Neon Lighting
Neon lights are often referred to as neon signs. This is because neon signs are one of the most common uses for neon lights. Neon lights usually come in the form of shaped tubes of glass that are illuminated. Perhaps the most famous use of neon lights is the "open" sign used by shops, restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Neon lights are usually used for advertising business names or decorating an area. Some of the more complex neon signs make use of lighting sequences. These lighting sequences produce the effect that the light or sign is moving. This site is about the manufacturing methods of neon lights.
How Neon Lights are Manufactured
The method through which neon lights are manufactured is rather complex. This is because precise conditions must be met to produce efficient neon lights. The first step in manufacturing neon lights is to design the sign. Once designed, glass benders shape glass tubes according to the design. Electrodes are then attached to the ends of the glass tube. Each electrode has two wires that will electric currents into the tube. The tube is then evacuated of dust, debris, and air with the use of a vacuum pump. This step also creates high currents in the tube, carried by the electrodes. The pressure in the tube is minimized, then it is filled with a noble gas, such as neon, xenon, argon, or helium. The gases to be used in the neon lights depend on the desired color, and certain temperature conditions which have an effect on noble gases. The neon light is then mounted into a power source. When turned on, neon lights produce colors such as purple, blue, red, green, and orange.
