DIY LED Edge Plastic

Edge lit plastic displays offer a dramatic effect.

Edge lit plastics create a dramatic effect for signage and other custom displays. Light can get trapped in certain types of glass and plastic, enabling technologies such as fiber optics to exist. Edge lighting plastic is actually not extraordinarily difficult, requiring rudimentary skills with a rotary cutting tool.

Things You'll Need

• LED
• Rotary cutting tool
• Aluminum tape
• Plastic sheet

Instructions

1. Cut a notch in one edge of the plastic equal to the length of the LED, using the rotary cutting tool.

2. Grind off 2/3 of the LED's outer shell, creating a wedge-shaped light. Use caution as you get closer to the internal filaments to ensure you don't snag or break them.

3. Cut a piece of aluminum flashing tape long enough to wrap around the edge of the plastic you are illuminating. Stick it to one side of the plastic only.

4. Press the LED to the tape in the notch on the edge of the plastic. Wrap the tape around the plastic and LED, securing it to the plastic.

5. Connect the two LED leads to the wires of the device controlling the light as directed by the device's manufacturer.

References

• Grathio Labs: Edge Lighting Displays
• Signs Aglow: Edge Lit Signs Explained