Plexiglas is a much more viable option for the material of my final design. In the above image by Pi
Plexiglas is a much more viable option for the material of my final design. In the above image by Pitaya Design, The dichroic treatment of the Plexiglas chair supplies the ambient floors and also walls with unique lighting effects dependent on the incoming light and surfaces on which the particular refracted light is thrown. Plexiglas, or Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a transparent thermoplastic, often used as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Chemically it is a synthetic polymer and has many names such as acrylic glass, Acrylite, Lucite and Perspex. Plexiglas is an economical alternative to polycarbonate when extreme strength is not necessary. It is often preferred because of its moderate properties, easy handling and processing, and low cost. Modified Plexiglas can achieve high scratch and impact resistance. Plexiglas can be made dichroic by coating the polymer in a metallic film. The coating process is completed in a vacuum deposition chamber by vaporizing quartz and metal oxides with an electron beam gun and condensing micro thin layers on the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure. This ties in greatly and enhances the significance of the materials I am using. After further research I found that 3M have actually patented their own dichroic film available for adhesive onto plastics and metals! What better way than to showcase my art in the material made and manufactured by the company I am collaborating with?! Although, this being the case, I may have to transform my artwork into something that exceeds their expectations greatly, as they will have already created some amazing pieces with their product. The below link leads to an explanation of all relevant information surrounding the 3M dichroic film and adhesive product: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSuH8gc7nZxtU582UMY_9evUqe17zHvTSevTSeSSSSSS—&fn=3M+Dichroic+Glass+and+Plastic+Fi Also, considering many halogen bulbs are used with a dichroic filter, it may be beneficial to use one of these to illuminate the Plexiglas sculptures if situated in an area without much natural light. I’m unsure as to whether the multiusage of dichroic materials would have effect on one another, but it could be interesting to observe the coloured light combinations. Also, halogen bulbs would reduce the heating of illuminated objects, since less infrared radiation would be present in the light beam. -- source link
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