The world of commercial lighting seems to always remain in flux. Local regulations may enforce varying policies regarding energy efficiency or durability.
Similarly, the work you do could affect the lights you need. You may need brighter lights to wake up your crew and motivate them to work. Alternatively, you may need lights that resist shattering in case of impact.
So, where can you find commercial light fixtures that meet these needs? One possibility could be with PMMA lenses.
A PMMA lens can bring several benefits to your outdoor commercial light fixture. However, many people remain unfamiliar with these lenses and their advantages.
Fortunately, you can fix that by reading this guide! We’ll define PMMA lenses and five essential things to know about them. Let’s get started right away!
What Is a PMMA Lens?
PMMA stands for polymethyl methacrylate, but the material is more commonly known as acrylic. You may also know the name “plexiglass.”
PMMA has several interesting scientific properties, such as a high melting point of 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Aqueous solutions produce no reactions in this material, making it more resilient than other polymers and plastics.
It also has a high resistance to scratching, making it more durable than its glass counterparts. Its texture is brittle and transparent but not heavy.
Finally, you can find these lenses in several forms. PMMA lenses include a wide range of color casting choices and are excellent options for transmitting light.
These features make PMMA an efficient and durable choice for a commercial lighting fixture. We’ll explore some of the practical benefits of this polymer in the following sections.
1. Resists Sound and Breaks
PMMA lenses can reduce transmissions of soundwaves from outside the space they’re in. This property makes the lens sound-resistant.
Various workspaces can utilize this sound resistance. You may want to build a quiet office where your workers can focus without becoming distracted by outside noise. Alternatively, you can use these lenses to create soundproofed audio studios for your company podcast.
Another advantage of PMMA materials is their durability. Acrylic lenses are much less likely to break from impacts than their glass counterparts. They can also resist scratching more easily than glass and other plastics.
As a result, PMMA lenses are often perfect for several lighting fixtures. These include standard encasements for LED lights or domed skylights. You can also use these polymers to protect your exit signs and other crucial signage.
2. Environmental Sustainability
Businesses constantly search for new ways to make their operations more sustainable. In addition to helping the environment, these practices also improve their branding in the eyes of many customers.
PMMA lenses are one way to increase your sustainability. It’s a safe plastic that users can recycle. It also remains BPA-free, unlike many other plastic products.
PMMA lenses also work well in outdoor commercial lighting fixtures. These products do not corrode or face threats from the outside environment.
Instead, this polymer resists both ultraviolet light and water. As such, excessive heat and rain will do little to damage these products.
3. Shape PMMA in Many Ways
Manufacturers create PMMA through a process called polymerization. They place the core materials in a mold with a catalyst that helps the process run faster. Thanks to this process, manufacturers can shape PMMA in several ways.
Some of these include:
- Sheets
- Blocks
- Resins
- Beads
You can also use acrylic glue to soften these pieces and weld them together. Similarly, you can bond acrylic to other materials to enhance its properties. Tools like saws and laser cutting can help you cut the material to an appropriate size.
All of this means this polymer can find several uses in a commercial environment. You can use this material to fit multiple types of light fixtures. You could even use it as an alternative to glass when choosing window panes.
4. PMMAs Reduce Glare
Have you ever noticed a frustrating glare from the light fixtures in your building? This glare happens as a result of light diffusion.
Many products have an unbalanced light diffusion that causes them to glare. However, PMMA has some of the most even light diffusion of any lens. This feature offers excellent glare reduction that can make your lighting more comfortable for your workers.
5. PMMA Light Fixtures Last Longer than Other Models
Have you ever noticed your light bulbs becoming more yellow over time? This yellowing is a common feature of many light fixture models. The effect happens because of ultraviolet light exposure.
This discoloration causes businesses to replace their lights more often. In addition to costing more money, this practice has negative implications for a company’s sustainability.
How can you solve this issue? One option is to replace your current light fixtures with PMMA alternatives.
You may remember that PMMA fixtures resist UV light. As a result, they don’t experience this discoloration.
As such, these lights can last longer than many other lighting alternatives. In doing so, they can save your company money and make it more sustainable.
Find the Best PMMA Commercial Lighting
As you can see, PMMA lenses offer many benefits that their alternatives cannot match. These lenses are excellent choices for your commercial lighting fixtures. The question is, can you find a commercial lighting company that can provide these lenses?
If that’s what you’re wondering, check out our store! We offer several kinds of light fixtures for your business to choose from. These fixtures come in several forms, from stylish and elegant to practical and minimalist.
So, browse around to find the best commercial fixtures for your business. Before long, you’ll have the light your company needs! Contact us today for assistance.