GE
Light Guide
Lighting Solutions
®
Tetra
Contour
Forming Instructions
LED Lighting System
(GEXNLG15, GERDXNLG15, GEPOXNLG15, GEYAXNLG15, GELGXNLG15,
GEGLXNLG15, GEBLXNLG15)
Step 1:
Preparation
Remove the protective film from the light guide.
1
Cut the light guide to the required length using a
3
hacksaw, chop saw (cross cut or veneer blade only),
band saw, or other appropriate plastic cutting tool.
imagination at work
Mark the light guide at the required length, adding
2
0.5 in. (13mm) for every 16 in. (406mm) to account
for shrinkage during the forming process.
Silicone Bend-Aid
Fill the entire light guide channel with the GEXNBA
4
Silicone Bend-Aid(s) and press into place. Bend-Aid
must be installed prior to heating and forming.
NOTE: The GEXNBA Silicone Bend-Aid is reusable.
CAUTION: DO NOT heat and form the light guide
with the light engine installed.
Installation Guide
Step 2:
For large bends, use either an industrial oven or heating blanket.
For small bends, use a heat gun.
CAUTION: Avoid direct contact between hot materials and
exposed skin or combustibles. Use heat resistant gloves while
heating and/or handling any hot materials.
CAUTION: DO NOT use an open flame to heat the light guide.
Heating and Forming
Option B: Small BendsOption A: Large Bends
Bend Type Minimum Bend Radius
Planar 0.5 in. (13mm)
Inside Corner 1.0 in. (25mm)
Outside Corner 1.5 in. (38mm)
Heat gun
Preheat the heating equipment to
300°F (149°C). Heat light guides
approximately 6-15 minutes until
soft and pliable. Bend the light
guide over a printed pattern, routed
template, or use free-forming. A
clean flat insulated surface (wood
or laminated countertop) will help to
prevent twisting or bowing. See the
chart above for minimum bend radius
guidelines.
Allow the light guide to cool by natural convection or lightly forced cool air (i.e. fan). Remove the Bend-Aids for reuse. In
order to remove any minor surface flaws, perform a light sanding using 400 grit sandpaper. Flared or deformed ends can
be trimmed. The light guide is now ready for light engine installation.
NOTE: DO NOT remove the Bend-Aids until the light guide has completely cooled.
NOTE: DO NOT subject heated light guide to freezing or quenching in water.
Part 1: Move the section back and
forth while rotating about the
diameter until it is soft and pliable.
Gently bend to the desired angle.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a
heat-deflecting shield to distribute
the heat evenly.
NOTE: Avoid localized overheating
that may result in distortion or
damage (i.e. bubbling) of the light
guide.
Part 2: The workable forming time is
about 2–3 minutes. The light guide
must remain in the desired position
until completely cooled. See the chart
above for minimum bend radius
guidelines.
GE Lighting Solutions • 1-888-MY-GE-LED • www.gelightingsolutions.com
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GE Lighting Solutions is a subsidiary of the General Electric Company. Tetra is a trademark of GE Lighting Solutions. The GE brand and logo are trademarks of the General Electric Company.
© 2011 GE Lighting Solutions. Information provided is subject to change without notice. All values are design or typical values when measured under laboratory conditions.
SIGN025-R120310
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