All Categories
History
This section provides an overview for lighting reflectors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 25 lighting reflector manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked lighting reflector companies as of December, 2024: 1.Paul C. Buff, Inc., 2.Genesis Plastics Technologies, Inc., 3.Helander.
Table of Contents
A Lighting Reflector is a device that detects the presence of an object by projecting light from a light emitter and a light receiver facing in the same direction and detecting the light reflected by the object with a light receiver.
A mechanism that uses light to detect an object is generally called a photointerrupter, and refers to a device that has the ability to detect the presence or absence and position of an object by light using a set of light emitters and photodetectors.
Photointerrupters are classified into transmission and reflection types. Transmission type photointerrupters detect objects by intercepting light when it passes between the light emitter and receiver.
Reflective photointerrupters detect light emitted by a light emitter that is reflected by an object and detected by a photodetector.
Since the two are usually distinguished by the term photointerrupter for the transmission type and lighting reflector for the reflection type, this article will focus exclusively on the latter type.
Lighting Reflectors are mainly used to detect objects at close range. They can also be used to detect black-and-white patterns by utilizing the fact that the reflectance of light differs depending on the surface color of the object, or to measure distance, since the signal strength changes depending on the distance between the object and the lighting reflector.
A specific example is the ability to determine whether or not an object is in a given position. This is the case, for example, with the detection of the state of media installation in a disc player. In encoders used in various devices, a circular slit plate with a slit engraved on it is attached to the axis of rotation, and a photo reflector is also used in a mechanism that detects the amount of rotation by counting this slit.
Since there is no object in the chipped portion of the slit, the number of chipped portions can be counted from the light-receiving part's signal. An example of detecting color differences is when a self-propelled robot is used as a sensor in a mechanism that detects the path when it moves along a white guide line.
Another use of a photo reflector is to measure rough distances, an example being the detection of ink or toner remaining in a printer.
Lighting Reflectors consist of a near-infrared LED light-emitting element and a phototransistor or photodiode light-receiving element, both of which are oriented in the same direction. Light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the object to be detected, and the light receiving element detects the reflected light to detect the object.
The intensity of the reflected light depends, in part, on the distance between the object and the lighting reflector. The closer the object and lighting reflector are, the stronger the reflected light will be, so the distance between the object and photointerrupter can be roughly determined from the strength of the reflected light.
In addition, since the reflectance of light varies depending on the color and density of the object, detecting the intensity of the light can also be used to detect differences in color and shading.
1. Ambient Light
Since the light-receiving element of a lighting reflector is structurally designed to face outward, it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that ambient light tends to penetrate into the light-receiving part.
Usually, a visible light cut filter that blocks light with a wavelength of 700 nm or less is installed in the light-receiving part of lighting reflector to reduce the effect of ambient light, but even this does not completely prevent it.
2. Background Influence
Background influence means that the light emitted by the light emitter is reflected by a background object, even if there is no object to be detected, causing false detection by the light receiving element. For example, if a piece of paper passes over a stainless steel or galvanized frame, and the paper's passage is detected, it can happen that the light-receiving signal level without the paper is larger than the light-receiving signal level when the paper is detected.
Therefore, it is desirable for the background to be pitch black or have a large space available.
3. Light Reflectance of the Detected Object
It is important to note that the output level of reflected light varies greatly depending on the type, distance, and size of the object to be detected. Originally, the photocurrent of a reflective photo-micro sensor only provides a current level of several tens to several hundred µA even when detecting an object, so it is necessary to recognize that the output level of the light receiving element itself is low.
It must be noted that even when the surroundings are dark, dark currents and leakage currents flow through the photosensor, and these can reach 10 µA or more with a temperature rise, and these noise levels cannot be ignored relative to the signal level. Particular attention should be paid to objects with low reflectance, as the ratio of signal to noise will be very small.
4. Detection of Small or Transparent Objects
If the object to be detected is small or transparent, the reflected light is weak, so the output signal level of the photodetector is small and may be lost in the noise. It is important to check the specifications of the photointerrupter with regard to the size of the object to be detected.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Paul C. Buff, Inc., founded in Nashville, TN in 1980, is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment. The company's product portfolio includes a wide range of condenser, dynamic, and specialty microphones for versatile recording and live sound applications, mixing solutions for precise control over audio signals, Studio Monitors, portable powers and flash units. Their products are used in sound engineering, music production, broadcasting and entertainment. The company has a national distribution network and a customer support center.
Genesis Plastics Technologies, Inc., founded in Greeley, Colorado in 1971, is a manufacturer of diffuse reflectors and insulators for LED lighting, specialty (ESD) and medical transfer trays. The company's product portfolio includes Lighting Components, Bulk Food Packaging, Medical Packaging, Automotive and other Components, Custom Cold Chain Shipping, and Thermoformed insulators. The company serves markets including Food and beverage, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Helander, established in Lombard, IL in 1936, is a manufacturer of CNC Machines as well as supplier of metal forming and fabricating services. Their product portfolio includes CNC Machines for milling and turning, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and Inconel, used in industries such as HVAC for filtration & separation, medical for laboratory equipment, and vehicle components. The company also offers services that include customer support, quality control and customized services.
NiPro Optics Inc., founded in Irvine, CA , in 2005 is a optical components and thin film coating. The company's product portfolio includes tenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, beam splitters, and polarizers. Their products are used in sed in fiber optics, laser communication systems, and telecommunication networks, medical devices, imaging systems, and diagnostic instruments, and military optics, avionics, and space exploration applications. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
W.R. Kershaw, Inc., is a polycarbonate light globes and cylinders supplier and has a custom blow molding division in Ormond Beach, Florida, since 1982. The company uses materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polysulfone, PETG, and polystyrene to make prodcuts such as globes, bottles, smooth & prismatic cylinders, and containers used for sporting goods, custom bellows, beverages, medicine, and bio-hazard contaminants. The company can mold engineered thermoplastics such as ULTEM, high heat polycarbonate, and resins.
H & H Manufacturing & Metal Spinning, Inc., founded in 1966 and located in Bell Gardens, California, is a manufacturer of metal spinning for industrial and commercial applications. Their selection of products includes the classic RLM light shade, emblem light shade, deep bowl light shade, angle reflector light shade, and shallow dome light shade for various application in industries and settings, including commercial buildings, residential spaces, hospitality venues, and outdoor environments. Their metal spinning enhances the functionality and aesthetics of lighting fixtures, providing efficient light distribution, customization options, and durability.
Lawrence & Frederick, Inc., established in 1990 in the United States, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision machining solutions. They specialize in producing precision components for various industries. With a strong loyalty to excellence, Lawrence & Frederick, Inc. offers a wide range of machining services, including CNC milling and turning, Swiss machining, and wire EDM. Their target audience includes aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors. The company's attention centers on providing machining solutions that meet stringent quality standards. Their unique proposition lies in their skilled team, advanced equipment, and loyalty to delivering precise components that drive industry innovation.
Encore Lighting was established in 2003 and is based in Maspeth, New York, as manufacturer and distributor of exit signs and emergency lighting. The company’s products include surface emergency units, combo units, battery inverter systems, ballasts, and remote heads. The company sells to electrical distributors of fans, millwork, wall and pendant luminaires, exterior architectural cylinders, chandeliers, pendant fixtures, vanity lights and wall sconces. Operating days are Monday to Fridays. The company is closed on weekends.
Competitive Cameras Ltd, founded in Dallas, TX, is a supplier of cameras and accessories. The company's product portfolio includes Digital Cameras that are suitable for photographers of all skill levels, Video Cameras and tools, and Camera Accessories including lenses, tripods, and bags. lenses, tripods, and bags. Their products are used in markets such as film studios, consumer goods, architecture, media and advertisement and E-commerce. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, after-sales support, customer and technical support and delivery.
Barn Door Lighting Outfitters LLC., founded in North Branford, CT in 1995 is a supplier of lighting, grip, electrical equipment and supplies. The company's product portfolio includes Tungsten Fixtures, Tungsten Kits, LED Lights, LED Light Kits and Fluorescent Fixtures. The company serves markets including Automotive, Architecture Consumer Goods, Food and beverage and Construction and Building. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
Technolight, founded in Minnetonka, MN is a supplier of electroluminescent and light panel products. The company's product portfolio includes electroluminescent panels that emit uniform, soft light for eye-catching displays, LED light panels that offer dynamic color options and precise control and Custom Lighting Projects. The company serves markets such as Food and Beverage, consumer goods, Automotive, Real Estate and Trade shows. The company also provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, warehousing and distribution, and customer and technical support.
Southern Lamps, established in 2001 and headquartered in Ocala, Florida serves as a distributor specializing in UV and IR lamps and accessories. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fluorescent, infrared, exposure, sterilization, and UV lamps. Complementing these are UV reflectors, quartz sleeves, and O-rings. Its products find application across multiple industries, from printing, coating, and sterilization to water treatment and photography. Additionally, the company provides equipment services encompassing repair and installation.
Mitronix, Inc. established in Old Tappan, New Jersey in 1985 is a supplier of standard and custom lamp holders, reflectors, and related lighting components. Their product portfolio includes Energy Star & Fluorescent Lampholders, Halogen Lampholders, Metal Halide Lampholders, Stage and Theater Lampholders, and lightning accessories. The company serves industries, including residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and interior design.ranty against faulty materials.The company has a national distribution network and a customer support center.
Shinkoh Electronics, established in 1974, is a manufacturer and retailer of electrical semiconductor products based in Kanagawa, Japan. The company’s product portfolio is composed of photo reflectors, prism photo sensors, photo interrupters, and photo interrupter separator-type & actuator-type. Their products are used in various settings including in amusement machines, slot machines, and cash machines for object detection, button detection, coin/bill passing detection, barcode reading, and mark detection. They are also used in testing equipment and medical and analytical equipment for various mechanism detection, and cover & object detection.
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., established in 1959, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductors and electronic components. The company specializes in producing integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, which caters to industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. The company holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, ensuring quality in their products which are used for various applications, including wireless communication, automotive systems, and industrial automation, providing crucial electronic components for advanced technologies in various industrial and commercial sectors.
CITIZEN ELECTRONICS CO. LTD. is based in Yamanashi, Japan, and is a manufacturer of LED and backlight units that was established in 1975 as a subsidiary of CITIZEN WATCH CO. LTD. The company’s product lineup includes standard and compact chip LEDs, horticulture LEDs for indoor plant growing operations, and deep ultraviolet (UVC) LED assemblies. It also offers dustproof and waterproof tactile switches, along with design and development services for unique customer projects. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the automotive, consumer electronics, industrial equipment manufacturing, and medical device manufacturing industries.
Manfrotto, since 1960, has been a designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting support equipment for professional photographic, theatre, video, and live entertainment markets. The products are camera & drone tripods, motion controllers, memory cards & readers, photographic filters, and lighting control solutions. The company offers collections of photo kits, bags, batteries & chargers, heads, and lighting for photographic styles such as wildlife, commercial, fashion, portrait, and aerial. The company is based in Northern Italy at Cassola and has distribution companies in Germany, France, Italy, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Newport Glass is based in Stanton, California. Newport Glass stocks fabricate from and distribute material made by glass manufacturers such as Hoya, Ohara, Schott Glass, and Corning. Newport Glass serves numerous industries including aerospace, commercial, industrial, electronics, optical, and more. Newport glass specializes in over 30 material categories including fused silica, ceramic, plastic, and over 300 types of optical materials. Additionally, Newport provides services including sawing, refinishing, curve engineering, and custom molded parts.
Stanley Electric, established in 1920 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive equipment, electronic components, and applied electronic products. The company's product portfolio includes headlamps, fog lamps, optical sensors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and various electronic products. These products find applications in various industries, including the automotive industry, electronics, applied electronics, consumer electronics, and general lighting. The company has established its global reach with its head office, laboratories, branches, factories, and other facilities spanning the globe.
Kodenshi Corp. is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949-certified manufacturer of optical devices that was established in 1972 in Kyoto, Japan. The company’s product lineup includes photointerrupters for sensing motion or positioning, photodiodes for converting light into electrical currents, and phototransistors for amplifying currents generated by photodiodes. It also offers encoders for converting motion into digital signals, and photo couplers for noise reduction or signal isolation. The company’s products are commonly used within the private security and transportation sectors, and have additional applications in the automotive industry.
LedGrowShop, founded in Nashville, TN in 2013, is a supplier of LED grow technologies. The company's product portfolio includes complete indoor kits, quantum boards, control units, extension cords and cables and timers. Their products are used for various plant growth stages, precise environmental control, emulating natural sunlight and optimizing photosynthesis and Developing climate control systems that maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. The company has worldwide shipping in Canada, the USA, and Australia and Europe.
Bron Elektronik AG, founded in Allschwil, Basel-Landschaft in 1958, is a supplier of high-performance flash and continuous lighting solutions for professional photographers. The company's product portfolio includes power packs, mono lights, parabolic reflectors and light shapers and Para accessories. Their products are used in markets such as film studios, consumer goods, architecture, media and advertisement and E-commerce. The company exports to about 60 countries and has a distribution network and a customer support center.
CINELIGHT, founded in Romania, is a supplier of LED light, studio lights, and fluorescent lights. The company supplies Fresnel Spotlights, Flood Lights, Soft Lights, Kits and Packs and Accessories. Its products are used for color rendering, adjustable color temperature, and intensity, enabling photographers to capture stunning images with precise lighting control and Enhancing video production with flattering and adjustable lighting setups. The company also provides services such as product selection guidance, fast delivery in Europe, and warranty.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul C. Buff, Inc. |
12.7%
|
| 2 | Genesis Plastics Technologies, Inc. |
11.0%
|
| 3 | Helander |
8.5%
|
| 4 | NiPro Optics Inc. |
6.8%
|
| 5 | Mitronix, Inc. |
6.8%
|
| 6 | Manfrotto |
5.1%
|
| 7 | H & H Manufacturing & Metal Spinning, Inc. |
5.1%
|
| 8 | Shinkoh Electronics |
5.1%
|
| 9 | Encore Lighting |
4.2%
|
| 10 | Technolight |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the lighting reflector page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
13 | 59.1% |
|
Japan
|
5 | 22.7% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 4.5% |
| Cesko | 1 | 4.5% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 4.5% |
| Romania | 1 | 4.5% |
57 products found
57 products
Stanley Electric
220+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Reflective sensor combining infrared LED and light receiving IC ■ Features ･ By changing the resistance value of the external circuit, the detecti...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
UR1000 is a long-range reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Long ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
UR1002 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・Long distance detection possible L=50mm ・...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1003 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・Long distance detection possible L=50mm ・...
Opto Techno Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
■Printed circuit board type surface mount components ・Small size surface mount type of 2.0x5.0x1.3t. - Compatible with individual and taping speci...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1600 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra small, lea...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1606 is a reflective photosensor that uses a red light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra small, lead type...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1620 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Focal length 2.5...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1626 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Small board-in t...
KODENSHI CORP.
500+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
■Photo interrupter A photointerrupter consists of a light-emitting part that emits light and a light-receiving part that receives light. It detects...
8 models listed
Unitech Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1700 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Resistant to cha...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1710 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Resistant to...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1730 is a 3-wavelength reflective photosensor that uses red, green, and blue light emitting diodes and phototransistors. ■Applications ・Sim...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1816 is a long-range, ultra-high resolution reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototra...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1717-01 is a reflective photosensor that detects fluorescent reflection using an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode, converts ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1820 is a long-range, ultra-high resolution reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototra...
KODENSHI CORP.
20+ people viewing
■Photo interrupter A photointerrupter consists of a light-emitting part that emits light and a light-receiving part that receives light. It detects...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1826 is a long-range, ultra-high resolution reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototra...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1703 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and digital light reception. ■Features ・Digital output (voltage...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1706 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Ultraviolet ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1706-01 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Using ult...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1707 is a reflective photosensor that detects fluorescence reflection using an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode, converts th...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
The UR1707-01 is a reflective photosensor that detects fluorescent reflection using an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode, converts ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1100 is a retroreflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Transparent...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1708 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a phototransistor. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Ultravi...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1500 is a retroreflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra-compa...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1708-01 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a phototransistor. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Ultr...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1501 is a retroreflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra-compa...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1709 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode. ■Features ・Connector 4 pin type ・Ultraviolet ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
UR1520 is a retroreflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Transparent...
