Supported by optic specialists IdeaLED, DFO and LEDiL, Sharp will also be introducing the appropriate optics designed especially for the DoubleDome, Zenigata, and MiniZeni series types. The bandwidth of the lenses suitable for Sharp LEDs ranges from selectively focused spotlights to broader spotlights with angles of radiation of about +/- 30°. Even lenses for lamps with three and more LEDs and different attachment methods – screwing, gluing, clipping – are available in the product lines from Sharp’s partners.

IdeaLED has developed a process for the Zenigata modules to connect the optic directly to the module, thus encapsulating the LED module. These so-called “encapsulated Zenigata” LED modules can be used directly as lighting for downlights, for example. To achieve this product diversity, both optic specialists rely on lenses made of special plastics that are designed for temperatures of well over 100°C. Compared to reflector-based optics, lens systems generally have two advantages.

First of all, most lenses are more efficient because all of the LED light is guided through the lens and concentrated there while in the case of reflectors, the portion of light that does not hit the reflector is radiated out, and not concentrated. Secondly, lenses can protect the lighting equipment against dust, dirt, spray water, and mechanical loads so that with lenses lamps can easily achieve the IP 65 safety class. Lenses also offer pricing advantages because expensive galvanisation processes for coating reflectors and covering the optic lens with protective glass are not necessary.

Compared to glass lenses, plastic lenses also have the advantage of being lighter in weight, more malleable and easier to process. Due to the combination of different lens geometries, light cones can also be purposely shaped into lines or crosses, for example. For large quantities, plastic lenses are additionally considerably less expensive than comparable optics made of glass. The products and components are available in Europe.