Edmund Optics® manufactures custom polarizers and retarders in a wide range of shapes and sizes at ITOS, our state-of-the-art German manufacturing site. Polymers can be cut to size and laminated onto or in-between glass and plastic substrates for added stability. A large inventory of common polarizer film types allows for rapid turnaround of small volume orders, typically in 4 to 5 working days. This DIN ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facility also guarantees reliability and high quality in volume production.
Contact us today to speak with our experts for technical support or to request a quotation.
Whether you require small quantities for prototyping or build-to-print high volume for OEM systems, we have the polarizer manufacturing capabilities to ensure the success of your project.
*DIN ISO 2768-1m/c
Notes: The above specifications are the upper limits of achievable performance and can vary slightly. The angular deviation tolerance for linear and circular polarizers, and retarders is up to ±2° of the polarization/retardation direction. The polarization direction is parallel to the first listed dimension. For example, a part sized 50 x 60 mm has a polarization direction is parallel to the 50mm edge.
All polarizers and retarders are delivered with protective films on both sides which must be removed before using in your application.
The fast axis direction of the retarder films is parallel to the first mentioned dimension of the part or, alternatively, will be labelled on the protective film.
We reserve the right to change the technical specifications at any time.
Packaging: Small size parts are bulk packed in clear plastic bags, large polarizing films are flat packed in cardboard boxes; and all non-glass-polarizers are protected by a disposable film on both sides.
On request, we offer our polarizing and retarder films with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), as rolls, or laminated on PMMA or glass. Please refer to the table below for available options for each substrate.
| Material | Film Only | Film with Adhesive | PMMA (Acrylic) Laminated, Single-Sided | Glass Laminated | Rolls | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Sided | Double-Sided | |||||
| XP38 | ||||||
| XP42 | ||||||
| XP42HE | ||||||
| XP40HT | ||||||
| XP44 | ||||||
| CP42HE | ||||||
| WP140HE | ||||||
| WP280 | ||||||
| WP560 | ||||||
All materials, except for XP38, are also available on our product pages in a range of standard sizes as film only.
We offer linear and circular polarizing film laminated between two pieces of optical-grade glass. The laminated product is polished to obtain a smooth and flat finish, thus ensuring its suitability for high-end imaging systems. Polarizers laminated between glass are ideally suited for applications including machine vision and digital imaging. Optional anti-reflective coatings are available upon request.
Does your application require a crossed polarizer assembly? We can laminate polarizers in different polarization axis orientations on a single substrate, for example, to obtain crossed polarizers in front of a camera lens and illumination source. These are ideally suited to reduce glare in your machine vision application. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Filter mounts to easily attach polarizers to a camera lens or other optical equipment are available upon request. The mounts are manufactured from aluminium, brass, or plastic depending on your requirements.
In which thicknesses are the polarizers available?
Are the polarizers shipped with a protective film?
Yes, Edmund Optics has partnered with Polymer film and laminated polarizers are shipped with a protective film on both sides to protect the parts during transport. Depending on the filter type, different protective films may be used. Please ensure that you remove both protective films before using the polarizer.
Does the thickness of the polymer polarizer affect its optical properties?
The polarizing properties of the polymer polarizers are not affected by the thickness of the carrier material, which is optically neutral.
Can I cut the polarizing film to a specific dimension myself?
All polarizing film sheets can be cut using tools such as scissors, a guillotine or a punching tool. This is not recommended for laminated polarizers. Care should be taken when punching holes in self-adhesive films. We also offer cutting the polarizing film to custom dimensions for you.
Is the polarizing film suitable for use with lasers?
No, the polarizing film is generally not suitable for use with lasers and hence we do not specify any LIDT. Some customers have successfully used our polymer polarizers with low-power lasers operating in the visible light spectrum. However, it is at the customers own risk to determine the usability these parts in such applications. While we guarantee the consistent quality of our products, we cannot accept any claims for material damages related to such use.
What is the operating temperature range for the polarizing film?
The polarizing film XP42 contains an iodine dye to obtain its light polarizing function. If the temperature of the film exceeds 80°C the polarizing component will be damaged. For applications up to approx. 100°C we recommend the polarizing film type XP40HT as this contains a modified polarizing component with improved heat resistance.
How can I determine the polarization direction of a polarizing film?
The polarizing direction, also known as the polarization axis, runs parallel to the first mentioned dimension of the polarizing film. For example, a film with the dimension 500mm x 1000mm would have the polarizing direction running parallel to the 500mm side. Square polarizers have the polarizing direction indicated by a sticker on the protective film. In both cases the tolerance is +/- 2°.
Which linear polarizing film is best suited for my application?
For most applications you can use the XP42 linear polarizing film which is the most versatile product in our portfolio of polarizing films. For more demanding applications up to approx. 100°C we recommend the polarizing film type XP40HT. If you require a polarizing film optimized for transmission type XP44 will be best suited, whilst type XP42HE provides the maximum possible contrast.
Is it possible to laminate the polarizing film between glass?
We can offer the lamination of the polarizing film XP42 between glass. Other film types can also be laminated on or between glass. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
What maximum dimensions of polarizing films can you supply? Are rolls available?
Depending on the type of polarizing film required, we can supply sizes up to 500mm x 1000mm and 600mm x 900mm. The film type XP38 is also available 600mm wide on a 5m roll.
Choose from the below polymer polarizer materials, all available for customization.
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