For years trafficlights have been changed out for updated LED display with polycarbonate lenses. Glass trafficlight lenses are still manufactured by a number of companies such as Copp Glass however they are too expensive from a practical reuse standpoint.
12” and 8” Trafficlight lenses have a beveled rim to receive a rubber gasket to set into the traffic signal housing. When recycling or upcycling trafficlight lenses there is little use for these as they are dirty and weathered.
12” and 8” Trafficlight lens
es performed texture as part of the manufacturing requirements to refract the light and have a nice even lighting pattern when rear lit.
Some lenses come with arrows or test blocked out. These traffic light lenses usually usually have the arrow manufactured into the glass pattern an they have a rubber coating laminate on the back of the lens. Sometimes this coating becomes brittle and cracks or de-laminates to the glass.
Depending on exposure particularly in coastal towns or desert locations, some trafficlight lenses are dulled by constant pelting and sandblasting from wind blown sand. These tend to be less desirable lenses for upcycling.
Colors vary due to manufacturing and exposure to sun and weather conditions. For the most part the colors are not exactly red yellow green. The beauty of seeing trafficlight lenses up close and in upcycled uses in your kitchen or patio is they are infact ruby red, warm amber and blue.
Drilling is very difficult as cracks along the bias or stress cracks easily develop as the drill heats up or applies pressure at one location. It is typical for a crack to develop along the performed surface and the lens simple breaks it 2 clean & sharp pieces. Great care must be used when drilling through trafficlight lenses. Fortunately they are not tempered or laminated in their manufacturing or they would explode when drilling.
Some upcycle websites that explore repurposed products.
50 fabulous blogs about upcycling
100 Amazing Upcycled Ideas
