Prisms have a variety of applications in industries from optics to electronics. The basic function of a prism is to refract light, breaking it into the colors of the spectrum. Most prisms are made from glass but there are prisms made from other materials, such as crystal. Crystal prisms are mostly used for jewelry and chandeliers, but there are industrial uses as well.

The main consideration when choosing the material of a prism is to make sure that it is transparent enough to absorb the wavelengths of light and break up the colors. Here are some other things to consider when choosing prisms:

1. The precise size of prism you need.

2. What specific application your will use it for. For instance, you can find prisms for an optical machine that works with refracted light.

3. What type of material it is made out of. You might use glass for optics, or crystal for electronics.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy prisms from a reputable dealer

Glass prisms and crystal prisms are an important part of many industrial tools and consumer products, such as binoculars. To get the best prisms, whether glass or crystal, choose a reputable dealer that can get you the products that you need fast, and for a good price.

I recommend: Kopp Glass and Indigo Instruments are two great companies that provide you with quality products and fast service.

Choose crystal prisms for lasting performance

A crystal prism, depending on the application, may hold up better in the long run than a regular glass prism. A crystal prism gives you the same quality of light refraction, but it's more resistant to scratching. Crystal prisms for industrial applications are also much smaller than glass prisms, so they're ideal for use in electronic devices.

I recommend: You can find crystal prisms to fit many applications from Southern Tool, where prism accessories are also available. You can also find great products from the McMillan Optical Company.

Find optical prisms to use in industrial capacities

When you choose from prism suppliers, look at the quality of the products they offer. The surface needs to be durable, because even one scratch can cause the prism to malfunction. Also look for the specific shape you need. Many prism manufacturers can cut custom prism shapes, such as prisms that fit into right angles in a machine, or other uncommon shapes.

I recommend: You can choose from a variety of custom styles from the Tower Optical Corporation. JBV Optics has a large catalog that includes many shapes and sizes of prisms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure to double check measurements for the space where the prism fits before submitting your order. This way, you'll get exactly what you need from your prism distributors.