07/29/18 - Updated with actual examples from the CNC Shop.
06/14/18 - First Posting about Chopper's Lens.
There are a spectrum of colors to choose from when picking a lens for chopper's dome. So far, the limited input I've gotten is that it should be RED.
Given the choice of RED, there are still several contenders that are good candidates. A good place to start looking is the set of RED's on the Acrylite website:
https://www.acrylite.co/index.php/acrylic-products/sheet.html?color=17&product_list_limit=15
That page was chosen because they display the samples with a light source behind the plastic.
Note that some colors of plastics are transparent (see through clearly. 3M031 on the web page above) and translucent (see light, but not an image. Most of the others on the page above). For a video that demonstrates Translucent vs Transparent see: https://www.youtube.com/embed/2LRaKcFvED8
Here are a set of sample images for the versions we've chosen to supply with Chopper's head - with an additional feature.
Here's the logic behind the choices. The 2283 provides a "bright
red" lens option. The cnc shop has added a 50% diffusion layer behind
the 2423 lens.
That will provide a "dark red" option. Peeling off the diffusion layer will provide a "transparent red" option. Three choices for the cost of two!
Here's what the lenses shop has fabricated look like when you get them:
06/14/18 - First Posting about Chopper's Lens.
There are a spectrum of colors to choose from when picking a lens for chopper's dome. So far, the limited input I've gotten is that it should be RED.
Given the choice of RED, there are still several contenders that are good candidates. A good place to start looking is the set of RED's on the Acrylite website:
https://www.acrylite.co/index.php/acrylic-products/sheet.html?color=17&product_list_limit=15
That page was chosen because they display the samples with a light source behind the plastic.
Note that some colors of plastics are transparent (see through clearly. 3M031 on the web page above) and translucent (see light, but not an image. Most of the others on the page above). For a video that demonstrates Translucent vs Transparent see: https://www.youtube.com/embed/2LRaKcFvED8
Here are a set of sample images for the versions we've chosen to supply with Chopper's head - with an additional feature.
 Plexiglass Sheets Colored Transparent Red Sheet 2423 Typically used in darkrooms, LED lighting, tail-lights, and other deep red applications - Sometimes called “Tail Light Red” |
 Plexiglass Sheets Colored Translucent 2283 Red Sheet Color shown is brightly backlit |
That will provide a "dark red" option. Peeling off the diffusion layer will provide a "transparent red" option. Three choices for the cost of two!
Here's what the lenses shop has fabricated look like when you get them:
 The raw plastic is covered with a layer of kraft paper to prevent scratching |
 The Kraft paper on the back of the 2423 panel has been replaced by the covering that protects the diffusion layer |
 you can peel the kraft paper off the front (just handle carefully to prevent scratching) |
 same for the back layers (half of the diffuser layer shown here) |
 Above: both lenses without protective coverings Right: light source used for this example |  |
 Light Red |  Dark Red |
 Above: peeling the diffusion layer off the 2423 plastic NOTE: once you peel it off you won't be able to stick it back on! Right: 2423 without the diffusion layer. |  Transparent "Tail Light" Red |