that reviews the thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of glass. We will define common glass properties and explain their application and importance in component design. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of glass thermal properties when designing with a glass lens or filter. When exposed…