Free-form reflector

A free-form reflector (also step reflector ) is a reflector of a directional light source, such as the driving headlamp of a motor vehicle , but also by hand, office or other lamps, whose particular characteristic is that the reflector shape no mathematical rule area corresponds. This type of reflector is composed of a number of surfaces, the shape and size of the individual surfaces being calculated by a computer. The reflector is manufactured by injection molding .

The lamp can be freely adapted to a higher-level shape, such as a body line. With free-form reflectors, asymmetrical illumination can be achieved without the otherwise necessary diffuser . This also increases the usable light intensity. Free-form reflectors were introduced in 1988 and have now largely established themselves as clear glass headlights in automotive lighting, both for design and cost reasons.