Custom Light Pipes
What are Light Pipes?
Light pipes are components that carry light in a controlled area and defined size from point A to point B with high efficiency. For designs that require multiple indicators, light pipes are an ideal solution due to their low cost, excellent visual communication, and design flexibility.
Unmatched Custom Light Pipe Design Expertise
VCC combines experience and state-of-the-art technology to develop custom designs with proven efficiency. Our multidisciplinary team includes mechanical, optical, and electrical engineers who understand the complexities of light pipe design, such as:
- Materials: We expertly select from a range of optical-grade materials, such as durable polycarbonate and high-clarity acrylic, balancing their refractive properties and resistance to heat or vibration to ensure optimal light transmission and product longevity.
- Placement: The strategic placement of the light pipe's input surface, in precise alignment and close proximity to the LED, is engineered to maximize light capture and transmission efficiency, even when navigating complex paths and space-constrained environments.
- Optical geometry: We sculpt light with precision-molded geometries, from smooth internal surfaces that maximize total internal reflection to unique cross-sections and radii that channel light around obstacles while minimizing loss and managing output distribution.
- Coatings: By applying targeted surface treatments, we can either amplify light transmission through mirrored finishes or strategically diffuse light through textured surfaces to eliminate hotspots, manage light bleed, and ensure a uniform, soft glow.
- Viewing angle: The final design of the exit surface, including its shape and diffusion properties, is customized to achieve the ideal viewing angle for your application, ensuring maximum visibility and uniform illumination for the end-user.
Many factors can impact the overall performance, cost, and life of an indicator. We ask the right questions upfront to ensure your custom light pipe is the perfect fit for the application, environment, and device.
The whole process can take as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 — it all depends on the complexity of the design. VCC collaborates with product designers to deliver custom solutions that exceed their expectations.
Benefits of Well-Designed Light Pipes
Light Pipe Design Process
Step 1: Engineering Drawing
Step 2: Light Simulation
Step 3: Light Pipe Prototype
Step 4: Tooling + Production
Why Choose VCC Custom Light Pipes?
Choosing VCC for custom light pipe solutions means partnering with a team that treats design as a holistic engineering process. Our multidisciplinary team leverages advanced light simulation and rapid prototyping to predict performance, optimize for cost, and ensure durability before production begins. This systematic approach allows them to address complex challenges, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI) and tight space constraints, by separating the light source from the display point. By eliminating the need for costly PCB or panel layout redesigns, VCC's custom solutions can often be more cost-effective than standard alternatives.
Furthermore, our nearshore manufacturing offers tangible benefits, including cost savings, faster delivery, and a reduced supply chain risk, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to a high-performance, manufacturable product.
