[sdiy] RE: light pipe design?

[Tim Parkhurst]

Hmm, that's a tough one. I remember seeing a SolidWorks add on for
doing optical design, but from what I recall, it was more geared
towards your standard lens problems. Still, I would look to that sort
of program for the capability you're looking for. Otherwise, there are
fluid dynamics add ons (FloWorks) that MIGHT be useful for a light
pipe. Yeah, I know, that one was a real shot in the dark, but might be
worth looking at the demo. Besides that, I think a lot of guess work
is involved. I'm sure the various plastics vendors can at least give
you some basic info on optical properties of recommended materials.

Tim (built a light pipe into a product, but never designed one from
the ground up) Servo


On Thu, Aug 20, 2009 at 11:44 AM, Barry Klein<Barry.L.Klein at wdc.com> wrote:
> Given the experience and occupations of those here are so varied, I wonder
> if any of you have experience with light pipe design for front panels and
> user interfaces.
> What software packages if any can perhaps take Solidworks models or crude
> first generation models and represent lighting effects?  Something that
> takes losses due to dispertion angles, types of materials, tranparencies,
> etc. and helps you learn the basics of appropriate light pipe design?  This
> is often a last thought of aspect of product design and yet it is so
> critical to the success of the overall product look...
>
> Barry
>
>
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