How to texture a reflector?

[Streak]

I have machined a reflector out of aluminium. I would now like to texture the reflector much like the Surefire reflectors.
Does anyone know how this is done? Is it a spray on process, chemical process, vacuum metalising, done at time of manufacture?

I know that there are a few who have tried automotive sprays etc. but if money were not an object how would one achieve the perfect texturing?

I guess the other way to smoothe out the beam would be to leave the mirror finished reflector and use an acrylite lens or apply light diffusing film to the existing lens?

Thanks

Streak

 

[unnerv]

Streak, I a curious on how you machined your reflector. I have been looking for a good way to do it on my home lathe but have not really come up with a good method/tool to get the shape. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RussH]

You might look at Otokoyama's perfect mag reflector. He's having Carley lamps provide them with an orange peel texture. But there was a lot of discussion on it and, IIRC, various methods were mentioned/referenced. He had some Acrylite Lenses for sale, also. Search the B/S/T lights forum & you should find some other search terms to use in other areas of CPF.

 

[darkzero]

I've been "sputtering" reflectors like how Lambda does using Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear and get very good results. You can see one of my Mags pictured here. Also in the same thread, Lamda gives a short "how to" on how to do so (last post).

You can control the amount of "texturing" you want but I prefer not too much texturing as the more the light is diffused the more "throw" you will loose.

I also prefer "textured" reflectors over such as LDF coated lenses. IMO the LDF coated lenses diffuse a bit to much for me or in other words you loose too much "throw" with them. They make nice beams for up close to medium distances, what most flashlights are used for but I like the results of a "sputtered" reflector better. Good diffusing with still a good amount of throw. I prefer lights of the Mag C/D size to have a good amount of throw and leave the smaller pocket sized light to be more on the flood side for up close lighting. Remember, this is just my opinion and tastes. I've never used an Acrylite lens yet so I can't give my experiences on those.

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

Streak,

I'm pretty sure the SF reflectors are vacuum metalized. I have some Carley reflectors that they metalized for me and they are *really* nice. I don't know if they'll do it for your homebuilt or not. Just give them a call, they're pretty friendly folks.

 

[gadget_lover]

I like smooth spill but a tight hot spot. Is it possible to optimize the sputtering by doing only some sections of the reflector? Should I sputter only close to the base of the reflector, or vice-verse?

Or am I wayyyy off base? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I used a metalized Sharpie brand pen last night to clean up some marring of a minimag reflector. The ink has a nice shiny silver look to it. Has anyone tried using one for custom diffusing?

Daniel