When designing outdoor installation art, material selection affects not only the visual impact but also the artwork’s weather resistance, structural safety, and light-and-shadow effects. Below is a summary of commonly used materials for outdoor installations to help designers and engineering teams quickly understand the characteristics and suitable applications of each type:   Q1：What Are the Common Materials Used in Outdoor Installation Art ? Common Materials and Their Comparison Are Listed Below：   Advantages Disadvantages Suitable Applications Glass High transparency  Excellent texture Heavy, Fragile Difficult to process Suitable for architectural integration, delivering a high-quality appearance Metal High strength, durable, and carvable Easily rusts, low light guiding ability, and heavy Structural support and industrial-style design Plastic (PC/PE...) Lightweight and low cost Easily deforms and has lower weather durability Suitable for temporary installations and budget-conscious projects Acrylic (PMMA) Strong light transmission High weather resistance Excellent moldability May expand or deform when exposed to high temperatures Suitable for light-emitting installations and modern art, with applications in nighttime effects   Q2：What is weather resistance, and why is it important for outdoor art? Weather resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand outdoor environmental factors such as sunlight, ultraviolet rays, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. For artworks installed outdoors long-term, the following issues cannot be overlooked:             ◆Will prolonged exposure to sunlight cause yellowing or brittleness?             ◆Will rainwater infiltration lead to material degradation?             ◆Is the material prone to cracking or breaking under strong winds?             ◆Will temperature fluctuations cause structural deformation? Art installations are not only about structure but also about aesthetic presentation. If environmental factors cause material deformation, fading, or damage, it not only affects the viewing experience but may also compromise safety and brand image. Therefore, acrylic, due to its stable material properties, can effectively resist the aforementioned issues and maintain transparency and structural stability over time, ensuring that outdoor artworks:             ◆ Maintain color and texture over a long period             ◆ Have a stable structure that is resistant to damage             ◆ Reduce subsequent maintenance and replacement costs   Q3: Why is acrylic suitable for outdoor installation art ? Acrylic has the following advantages: Excellent weather resistance: High-quality acrylic can effectively resist ultraviolet rays from sunlight, preventing yellowing, brittleness, or cracking. It is suitable for long-term exposure to outdoor environments, withstanding sun, wind, and rain for over 10 years. Outstanding light guide and transmission properties: Acrylic possesses excellent optical transparency (light transmittance up to 92%), making it especially suitable for use with LED light sources. It delivers clear, soft, and uniform lighting effects. Its nighttime performance is exceptional, making it ideal for luminous artworks, interactive lighting installations, and light sculptures. High plasticity and easy processing: Acrylic can be cut, engraved, bent, and thermoformed according to design requirements. Whether for geometric shapes, curved structures, or three-dimensional letters, it can be easily realized, meeting the demands for personalization and creativity in art. High safety and lightweight: Compared to glass, acrylic weighs about half as much and is less prone to shattering. Even if broken, it does not produce sharp fragments, making it safer and easier to install and transport—especially suitable for public spaces and outdoor locations. Compatible with various surface treatment techniques: Acrylic surfaces can undergo sandblasting, UV printing, laser engraving, dyeing, and film lamination, providing artworks with more layers, textures, and interactivity, greatly expanding artistic possibilities. Q4: How to use acrylic with light sources for glowing art? For installations that shine at night, besides the structural design aesthetics, the key lies in the combination of lighting and materials. Acrylic, with its excellent light guiding and diffusion properties, is an ideal material for making luminous installations. Here are several common and effective pairing methods: 🔷 Using Acrylic Light Guide Rods or Acrylic Tubes These products are made with special formulations and polishing treatments, enabling them to work with LED light sources that emit light either along the rod or tube body, or from the end face. They are suitable for linear or point light source designs such as lettering, lines, and geometric structures. Depending on the LED arrangement and the angle at which light enters, they can produce uniform lighting or dynamic point-flow effects. Additionally, the light sources can be concealed within bases or behind the structure to maintain a clean and seamless appearance. 🔷Embedding LED Strips or Modules Inside Acrylic Structures Embedding LED light sources inside acrylic boxes, bases, or tubes is currently the most widely used method. Both transparent and milky acrylic tubes can be utilized, with milky tubes softening the light for a gentler effect. This approach can be combined with UV printing or laser engraving to allow light to follow patterns, creating embossed or decorative light visuals. Additionally, RGB LED modules can be incorporated to produce color-changing, breathing, and other dynamic lighting effects. 🔷Using Diffuser Panels or Light Guide Plates For designs that require surface lighting or uniform illumination across a large area, diffuser panels or laser-engraved dot light guide plates are recommended. Light guide plates help control the direction of light to ensure even illumination, while diffuser panels soften the backlight to create a smooth, glare-free effect. This setup is ideal for flat designs, wall installations, or large glossy structures.   🔷Light Source Selection Suggestions Choosing the right LED light source is crucial for achieving the desired visual effect and ensuring long-lasting performance. It is recommended to use high-brightness, low-power LED strips or modules. For outdoor applications, waterproof LEDs with an IP65 rating or higher should be selected. Additionally, integrating lighting control systems can enable interactive features such as sound activation, light sensing, and timed color changes. Real-World Application  1. A luminous sculpture in a commercial plaza, using transparent acrylic tubes combined with RGB LED strips to create a colorful nighttime focal point. 2. An interactive light and shadow installation along a park walkway, combining acrylic tubes with dynamic sensor lights and colorful floral patterns, creating a blend of technological sophistication and human warmth. 3. In a commercial reception hall, the background wall features sandblasted acrylic tubes paired with embedded LED light sources, creating a soft and uniform glow. The brand logos on the wall are clearly displayed through UV printing on acrylic panels, showcasing the group’s subsidiaries with excellent recognition and high-quality texture.   Conclusion: SMEAcrylic offers Acrylic Rods, Tubes, light guide plates, and diffuser panels in various specifications, along with processing services such as cutting, drilling, and polishing. We assist customers in creating structurally stable, visually striking, and evenly illuminated installation artworks. Whether for small exhibition pieces or large-scale public art projects, feel free to contact us for consultation! Email: [email protected]

Introduction to LED diffuser sheet   An LED diffuser sheet is a component used in LED lighting systems to scatter and diffuse light emitted by the LED light source. The main purpose of the diffuser sheet is to evenly distribute and soften the light, reducing glare and creating a more uniform illumination. Here's an overview of LED diffuser sheets:   1. Material: PS or PMMA or PS or MS. These materials are commonly used for LED diffuser sheets due to their transparency, durability, and ability to transmit light effectively. They are also lightweight and resistant to yellowing over time. The material characteristics are compared in the following table.   Characteristic PS  PMMA  PC  MS  Scientific Name Polystyrene Polymethyl Methacrylate Polycarbonate Polystyrene-Methyl Methacrylate Transparency 80% 93% 80% 85% Impact Resistance Low to Moderate Moderate to High High Moderate to High Thermal Resistance 70~80℃ 70℃ 140℃ 80~100℃ Chemical Resistance Limited resistance to chemicals Moderate resistance to chemicals Resistant to many chemicals Moderate resistance to chemicals UV Resistance Susceptible to UV degradation Good UV resistance Good UV resistance Moderate UV resistance Cost Economical Moderate cost Moderately Expensive Varies depending on the ratio of PS to PMMA Manufacturing Process Easily molded and extruded Easily molded and extruded Injection Molding, Extrusion Typically involves blending PS and PMMA Applications Disposable items, packaging Optical lenses, signage, lighting Eyewear, automotive parts, bottles Various applications, blends PS and PMMA   2. Design and Structure: The diffuser sheet is designed with a specific pattern or texture to scatter light evenly. Microstructures or prisms on the surface help in achieving the desired light diffusion. 3. Functionality: Diffusion:The primary function is to scatter and distribute light, reducing the direct glare from the LED light source. Beam Control: Diffuser sheets can control the beam angle of the light emitted by the LEDs, ensuring a more even spread of light. Color temperature:In LED products, an important specification number is color temperature, which is related to the color characteristics displayed by LED lighting products. The definition of color temperature:   Light Source Color Temperature Range Typical Application Incandescent 2700K-3000K Residential lighting, ambient Halogen 3000K-3500K Accent lighting, task lighting Warm White LED 2700K-3000K General indoor lighting Neutral White LED 3500K-4000K Offices, commercial spaces Cool White LED 4000K-5000K Task lighting, kitchens, bathrooms Daylight LED 5000K-6500K Reading lights, outdoor lighting   4. Types of Diffuser Sheets: Prismatic Diffusers: These have micro-prisms on the surface, which refract and scatter light in multiple directions. Frosted Diffusers: These have a frosted or matte surface that helps in diffusing light and reducing glare. They provide a softer and more even light output. Lenticular Diffusers: These have a pattern of small lenses on the surface, directing light in specific directions and controlling the spread of light. 5. Installation: The diffuser sheet is typically placed in front of the LED light source within the lighting fixture. It can be integrated into the design of the fixture or added as a separate layer.   6. Cleaning and Maintenance: Care should be taken during cleaning to avoid scratching or damaging the diffuser surface, which could impact light transmission. Typically, a soft cloth and mild cleaning solutions are recommended.   In conclusion, the LED diffuser sheet is a crucial component in LED lighting systems, designed to scatter and distribute light emitted by LED sources. Typically made from materials like polycarbonate or acrylic, these diffuser sheets enhance the quality of illumination by reducing glare, creating uniform light distribution, and softening the overall lighting effect. These diffuser panels find wide applications in various lighting fixtures, including LED panel lights, troffers, downlights, and more, contributing to improved aesthetics and visual comfort in both residential and commercial settings.    

     Acrylic tubes are often used to make storage containers, such as pen holders, makeup brush holders, pencil cases, etc. These products not only provide practical storage functions, but also make the contents visible at a glance due to the transparency of the acrylic material, presenting a modern and neat feel. The following are some storage applications of acrylic tubes:   1. Pen holder:Acrylic tubes are often used to make pen holders, which can neatly classify and store different types of pens, pencils, office utensils, etc. Transparent features allow users to quickly find the tools they need.     REF：https://www.walmart.com     2. Makeup brush tube:On the dressing table, acrylic tubes are often used to hold makeup brushes, such as eye shadow brushes, foundation brushes, etc. This keeps the brushes clean and also makes it easy for users to quickly select the brush they need.     REF：https://www.amazon.com      3. Stationery box:Small acrylic tubes can be combined together to form a stationery box, which is used to store small stationery such as staples, staplers, compasses, etc., making the desktop more tidy.  REF：https://www.aliexpress.com/    4. Tool storage:Put small tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., into acrylic tubes to make the tools more organized.   REF：Internet   5. Storage of clothing accessories: Put accessories, such as ties, necklaces, gloves, etc., into acrylic tubes to keep them neat and easy to select.   REF：Internet 6. Jewelry box: Long or round acrylic tubes can be used to make jewelry boxes to store hair accessories, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories while displaying the beauty of the jewelry. REF：amazon 7. Souvenir display box: A souvenir display box is a container used to display and protect special items, souvenirs or collectibles. It has transparent characteristics to display and appreciate the items inside, while providing a dustproof, protective and decorative Function.    REF：uhavetohavethis 8. Doll display: Doll fans can stack acrylic tubes and arrange the dolls neatly, like a small display room. In addition to storage, you can also appreciate your treasure collection at any time.    REF：SHOPEE 9. Grow plants: Grow small plants or succulents in acrylic tubes to create a mini garden.    REF：aliexpress 10. Toy storage box: Suitable for storing small toys, such as building blocks, mini vehicles, etc. The transparent material allows children to easily find the toys they want.     When choosing acrylic tubes as storage containers, you can consider the following points:   1. Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the items you need to store to make sure the acrylic tube container is large enough and easy to access. Define the desired height, width and depth.   2. Sturdiness and durability: Make sure the acrylic tube you choose is strong enough and durable enough to withstand the weight of the items being stored. Choosing thicker pipe walls can increase the strength of the container.   3. Transparency: The transparency of acrylic tubes is its unique feature, but at the same time, the privacy of stored items needs to be considered. Use clear acrylic tubes if you want to be able to see your content clearly; consider translucent or tinted tubes if privacy is required.   4. Safety: Pay attention to whether the edges of the acrylic tube have been smoothed to prevent accidental injuries from possible sharp edges. Make sure the container is structurally sound to prevent it from tipping or collapsing.   5. Cleaning and Maintenance: Make sure acrylic tube containers are easy to clean and maintain. The surface of acrylic containers can be easily scratched, so use a soft cleaning cloth to clean them and avoid using abrasive cleaners.   6. Design style: Based on the usage scenario and personal preference, consider whether to add color, pattern or other decoration to make the storage container more visually attractive, and incorporate the appearance design of the acrylic tube to ensure that it can blend into your interior decoration style .   Generally speaking, acrylic tubes have great application flexibility in storage and can be flexibly configured according to different needs, providing simple and modern storage solutions. No matter which way you choose to use acrylic tubes, through transparent The appearance makes items easier to identify while maintaining a clean and organized appearance.  

Q: Should you choose PMMA acrylic, or PC? A: Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, mainly need to consider the usage and environment, the following is a comparison table between acrylic and PC for your reference:    ITEM PMMA (Acrylic) PC (Polycarbonate) Proportion 1.19 1.2 Impact resistance Fragile 30 times stronger than acrylic Transmittance 92% 88% Processing temperature Under 80°C Under 120°C Water absorption 0.3~0.4% 0.1~0.2% Under prolonged UV light exposure Not easy to yellow easy to yellow, Need to add UV absorber layer Flame retardant degree Low (UL 94 level HB) High (UL 94 level V0) Selling cost Ordinary More Expensive   Q: What are the advantages of acrylic PMMA? Transmittance(ASTM D1003) Rockwell hardness (ASTM D785) Heat distortion temperature (ASTM D648)    Bending strength (ASTM D790) Weatherability - the extent to which the color changes with exposure time  The extent to which the flexural strength of PMMA varies with exposure time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Polycarbonate Extrusion Manufacturers   Q1: What is polycarbonate extrusion? A1: Polycarbonate extrusion is a manufacturing process that involves pushing molten polycarbonate resin through a shaped die to create continuous profiles or sheets. This process is commonly used for producing various products with specific shapes and dimensions.   Q2: What are the advantages of using polycarbonate in extrusion? A2: Polycarbonate offers high impact resistance than acrylic, optical clarity, and excellent dimensional stability. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, and the extrusion process allows for the creation of complex shapes with consistent quality.   Q3: What types of products can be manufactured through polycarbonate extrusion? A3: Polycarbonate extrusion can be used to produce profiles, sheets, tubes, and other customized shapes. Common applications include: Construction and Interior Design、Lighting Products、Industrial Applications、Transportation、Electronics、Protective Packaging、Medical Equipment.   Q4: How does the extrusion process impact the optical properties of polycarbonate? A4: The extrusion process, when performed with precision and proper conditions, ensures that polycarbonate maintains its optical clarity. However, it's essential to follow recommended extrusion parameters to prevent issues such as haze or discoloration. The melt temperature control, cooling rate, mold design and calibration, resin quality, post-extrusion treatment, etc. in the extrusion process are all possible influencing factors.   Q5: What should I consider when choosing a polycarbonate extrusion manufacturer? A5: When selecting a manufacturer, consider their experience, production capabilities, quality control measures, and adherence to industry standards. Additionally, reviews and references can provide insights into the manufacturer's reputation and reliability. However, SMEACRYLIC have 40 years of experience in PC production and have produced beer tubes, lampshades, pneumatic tube, precision parts packaging, medical equipment applications, etc.     Q6: Can polycarbonate extrusions be customized for specific project requirements? A6: Yes, many polycarbonate extrusion manufacturers offer customization services. This includes tailored profiles, colors, and dimensions to meet the unique specifications of your project. Q7: Polycarbonate tube standard sizes is as below :   Outter Dia. (mm) Inner Dia. (mm) Thickness (mm) Outter Dia. Tolerance Length (mm) 5 3 1 ± 0.15 2000 6 4 1 ± 0.15 2000 7 5 1 ± 0.15 2000 8 6 1 ± 0.15 2000 8 5 1.5 ± 0.15 2000 10 8 1 ± 0.20 2000 10 7 1.5 ± 0.20 2000 10 6 2 ± 0.20 2000 12 10 1 ± 0.20 2000 12 8 2 ± 0.20 2000 12 6 3 ± 0.20 2000 13 9 3 ± 0.20 2000 13 7 3 ± 0.20 2000 14 10 2 ± 0.20 2000 14 8 3 ± 0.20 2000 15 13 1 ± 0.20 2000 15 11 2 ± 0.20 2000 15 9 3 ± 0.20 2000 16 12 2 ± 0.30 2000 16 10 3 ± 0.30 2000 18 14 2 ± 0.30 2000 18 12 3 ± 0.30 2000 20 18 1 ± 0.30 2000 20 16 2 ± 0.30 2000 20 14 3 ± 0.30 2000 22 18 2 ± 0.30 2000 22 16 3 ± 0.30 2000 25 21 2 ± 0.40 2000 25 19 3 ± 0.40 2000 28 24 2 ± 0.40 2000 28 22 3 ± 0.40 2000 30 26 2 ± 0.40 2000 30 24 3 ± 0.40 2000 30 22 4 ± 0.40 2000 30 20 5 ± 0.40 2000 32 28 2 ± 0.40 2000 32 26 3 ± 0.40 2000 32 24 4 ± 0.40 2000 35 31 2 ± 0.40 2000 35 29 3 ± 0.40 2000 38 34 2 ± 0.40 2000 38 32 3 ± 0.40 2000 38 30 4 ± 0.40 2000 38 38 5 ± 0.40 2000 40 36 2 ± 0.40 2000 40 34 3 ± 0.40 2000 40 32 4 ± 0.40 2000 40 30 5 ± 0.40 2000 45 41 2 ± 0.40 2000 45 39 3 ± 0.40 2000 45 37 4 ± 0.40 2000 45 35 5 ± 0.40 2000 50 46 2 ± 0.40 2000 50 44 3 ± 0.40 2000 50 42 4 ± 0.40 2000 50 40 5 ± 0.40 2000 60 56 2 ± 0.40 2000 60 54 3 ± 0.40 2000 60 52 4 ± 0.40 2000 60 50 5 ± 0.40 2000 70 66 2 ± 0.60 2000 70 64 3 ± 0.60 2000 70 62 4 ± 0.60 2000 70 60 5 ± 0.60 2000 80 76 2 ± 0.60 2000 80 74 3 ± 0.60 2000 80 72 4 ± 0.60 2000 80 70 5 ± 0.60 2000 90 86 2 ± 0.60 2000 90 84 3 ± 0.60 2000 90 82 4 ± 0.60 2000 90 80 5 ± 0.60 2000 100 96 2 ± 0.80 2000 100 94 3 ± 0.80 2000 100 92 4 ± 0.80 2000 100 90 5 ± 0.80 2000 110 104 3 ± 1.00 2000 110 102 4 ± 1.00 2000 110 100 5 ± 1.00 2000 120 114 3 ± 1.00 2000 120 112 4 ± 1.00 2000 120 110 5 ± 1.00 2000 125 119 3 ± 1.00 2000 125 117 4 ± 1.00 2000 125 115 5 ± 1.00 2000 130 124 3 ± 1.20 2000 130 122 4 ± 1.20 2000 130 120 5 ± 1.20 2000 133 127 3 ± 1.20 2000 133 125 4 ± 1.20 2000 133 123 5 ± 1.20 2000 140 134 3 ± 1.20 2000 140 132 4 ± 1.20 2000 140 130 5 ± 1.20 2000 150 144 3 ± 1.20 2000 150 142 4 ± 1.20 2000 150 140 5 ± 1.20 2000 160 154 3 ± 1.50 2000 160 152 4 ± 1.50 2000 160 150 5 ± 1.50 2000 170 164 3 ± 1.50 2000 170 162 4 ± 1.50 2000 170 160 5 ± 1.50 2000 180 174 3 ± 1.80 2000 180 172 4 ± 1.80 2000 180 170 5 ± 1.80 2000 185 179 3 ± 1.85 2000 185 177 4 ± 1.85 2000 185 175 5 ± 1.85 2000 200 194 3 ± 2.00 2000 200 192 4 ± 2.00 2000 200 190 5 ± 2.00 2000 ※ Be able to customize a variety of colors and sizes. ※ Please click here to see the specifications of our Extruded Polycarbonate Tube.   Q8: Are there any environmental considerations with polycarbonate extrusion? A8: Polycarbonate is a recyclable material, and the recycling of plastic helps reduce the need for new raw materials while reducing the impact of plastic waste on the environment. PC is usually marked with recycling number "7". The recycling numbers of other plastics can be referred to as follows:   Q9: How can I request a quote for polycarbonate extrusion services? A9: To receive a quote, contact us SMEACRYLIC through email:[email protected] provide detailed information about your project, including design specifications, quantities, and any special requirements.   Q10: What quality control measures are in place during polycarbonate extrusion? A10: SMEACRYLIC implement stringent quality control measures, including regular inspections, testing for physical properties, and adherence to industry standards. Certifications such as ISO9001 can indicate a commitment to quality.

Q: SMEACRYLIC packaging       Different from the packaging methods of other factories, 99% of the acrylic products produced by SMEACRYIC are packed in cartons. The advantages of this packaging are: ◆ Convenient warehouse management and control, transparent specifications and quantities. ◆ Properly protect the product to avoid bumps and injuries. ◆ Square arrangement storage, maximize the warehouse. 1. The acrylic sticks are 3-5mm in diameter and are directly bundled in a bundle of 50 pieces. When customers sell, they can save the time for inventory, and increase the strength of the sticks, which is not easy to break.   2. For acrylic rods with a diameter of more than 6mm and acrylic tubes of 8~28mm, each piece is put into a PE bag, which can reduce the risk of friction and scratches on the acrylic rod and strengthen the protection of each acrylic rod/tube. 3. The round tube over 3.30mm is packed with shrink film, and the large tube is then inserted into a round fixed piece to avoid deformation by external force. In addition to slowing down the water absorption of acrylic, it can also reduce the scraping of acrylic fragments during processing and cutting. The risk of injury is not affected by the visual gap between the PE bag and the tube. Always pallet packaging by CFS In order to ensure that the bulk cargo can be safely delivered to the customer, when the bulk cargo is shipped, it must be packaged on pallets to avoid product damage caused by bulk cargo handling. Secured with iron straps. Remarks: Air freight may not necessarily be shipped on pallets due to consideration of customer shipping costs. FCL shipment by sea For customers who leave the whole container, after completing the loading, be sure to pull the rope to protect the goods, and record the photos of the empty container, seal, before and after sealing, so as to ensure the rights and interests of customers.