Installation Guide
2
Tetra
®
Contour Light Guide Forming Instructions
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
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.
It is recommended to use a heat-
deflecting shield to distribute
the heat evenly. Avoid localized
overheating that may result in
distortion or damage (i.e. bubbling)
of the light guide.
For large bends, use either an industrial
oven or heating blanket. For small bends,
use a heat gun.
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.
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.
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.
Planar
0.75 in. (19mm)
Inside Corner
1 in. (25mm)
Outside Corner
1½ in. (38mm)
Bend Type
Minimum Inside
Bend Radius (r)
r
Option A: Large Bends
Option B: Small Bends
