Made of high quality optical grade material, LX-57B offers excellent radiation protection and high light transmittance. Hard, polished surfaces offer greater scratch resistance and superior visual clarity. Unlike other radiation shielding products, LX-57B will not discolor due to radiation exposure. With LX-57B, the choice is CLEAR.
Largest Inventory in North America
Stock sizes from 8" x 10" up to 48” x 96”
Industry's Fastest Lead Times
3-5 Business days (Rush service available)
Properties
-
Minimum density: 4.36 (g/cm³)
-
Refractive index (Nd): 1.71
-
Thermal expansion coefficient: 80 X 10-7 /°C (30- 380°)
-
Knoop hardness: 370
Thickness and Lead Equivalent
*Lead equivalent is guaranteed in (mmPb). The converted fraction (in.) is less than the lead equivalent (mm Pb); fraction is approximate.
Stock Sizes
Uses and Applications
Medical
Used in the medical field for X-ray observation equipment, electron beam/plasma generators and X-ray TV detectors. LX lead glass protects doctors and staff from X-ray irradiation with no glass discoloration or deterioration in viewing quality. Use of the larger size LX windows facilitates remote control of X-ray equipment.
Industrial
LX is used in airport luggage inspection equipment as well as in radiation testing equipment for industrial products.
Nuclear
LX observation windows are used at radioactive storage stations, nuclear fuel development and reprocessing plants, and for applications near nuclear reactors.
LX-57B Lead Glass vs. Acrylic/Plastic
Relative Thickness
For the same lead equivalent, acrylic/plastic has to be approximately five times thicker than LX-57B lead glass - significantly reducing observation capabilities. For example, at 1.8mm-2.0 mm Pb, lead glass would be 5/16” thick. Acrylic/plastic would be approximately 1-1/2” thick for the same protection. The extra thickness of acrylic/plastic may require special framing. LX-57B fits standard sized frames.
Resistance to Discoloration
Acrylic/plastic discolors when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Acrylic/plastic is also susceptible to discoloration from chemicals in everyday use, such as cleaning materials...or even smoke. LX-57B glass suffers no discoloration due to radiation and has a high chemical resistance as well. The durable LX-57B glass retains its appealing visual clarity.
Weight Factor
For the same size requirement and lead equivalent, acrylic/plastic has nearly twice the weight of glass (1.8 times).
Light Transmittance
For the same lead equivalent, glass transmits more light than acrylic/plastic.
Combustibility
LX-57B is an incombustible material because it’s glass. Acrylic/plastic is combustible. When acrylic/plastic burns, it emits toxic fumes. When acrylic/plastic is cut, it may emit toxic fumes. This does not happen with LX-57B lead glass.
Surface Hardness
Both surfaces of LX-57B glass are polished. Using Mohs’ hardness scale, LX-57B tests at level 6 (compatible to feldspar, a constituent of granite). Acrylic/plastic test at level 3 (equivalent to calcite, a constituent of limestone and chalk).
Abrasive Resistance
LX-57B has greater resistance to scratches because of it’s hard surface. Unlike glass, acrylic/plastic can be easily be scratched in cleaning because of it’s softer surface, reducing its light transmittance and clarity.
Specifications
Acceptance Manufacturers All radiation shielding glass shall be LX-57B as supplied
by Amerope.
Materials
LX-57B shall be of lead barium type glass of high quality optical grade with over 60 percent heavy metal oxide, including at least 55 percent PbO.