Optics - Light Pipes

Category Introduction

Light pipes are products used to channel optical energy between a light source and a point some distance away where light is desired for some purpose. A common use is for routing light between an LED on a printed circuit board and an aperture in a product control panel or enclosure for purposes of providing a visual indication of operational status.

Product List

5121 Items
PDF Mfr Part # Quantity
Available
UnitPrice RFQ Series Packaging Product StatusColorConfigurationTypeMounting TypeLens StyleLens Size
VLP-250-F
VLP-250-F
LIGHT PIPE CLEAR 3MM LENS FLAT
Bivar Inc.
1,089 $0.56
VLP Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top3mm
VLP-300-F
VLP-300-F
LIGHT PIPE VERT 0.300" FLAT FACE
Bivar Inc.
1,360 $0.56
VLP Bag ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top3mm
VLP-300-R
VLP-300-R
LIGHT PIPE VERTICAL .300" ROUND
Bivar Inc.
239 $0.57
VLP Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Domed Top3mm
VLP-600-F
VLP-600-F
LIGHT PIPE VERT .600" FLAT SMD
Bivar Inc.
966 $0.61
VLP Bag ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top3.00mm
VLP-550-R
VLP-550-R
LIGHT PIPE VERT .550" RND SMD
Bivar Inc.
490 $0.65
VLP Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Domed Top3mm
VLP-550-F
VLP-550-F
LIGHT PIPE CLEAR 3MM LENS STRGHT
Bivar Inc.
1,001 $0.65
VLP Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top3mm
VLP-500-F
VLP-500-F
LIGHT PIPE VERT 0.500" FLAT FACE
Bivar Inc.
956 $0.66
VLP Bag ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top3mm
SLP3-150-100-F
SLP3-150-100-F
LIGHT PIPE 90DEG VAR 0.100"FLAT
Bivar Inc.
48 $0.68
SLP-3 Bag ActiveClearSingleRigid-Round with Flat Top3mm
SLP3-150-100-R
SLP3-150-100-R
LIGHT PIPE CLEAR 3MM LENS R/A
Bivar Inc.
1,351 $0.68
SLP-3 Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidBoard Mount, Press Fit, Right AngleRound with Domed Top3mm
LFB075CTP
LFB075CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
920 $0.70
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
LFB012CTP
LFB012CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
1,255 $0.70
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
LFB050CTP
LFB050CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
59 $0.70
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
LFB037CTP
LFB037CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
1,073 $0.71
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
LFB063CTP
LFB063CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
119 $0.70
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
LFB025CTP
LFB025CTP
LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM
Visual Communications Company - VCC
1,039 $0.70
LFB Bulk ActiveClear, DiffusedSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top3.3mm
5151027F
5151027F
LIGHT PIPE 1.1MM ROUND PANEL MT
Dialight
297 $0.80
515 Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top1.1mm
5151016F
5151016F
LIGHT PIPE 1.63MM ROUND PNL MT
Dialight
1,192 $0.81
515 Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidPanel Mount, Press FitRound with Flat Top1.63mm
LFC025CTP
LFC025CTP
LFC LIGHT PIPE 0.250"
Visual Communications Company - VCC
436 $0.82
LFC Bag ActiveClear, Diffused-RigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top5mm
LFC012CTP
LFC012CTP
LFC LIGHT PIPE 0.125"
Visual Communications Company - VCC
92 $0.83
LFC Bag ActiveClear, Diffused-RigidPanel Mount, Press Fit, FrontRound with Domed Top5mm
LMC_020_CTP
LMC_020_CTP
LITEPIPE 2.5MM CLEAR TRANSP
Visual Communications Company - VCC
189 $0.95
Bulk ActiveClearSingleRigidPanel Mount, ClampingRound with Flat Top3.18mm

About Optics - Light Pipes

What are Optics - Light Pipes?

Optics - Light Pipes

Optics - Light Pipes are optical components designed to channel light from one location to another, often used to transmit light from a source to a display or indicator. They operate on the principle of total internal reflection, where light is guided through a transparent medium, such as plastic or glass, by reflecting off the internal surfaces of the pipe. This allows light to be efficiently transported over a distance without significant loss, making light pipes an essential component in various optical applications.

Types of Optics - Light Pipes

Rigid Light Pipes

Rigid light pipes are solid, inflexible tubes that are typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate materials. They are used in applications where the light path is fixed and do not require bending. These pipes are known for their durability and ability to maintain light intensity over longer distances.

Flexible Light Pipes

Flexible light pipes are made from materials like silicone or flexible plastics, allowing them to bend and adapt to different shapes and spaces. They are ideal for applications requiring light to be directed around obstacles or through complex pathways. Their flexibility makes them suitable for dynamic environments where the light path may change.

Liquid Light Pipes

Liquid light pipes use a fluid medium to transport light. They offer high efficiency and flexibility, as the liquid can conform to various shapes and sizes. These pipes are often used in specialized applications where traditional solid or flexible pipes may not suffice.

How to choose Optics - Light Pipes?

When selecting optics - light pipes, several key parameters should be considered:

  • Material: Choose between rigid, flexible, or liquid materials based on the application's requirements.
  • Length and Diameter: Ensure the dimensions match the distance and space constraints of the application.
  • Light Transmission Efficiency: Evaluate the efficiency of light transmission to minimize losses.
  • Environmental Resistance: Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals.
  • Installation Requirements: Assess the ease of installation and compatibility with existing systems.

To evaluate product quality and reliability, review supplier certifications, customer reviews, and performance data. Consider environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and potential exposure to moisture or chemicals, which may affect the longevity and performance of the light pipes.

Applications of Optics - Light Pipes

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, light pipes are used in dashboard displays, interior lighting, and headlight systems to efficiently direct light to specific areas, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.

Consumer Electronics

Light pipes are integral in consumer electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, where they guide light to illuminate screens and indicators without adding bulk or weight to the device.

Medical Devices

In medical devices, light pipes are used to deliver light to specific areas, such as in endoscopes or surgical instruments, providing illumination in hard-to-reach places during medical procedures.

Architectural Lighting

Architectural lighting applications use light pipes to create ambient lighting effects in buildings, allowing for creative and energy-efficient lighting designs that enhance the aesthetic appeal of spaces.

Industrial Equipment

In industrial settings, light pipes are used to transmit light to control panels and indicators, ensuring that operators can easily monitor equipment status and performance, even in low-light environments.