Custom TIR Glass Lenses
A total-internal-reflection lens places the LED or other source near an entrance cavity. Light entering the central region passes through refracting surfaces, while light reaching the outer sidewall is redirected by total internal reflection. The exit surface then forms the required beam.
Glass TIR optics are used where the lens must combine compact beam control with thermal and environmental stability. China Lampoptics evaluates the complete source-to-lens geometry rather than treating the optic as a generic diameter.
Beam Distributions
| Distribution | Optical result | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow spot | Concentrated center beam | Spotlights, searchlights and long-throw fixtures |
| Medium beam | Balanced intensity and field width | General and industrial lighting |
| Wide beam | Broad field from a compact source | Indoor, high-bay and area lighting |
| Oval beam | Different horizontal and vertical spread | Corridors, vehicle warnings and wall washing |
| Asymmetric beam | Directs more light to one side of the optical axis | Street, perimeter and task lighting |
Source and Lens Interface
| LED / emitter model | ____ |
|---|---|
| Emitting area | ____ mm |
| Spectrum / wavelength | ____ |
| Entrance cavity | ____ |
| Axial source position | ____ mm |
| Lateral tolerance | ____ mm |
| Tilt tolerance | ____ |
| Mechanical holder / seat | ____ |
| Clearance at operating temperature | ____ |
| Adhesive or retaining method | ____ |
Changing LED package, emitting area or source position can change the beam even if the same lens is used. Photometric approval must therefore record the source and its mechanical location.
Optical Specifications
| Target intensity distribution | ____ |
|---|---|
| Beam angle definition | ____ |
| Peak intensity | ____ |
| Optical efficiency | ____ |
| Cutoff / stray-light limit | ____ |
| Glass refractive index | ____ |
| Transmission band | ____ |
| Exit surface | Smooth / structured ____ |
A photometric file or measured intensity map is a better functional acceptance reference than beam angle alone, especially for asymmetric and cutoff distributions.
Molding and Photometric Validation
Lampoptics develops the entrance cavity, reflective sidewall, exit surface and mechanical seat in one mold coordinate system. Controlled annealing follows forming before dimensional and optical evaluation.
Available glass grades, surface-form tolerances, cavity limits and photometric test capability are ____. Coating can be evaluated for project-specific spectral or surface requirements.
TIR Glass Lens Processing
Source Matching
The LED package, emitting area, source position and target beam define the entrance cavity and TIR surface.
Optical Tooling
The cavity, reflective profile and mounting datum are transferred into precision molding tools.
Glass Molding
The complete optical form is molded while controlling fill at steep surfaces and around the source cavity.
Photometric Validation
Dimensions, source alignment and the far-field beam are compared with the approved optical target.
Applications
- Spot and track lighting: compact narrow and medium beams
- Street and area lighting: asymmetric distributions
- High-bay and industrial lighting: medium and wide beam families
- Vehicle and warning lights: oval, asymmetric and colored beams
- Stage lighting: high-intensity collimation and beam shaping
TIR Glass Lens FAQs
What does TIR mean?
TIR means total internal reflection, where light striking an internal glass surface above the critical angle is redirected without a reflective coating.
Does one TIR lens work with every LED?
No. The emitting area, package height, spectrum and source position all influence the beam.
Can TIR glass lenses produce asymmetric beams?
Yes. Freeform sidewalls or exit surfaces can create oval or asymmetric distributions; the required intensity map is ____.
How is the beam approved?
Use the defined source, drive condition, source position, test distance and a target photometric file or intensity limits.
What TIR sizes can Lampoptics mold?
The current Lampoptics size, cavity and weight range is ____.
