make some $.....

[coachbigdog]

Hey,is anyone here able to make a reflector for the xm2?I bet you'd sell all you wanted if you did.I'll buy 1st.Let the makin' begin! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif

 

[Chop]

I'm sure that there is already a reflector out there that would lend itself to use in the XM2. It's just a matter of finding the right one. You could probably modify a mini m@g reflector to work, or you could try one of the IMS SO17XA reflectors.

Making a reflector isn't as easy as one might think. It's way more than just cutting a cone into an aluminum cylinder.

 

[idleprocess]

Reflectors are parabolic, complete with some picky calculations about focal point, focus and directrix, diameter, depth, etc.

Just milling a parabolic surface is a challenge without CNC equipment.

If you really need a semi-custom reflector, I suggest looking at Carley's selection of polished aluminum reflectors. They're easy enough to machine, and well-regarded.

 

[andrewwynn]

Reflector Calcualtor Spreadsheet

I'm working on a project and need to make a reflector from scratch... neccessity being the mother of invention, i created a spreadsheet that will calculate a parabola for a reflector.

example chart showing cross-section including a luxeon emitter.

In MY case, the top of the emitter is about .3mm below the bottom of the reflector body, and i wanted the focus to be .5 mm above the base of the emitter dome.. so i needed a 'focus height' of 0.2 mm.

i put the spreadsheet online so people can grab it and modify for their own use.. let me know if it helps you out.... grab it here

I am making a very small reflector for a tasklight... so i want 'flood' action more than spot, you can change the values in the 'a' column to be and sizes you want and generate any size reflector you want.

the 'focus height' is the distance from the base of the reflector to the focus (bright spot on emitter/ filiament)..

the 'offset' is a calculated field.

the 'focus' you can play with the value, or as i did, decide, for example.. how tall you want the edge to be (6mm in this example) and do a 'goal seek' to find the focus needed.

you can grab the file here

there is a more universal version here

(the last one has auto-sizing chart, etc)... set up for about 1inch vs 1/2inch diameter.

Note: you will notice that with LED reflector calculations since the 'hot spot' is so low, you will find very tall reflectors result... you can only 'flatten' it out by rasing the LED or bulb.

-awr