Specifications

Guide to Selecting and Using Dymax UV Light-Curing Systems
C
C
O
O
O
O
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L
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B
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L
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U
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E
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™
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D
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E
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S
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I
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I
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N
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G
a
a
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U
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V
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L
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I
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H
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T
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-
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C
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U
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There are several factors to consider when designing a UV light-
curing process.
Intensity – A well-designed UV light-curing process incorporates
a curing system with excess intensity. Excess intensity provides
both a safety margin and long bulb life. See page 18 “Setting Up
and Monitoring a Light-Curing Process” for specific intensity and
safety margin guidelines.
Spectral Output – It is important to match the spectral output of
the lamp to the material and application. Dymax supplies both
shortwave bulbs (also called Mercury or “H”) and longwave bulbs
(also called Metal Halide or “D” bulbs). In general, longwave
bulbs emit primarily UVA providing superior depth of cure, while
shortwave bulbs emit primarily UVB/UVC providing superior
surface cure for coatings and inks. Longwave bulbs are
recommended for most applications involving Dymax materials.
Curing Area – The size of the area to be cured may dictate which
type of lamp is appropriate. Spot lamps are typically used to cure
areas less than ½" (12.7mm) in diameter. Flood or focused-beam
lamps are used when curing large areas (up to 8" x 8" (203.2 mm
x 203.2 mm)). Multiple flood lamps or conveyors can be used to
cure even larger areas.
Avoid Creating a “Bottleneck” – Ideally, the UV light-curing
process is designed to be faster than the limiting or “bottleneck”
step in the overall manufacturing process. Dispensing,
assembling, testing, or packaging parts while other parts are
curing, will maximize efficiency.
Curing Multiple Parts Simultaneously – In some cases, it is
more efficient to cure many small parts simultaneously using a
flood or conveyor than to cure each part individually. For
example, a spot lamp may cure one small part every three
seconds (or 20 parts-per-minute) whereas a flood lamp may cure
20 small parts every 15 seconds (or 80 parts-per-minute).
Multiple Cure Stations – On an automated production line where
the required cure time exceeds the index/cycle time, multiple cure
stations can be used. For example, if a part requires nine seconds
to cure and the index/cycle time is only three seconds, each part
can be cured for three seconds beneath three separate lamps.
Brief interruptions during cure are acceptable.
Safety – Proper equipment set-up and operator training are the
keys to developing a safe light-curing process. Always follow the
operation manual to ensure safe installation. Proper shielding,
protective equipment, and eye protection are required to ensure a
safe UV light-curing process.
Controls – Unless exposed to light of sufficient wavelength,
intensity, and duration, most light-curing materials will remain
uncured. To insure a consistent exposure time, timed shutters are
standard on spot lamps and available for most flood and focused-
beam systems. A digital speed controller on Dymax conveyors
insures consistent exposure times.
Lamp intensity should be regularly monitored with a radiometer.
Bulb replacement and/or appropriate lamp maintenance should be
conducted when intensity dips below a pre-determined minimum
value.
Bulb Life – The cost of replacement parts can be an important
consideration when selecting a light-curing system. Generally,
low bulb-replacement costs are achieved by selecting a lamp with
intensity to spare, thereby extending allowable bulb life.
price per bulb x frequency = bulb replacement cost
Dymax UV Light-Curing Spot Lamps are
Ideal for Automation!
Page 7