UV Polymer Curing

UV Polymer curing is a process that uses UV light to alter the properties of a polymer, or photopolymer.  A photopolymer is the term for a polymer that responds to UV light, which is basically invisible electromagnetic radiation.  When a photopolymer, which can be a variety of resins, is exposed to the UV radiation, it will typically harden and seal, creating a strengthened surface or an unbreakable bond.

UV Polymer Curing Applications

UV Polymer curing is used in many industrial applications to instantly dry ink or to create a hardened surface without use of solvents or chemicals.  Some common examples of useful applications include:

• Adhesive Bonding

• Inks / Varnishes / Lacquers

• Decorative Glazes

• Coatings

• Label Printing

• Graphic Designs

• Disinfection of Medical Equipment

These are just a few of the many industries that are using UV lamps for curing various polymers.  There are many additional applications for UV curing, and more and more businesses are seeing the benefit of this process.  UV curing was first introduced in the 1960’s, and it is increasingly being adopted by companies as there are many advantages over prior methods of curing polymers.

Curing Lamps

There are three types of UV lamps used for UV polymer curing.  High Pressure UV (HPUV), Medium Pressure UV (MPUV), and Amalgam Lamps.  High Pressure (HPUV) curing lamps are also referred to as Metal Halide lamps, and use mercury with short wavelength outputs.  The HPUV lamps are typically used for the altering of polymers by hardening resins in many of the applications mentioned above.  Medium Pressure lamps (MPUV) are often used for water and air disinfection purposes, while Low Pressure Amalgam lamps are typically used for curing catatonic inks which are inks that are typically an epoxy based resin and respond to UV lighting.  LightSources and our European partner, LightTech, are proud to have pioneered new pellet technology for amalgam lamps.

There are so many benefits to using UV lights for curing it will be difficult to list them all.  We can begin with efficiency.  Imagine a conveyor belt full of parts passing under a UV light as they head to their next destination, possibly quality inspection or packaging.  While no one touched the parts, sprayed solvents on them, or even laid eyes upon them, they underwent a very important process.  Just by passing under the lights, the surface was hardened and strengthened, a strong scratch-resistance texture was enhanced, and any printing or graphic design needing reinforcement was just instantly dried and strengthened.

Now imagine a different manufacturer that does not use UV curing.  They must have an assembly line with people spraying solvents on the parts, requiring face masks and ventilation and still exposing the employees to harmful chemicals in the air and on the skin.  This also opens the door for human error, uneven coating, and inconsistency.

As you can clearly see from these two examples, the efficiency of UV curing is definitely one of the most valuable benefits.  This efficiency also leads to increased production speeds as several parts can be treated at once simply by passing under a row of the proper high intensity UV lighting.   Choosing to cure your parts with UV lighting will increase your output dramatically, while not requiring an investment in an increased labor force, workstation for an added process, or supplies of chemicals that are most likely harmful to the environment.

In addition to efficiency and cost savings, consistency is another big advantage of using UV curing over any other process.  With UV lighting, the amount of exposure is constant, and consistent.  There is no chance of human error in applying an outer coating unevenly on a large amount of parts.  This consistent process results in less quality issues such as internal rejects and the worst rejects of all, customer returns and complaints.   A consistent process is something that all quality minded OEM’s are searching for as consistency results in superior quality, time and again.

Efficiency and consistency are and should always be a top consideration for any production process, (both result in increased profits), but let’s not forget an even more important benefit – the health and safety of your workers and the environment.  Simply by using UV radiation to cure your parts, you are saving your employees from inhaling harmful chemicals, you are not emitting pollutants into the air, and you also do not have to worry about properly storing or disposing of such harmful chemicals.   Any chemical substance on a worksite must be handled with proper storage and disposal guidelines, while maintaining material safety data sheets on the chemical or solvent.

Not only does the increased efficiency and consistency provide an instant return on your investment and a quick increase to the bottom line, not purchasing, storing, disposing of or documenting alternative substances is also a huge savings, and instant increase in profitability.

With all of these benefits, it is difficult to imagine why a manufacturer would choose an alternative method over UV polymer curing.   Efficiency, consistency, safety, less regulations, increased profits, and last but not least – longevity.   LightSources UV curing bulbs will retain their energy output up to 90% of their end of life cycle, enhancing and prolonging all other financial benefits.  As we all know, time is money.  Less time spent processing parts, or replacing bulbs, is an immediate increased profit.

LightSources in the United States, and our European partner, LightTech, provide quality custom UV bulbs to OEM’s large and small all over the world.   If one of our standard sizes does not fit your application, contact us to see how we can assist you in providing custom built bulbs for your required process.   LightSources and LightTech are also the only manufacturer to offer universal installation.   Our lamps can be installed either horizontally or vertically while maintaining equal efficiency.  This feature is exceptionally critical when applying the UV polymer curing process to three dimensional parts, allowing an even exposure to the UV radiation reaching what were previously hidden dimensions.

LightSources in the U.S. and our strategic partner in Europe, LightTech represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV air treatment systems that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about our wide selection of lamps

UV Drying Lamps Provide Cost Savings Through Efficiency

UV Drying Lamps

UV drying lamps (or UV curing lamps) are a very important component of the production process in many industries around the globe. Industrial applications of UV drying lamps include:

Automakers

Automakers use UV drying lamps for curing polymers such as specialty resins, inks and varnishes.  When certain polymers are exposed to UV wavelengths, a photochemical process referred to as cross linking occurs producing a hardened and strengthened finish.  This process is used to create hardened gloss surfaces on visible interior parts, or to strengthen plastic parts used in certain assemblies.

UV curing gives automakers a big time saving advantage, as most products treated with UV radiation are cured and touchable within two minutes of time.  This keeps the assembly line moving, with no bottleneck occurring at a treating station.

The Printing Industry 

UV curing of inks is being used instead of solvent based inks in the printing industry, with great benefits.  While solvent inks shrink when drying and evaporate into the air, UV drying lamps provide a consistent clean and crisp finish for various products including glossy postcards, magnets, calendars, and even plastic or wood products.

Packing Companies

Corrugated manufacturers realize the benefit of utilizing UV curing to instantly dry the ink on their packaging products.  This provides a clean crisp vibrant print color, and dries much faster and more consistently than infrared heat drying.  Increased output equals increased profitability.

Flooring

UV light is used to cure concrete, vinyl, and tiles to improve stain resistance and increase the durability of the flooring product.  This process is extremely effective with no toxic odor from chemical treatment, and allows for immediate occupation making it possible to walk on the floor within minutes of treatment.

Other Applications of UV Lighting

UV lamps are also used in various disinfection and purification systems, providing high performance with no use of chemicals. Here are some examples:

UV Disinfection of Medication Equipment

Ultraviolet germicidal treatment of medical equipment includes treating test strips, dialysis machines, syringes, hearing aids, and various other medical devices requiring disinfection.

Air Purification with UV Treatment

Many settings where clean air is critical such as hospitals utilize UV air purification systems to effectively remove harmful contaminants in the air, making it easier to breathe for some people and reducing the likelihood of transmitting bacteria through airborne illnesses.

Water Treatment with UV-Based Solutions

UV water treatment systems have long been utilized as a safe and effective method of providing clean drinking water in public water treatment plants.  UV lamps also provide a safe and very effective method of eradicating harmful microorganisms in ships ballast water.

LightSources Provides UV Lamps for All Applications

LightSources, and our European Partner, LightTech, are global leaders in developing and manufacturing UV lamps with proprietary technology, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for a multitude of industrial applications.

Low Pressure Mercury Lamp

There are different types of UV lamps for different applications.  The most common type of a UV germicidal bulb is our low-pressure mercury lamp.  This lamp is filled with a small amount of mercury, and either Argon gas or a mixture of gases such as Neon, Krypton or Xenon, providing a specific UV wavelength for your requirement.   Most UV germicidal applications require an effective germicidal wavelength at 254 nm (nanometer), while some applications call for a different exact wavelength for a specific application.

Some benefits of the LP mercury lamp include various options in either standard or high-output quartz lamps, standard or high-output soft glass compact lamps.  Our softglass lamps can operate on lower currents while maintaining high germicidal efficiency, and all of our LP mercury lamps have exceptionally high performance throughout a long-lasting life of up to 13,000 hours.

Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Low-pressure amalgam lamps can yield three times the output of UVC compared to other similar lamps. LightSources has developed patented LongLife™ pellet amalgam technology, which provides greater UVC intensity even in dimming mode, providing cost savings in energy efficiency.  Our LP amalgam lamps provide superior efficiency over a long life of up to 16,000 hours.

Our low pressure amalgam lamps are often used in water and air purification, disinfection procedures, and disinfection applications within the medical industry.   Our amalgam lamps are an important part of water treatment systems for ships ballast water, providing an effective solution to shipping companies’ requirement of compliance to the Ballast Water Treatment Convention.

Medium Pressure Ultraviolet Lamps (MPUV)

Medium-pressure UV lamps have long been used to instantly cure inks, varnishes and coatings.  Over the last decade improvements in technology in MPUV lamps have expanded use into water and air purification and disinfection applications, and to irradiate energy such as visible light, at various wavelengths.

LightSources provides MPUV lamps in various standard sizes, or our expert engineers can custom design a system just for your needs.  MPUV lamps are popular for ship ballast water treatment systems as they carry a small footprint.

Value Added Services

The LightSources Group includes partners around the globe, providing innovative solutions for various OEM applications with quick turn around and patented technology.  LightTech utilizes a specialty glass manufacturing facility in Hungary, where custom products can be designed for your engineering requirements.  Strategic partners like Cerlux provide custom ceramic bases and fittings, Voltarc is a world leader in specialty neon and fluorescent signs and LCD Lighting specializes in backlighting for avionic display applications, and miniature high-performance lighting applications.

LightSources and its affiliated companies – LCD Lighting, Voltarc, LightTech, and Cerlux represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our standard lamps and components as well as customized products offer high-quality solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about our wide selection of lamps.

UV Adhesive Curing Offers Powerful Benefits

UV adhesive curing is recognized as one of the most advantageous methods for quickly curing adhesives, offering powerful benefits with seemingly endless applications. UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can be broken down into various wavelengths between 10 and 400 nanometers, commonly referred to as UVA, UVB, or UVC lighting.

The electromagnetic properties of ultraviolet wavelengths are so powerful they can instantly cure (dry and harden) many different types of materials, including polymer resins, adhesive coatings, and inks and varnishes. During a recent industry seminar on advanced UV applications, experts highlighted how this technology is also being adopted in emerging markets such as digital entertainment, where platforms like il miglior casinò crypto are utilizing cutting-edge solutions to enhance user security and transaction speeds. The specific wavelengths, referred to as nanometers (nm), possess unique properties that make them ideal for a wide range of applications, including these innovative integrations.

UVC lighting arrives in shorter wavelengths at 200 to 280nm, and is typically used for germicidal, disinfection and purification applications, instantly eradicating harmful bacteria and viruses from air and water. UVA (315-400nm) and UVB (280-315nm) lighting have several useful applications as they create a photochemical reaction with an endless list of polymers and adhesives, providing impressive financial and environmental benefits.

LightSources is a global leader and supplier of all various forms of UV lighting applications contributing valuable research and products to OEM’s worldwide for all UV curing applications, including UV adhesive curing.

Applications Using UV Curing for Adhesives, Filling and Bonding

Several manufacturing processes are using UV adhesive curing for applications including:

• Medical and Dental Devices

• When consistent quality and disinfection is required for items such as optical lenses and disinfected devices for the medical and dental field

• Aerospace

• UV adhesive curing provides clear optical quality coupled with strength and durability in extreme temperature conditions

• Military

• Complex precision applications require long lasting durability and dependability in extreme conditions

• Electronics

• Adhesives may be used to cover vital electrodes, where a peel off film may be required to remove easily for installation, while providing reliable protection during packaging and transport

• May be used as permanent adhesive for bonding glass, metal and plastics providing a long shelf-life

• Fiber Optics

• UV lighting provides a tight seal when assembling fiber optic cable into glass tubing

• Promotes consistent LED or LCD lighting by providing instant bonding of glues and fillers with glass tubing and wire connectors

• Ink-Jet Printing

• UV curing is used to instantly dry inks in several printing applications onto papers, brochures and various card stock

• Labeling on Products

• Instantly dries inks and varnishes in company logos affixed to products in various forms including plastics, glass and adhesive labels

Advantages of UV Adhesive Curing

Environmentally Friendly

Using UV radiation for curing adhesives, inks, glues and bonds gives tremendous advantages to manufacturers, OEM’s large and small. UV curing is obviously better for the environment than using solvents.

It can also be a good investment. With the purchase of long lasting bulbs, you can replace the need for purchasing solvents, maintaining inventory, maintaining a workforce to administer applications, providing safety equipment to your work force for the pollutant, and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets for the purchased chemicals.

Provides a Consistent High Quality Process

UV treatment provides a consistent process with instant drying minimizing shrinkage of the original application, resulting in a high gloss durable coating, in seconds. Curing with chemical coatings does not provide a consistent process as it allows for shrinking. Conventional evaporation drying techniques may incur up to 50% shrinkage of the initial application.

Using UV curing provides a consistent process thus resulting in a quality part.

Available for All Over Treatment on 3-D Parts

LightSources has skilled designers and engineers on staff that can assist you in developing a custom-built system allowing you to treat three dimensional parts with consistent effective results.

Our lamps can be installed either vertically or horizontally with equal efficiency, providing full coverage to critical areas on three dimensional parts.

We have universal connectors, or can develop custom installation fittings to match your equipment.

Higher Profits with Increased Efficiency

Installing a UV treatment system will yield many financial benefits with less scrap, reduced time, less work in process, and faster curing times.

Conducting a simple value stream mapping analysis will reveal a reduction in energy use, pollutants, waste, labor, and time. Improving cycle times is one of the most financially advantageous practices for manufacturers.

Value Added Benefits from LightSources Group

The LightSources Group offers:

• Facilities in the United States and China utilizing innovative patented technology
• LightTech in Europe with a specialty glass factory with custom design capability
• Strategic partner Cerlux, providing custom ceramic bases and fittings
• Voltarc specializes in neon and fluorescent signs
• LCD Lighting provides custom miniature lighting in electronics and avionics

LightSources provides a vast array of services in any application involving lighting and UV lighting applications. We maintain an expert staff of designers and engineers and continually improve our products and processes. This allows us to provide a cost savings to our customers.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV polymer curing lamps and industrial air purification systems that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. Please contact us to learn more about our large selection of specialty custom and standard lamps.

In Duct Air Purification Systems with Proven Solutions

Many Health Benefits to In Duct Air Purification System

There are many health benefits to in duct air purification systems, which keep the air we breathe clean, pure and free from germs, pollutants and irritants. Air purification systems are used in AC Units and HVAC duct equipment to provide maximum health benefits to people exposed to air in factories, offices, hospitals, doctor offices, and residential dwellings. Ultraviolet (UV) air purification effectively eliminates dust, mold, mildew and germs and prevents these contaminants from entering the air we breathe.

Breathing clean air is important to all people but is especially vital for the sick or immune compromised, or the very young or elderly, providing added comfort to people with asthma or respiratory conditions. It is also important to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, and to maintain a healthy environment, promoting continual health and wellness.

Effectiveness of UVC Air Duct Purification Systems

There are various wavelengths of UV output, and only a very specific wavelength of 253.7, commonly referred to as 254 nanometer (Nm), is effective at killing bacteria and viruses. There is also no damaging ozone release at this optimum output. Some air purification systems may emit a small amount of ozone which might be acceptable in certain applications; this is not desirable in duct air purification systems as it may corrode the cooling system of an AC unit by separating aluminum fins from copper lines in the cooling coil.

Be sure that you know the UVC output of any in duct air purification system, and accept only 254 Nm UV output to achieve desired germicidal and purification results. The experts at LightSources are ready to assist you with proven solutions for any UV air purification system, including in duct air purification.

Proper Installation is Vital for In Duct Air Purification System Effectiveness

UV in duct air purification systems must be mounted near the cooling coil, on the cold air side, or downstream. The output must be targeted toward the cooling coil and the condensation drain pan under the coils to prevent growth of mold spores and algae. If your system is not installed properly it could still allow mold and bacteria growth, contaminating the blower and all air in the entire living space. Mold and algae growth will also clog the coils in your AC unit, causing the motor to overwork and burn out faster than with these contaminants eliminated.

By eliminating these contaminants in your HVAC units and duct work, you not only provide healthy clean air to breathe, you also greatly enhance the performance and prolong the life of your valuable HVAC equipment.

The Advantages of UV Air Purification

There are several advantages to purifying the air we breathe through the air ducts in our living and working space. The health benefits are clear; while extremely effective they are also completely safe. UV air purification systems are maintenance free, providing long lasting effectiveness while prolonging the life of your equipment. Producing healthy air and enhancing the quality of life is the most valuable advantage of all, although installing in duct air purification systems will continue to provide several additional advantages for years to come.

LightSources Group Offers Solutions

LightSources, with a presence in the United States and China, our European partner, LightTech, and our other affiliations allow us to utilize these vast resources to provide expert and proven solutions for air purification systems.

Our UV lamps are often installed in new and existing HVAC systems. We can provide standard lamps and fittings, or we can assist with a custom designed installation for use in new or existing air purification systems.

All UVC Germicidal Lamps are Not Created Equal

Be sure to contact us to ensure that you receive the best UV germicidal equipment possible, for maximum air purification effectiveness. We continually invest in research and development, leading the industry with patented and proprietary UV lighting solutions.

LightSources manufactures and distributes Low Pressure (LP) Amalgam Lamps, Medium Pressure (MPUV) Lamps, Quartz Sleeves, and Electronic Ballasts, standard or custom fit for your needs. Our LP Amalgam lamps yield up to three times the amount of UVC output compared to standard lamps of equal length. These Low-Pressure lamps generate consistent UVC output over broad air or water temperatures with a range from 4° to 48°C. We can also provide custom designs to achieve higher temperatures when required.

Our MPUV Lamps produce a very strong source of ultraviolet radiation that is effective in several applications for UVC air and water disinfection. LightSources has the experience and knowledge to provide the most effective UV output for your specific desired application.

Our staff is ready to assist you with design and implementation of your air purification system, providing maximum effectiveness. We have experienced engineers utilizing advanced technology for continual development of our products, offering best-in-class and proven solutions.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV germicidal lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. Please contact us to learn more about our large selection of specialty custom and standard lamps.

UV Glue Curing

Referred to as liquid glue, UV glue curing is a superior bonding method although this is really a polymer, rather than a glue. This polymer is often in a silicon glue form, an epoxy, polyurethane, or other polymer that will dry clear only when exposed to UV light. The UV wavelength is a catalyst for a photochemical reaction which causes the polymer to harden, almost instantly. In most cases, the polymer will harden when exposed to UV light for only three seconds, although some applications may recommend exposure for ten to fifteen seconds providing optimum bonding adhesion. This is still considerably less time required for curing polymers than other methods, providing maximum efficiency in several adhesion processes.

UV glue curing is gaining popularity over other methods of bonding such as drying or exposure to chemicals, growing at a rate of 10% per year. Bonding with heat or drying works by evaporation, which can be inconsistent and can also take time for the inks to dry. Chemical treatment can be costly to purchase materials, and may expose employees to harmful inhalants or respiratory contaminants. UV glue curing is quick and consistent, providing and instant hardened surface with no harmful chemical exposure.

UV Glue Curing – A Powerful Photochemical Reaction

Whatever the polymer used, the glue will not harden until exposed to UV light. This is advantageous over substances such as instant super glues that can stick to fingers or other areas not meant to be bonded together. With UV polymer or glue curing, the bonding area is targeted, drying instantly only in the area meant to be bonded. The photochemical reaction occurs when the polymer, or glue, is exposed to UV light at particular wavelengths occurring between 240 Nanometer (nm) and 270 nm and 350nm to 380 nm.

In some cases, a second layer can be applied, providing even more strength for an unbreakable bond. This UV glue curing process can be used on almost any substrate, bonding plastic, glass, metal and wood, and even glass to glass, or any variation imaginable. This versatile process can even be applied to three-dimensional parts, saving time and money with quick all over curing.

Where are Curing Lamps Used?

UV curing of glues and polymers is used in a vast number of commercial, industrial and even residential applications. Some applications that utilize UV glue curing include:

• Decorating of plastic and glass
• Graphic Arts
• Printing
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Boating
• Plumbing
• Manufacturing Processes

Some common examples in commercial applications would be windshield repair or fixing leaking pipes. Manufacturing processes include assembly lines with parts undergoing UV glue curing in automotive applications such as curing inks on knobs or buttons for interior visual parts. The gloss provided by the UV process is superior to none, providing clear and shiny print that is resistant to scratching and staining or fading. The ability to apply this process to three-dimensional parts is advantageous providing speed and efficiency to many manufacturing assembly lines in the automotive and electronics industry.

Endless Options with UV Curing Finishes

One big advantage to the finishes with UV curing is that it dries clear, allowing multiple layers if need be while sanding down the finish will provide an invisible ‘liquid plastic’ unbreakable bond. Paint or stain can be applied to the finish, giving endless options for applications with various products.

Benefits of UV Glue Curing

The benefits of UV glue curing are evident just from the increased productivity. The speed at which parts can be cured is a huge benefit, as increased efficiency equals increased profits. Products speeding by on a conveyor belt undergoing a superior bonding process while on their way to a packing or inspection station is a big time-saver over a lengthy chemical treatment or drying station, thus reducing labor or additional process stations.

Reduced labor is an advantage, along with reduced set up time and reduced clean up time. A UV polymer curing station would carry a small footprint, not taking nearly as much space as an alternative curing station. Combined with the high yield enjoyed with this process, the efficiency of UV curing pays with a quick return on investment.

Improved quality is one of the biggest benefits realized with UV glue curing over other methods, as a consistent process equates to improved quality. With UV curing there is no loss of volume or thickness as with drying methods causing evaporation. The more consistent UV curing process also means reduced scrap, which is another goal for improved quality.

Stronger parts, with improved scratch resistance and enhanced gloss are also additional benefits with this enhanced curing process. UV glue curing provides an unbreakable bond, with improved part visual appeal and functionality. All of this happens with an environmentally friendly process and no harsh chemicals.

LightSources – Experts on All UV Glue Curing Processes

LightSources is the global leader in all aspects of the lighting industry, providing UV bulbs for any and all UV curing processes. We have the knowledge and experience to provide best in class products, proven for effectiveness and delivering the exact output required for your system. We can provide various sizes and shapes of lamps, with specialty phosphor blends, and custom ceramic bases for your new UV curing system, or adapting to an already existing UV system.

The experts at LightSources have developed patented and proprietary products, delivering innovative lighting solutions for a vast array of uses including UV curing lamps, UV germicidal lamps, lamps for phototherapy, water and air purification, tanning lamps, neon signs, computer backlighting, mini-fluorescent lamps, even lamps used in the NASA Space Shuttle, the list is endless. Each of these applications require high performance lamps designed to deliver the optimum wavelength of ultraviolet light, providing proven, effective solutions.

With our world-wide locations and numerous partnerships around the globe, LightSources has the resources available to satisfy demanding requirements, with proven UV solutions to meet stringent quality and delivery specifications.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV glue curing lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. Please contact us to learn more about our large selection of specialty custom and standard lamps.

UV Ink Curing Systems Provide Quick Effective Results

UV Ink Curing Systems are specialty machines and equipment that use UV light to cure inks, adhesives or coatings onto various substrates. When UV light is used at the proper wavelength, or nanometer (nm), and exposed to the specialty inks or coatings, a photochemical reaction occurs instantly drying the ink. This UV curing occurs very quickly, providing a strengthened outer coating with a uniform finish.

Medium pressure UV (MPUV) lamps in the wavelength of 367nm to 400nm are extremely efficient in curing specialty inks, adhesives, bonds and coatings (varnishes, glazes and lacquers). The LightSources Group provides UV lamps in the most effective wavelength for your application.

How UV Ink Curing Systems are Used

UV ink curing is used in many different commercial and industrial applications, providing an effective and efficient way to dry or cure inks during manufacturing processes. For example, UV ink curing systems are used in screen printing machines providing an instant print and cure process all in one. These sophisticated systems use vacuum systems to hold substrates in place while providing an all over 360° UV cure of flat or cylindrical products in many shapes and sizes.

UV lamps are used in curing systems for various industrial applications, curing inks, adhesives and coatings in manufacturing processes around the globe. Medium pressure UV lamps can be used to cure coatings on various substrates, including plastic, glass, metal and wood. Parts can be passed under UV lamps while on a conveyor, moving from one work station to another, while receiving a very important curing process along the way.

This efficient process eliminates the need for a labor intensive ink curing station, allowing high power UV lamps to do perform a vital finishing process.

Where are UV Curing Systems Used

UV ink curing systems are used in a wide array of commercial and industrial applications, providing a very effective curing process with maximum efficiency. Some industrial applications for UV ink curing include:

• Marketing – any type of printing on either flat or cylindrical products for target marketing and brand awareness
• Packaging – quick drying of labeling on various packaged products including corrugated, plastic and glass
• Automotive – UV ink curing provides instant drying of interior automotive components such as knobs and buttons
• Aerospace – quick and effective curing of inks and adhesives create durable components
• Medical – UV curing provides drying and disinfection in pharmaceutical and medical applications
• Consumer Electronics – used for drying and adhesion in parts and components such as circuit boards, interior and exterior parts
• Adhesive Bonding – used in several industrial applications
• Instant curing of coatings such as varnishes, lacquers, glazes, and inks

LightSources has extensive experience providing superior UV lamps for all UV ink-curing systems used in virtually any application. With in-depth knowledge of low-pressure, medium, and high-pressure UV radiation, our expert engineers are sure to provide you with the proper UV lamps for your application.

Benefits of UV Ink Curing Systems

There are many benefits of using UV ink curing systems over other methods such as heat curing, which can create noxious fumes and require expensive exhaust systems. UV systems are less expensive to maintain than other systems. With high-performing UV lamps from LightSources, you will see a quick return on your investment, with long-lasting cost-efficient savings.

The photochemical reaction with UV curing happens so quickly there is minimal evaporation resulting in a consistent surface finish, compared with air and heat drying which allows for evaporation jeopardizing part integrity. UV curing contributes to a superior quality product, satisfying customer specifications.

MPUV lamps by LightSources are ideal for high-speed production runs, where UV radiation of higher intensity is required for short exposure times. Our lamps operate with more power, producing high currents for greater output.

The LightSources Group provides industries worldwide with high-performance UV lamps used in a multitude of applications including UV curing and UV germicidal lamps used for air, water and surface disinfection.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV ink-curing system lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. Please contact us to learn more about our large selection of specialty custom and standard lamps.

 

 

UV Purification of Water with Cost Effective Solutions

UV Purification of Water by UV Rays Effective and Safe

UV purification of water is used in many applications around the globe and is proven to be extremely effective at providing safe and healthy water for human and animal consumption. Ultraviolet (UV) technology disinfects water from harmful bacteria and pathogens by exposing the water to a powerful UV wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).

UV energy at 254nm is absorbed by the DNA membrane of harmful bacteria, fungi, and organisms, rendering it harmless and incapable of reproducing, which eradicates any potential dangers from the water.

Types of UV Lamps Used for Water Purification

The most common type of UVC germicidal lamp used for a UV water purification system is a low-pressure mercury and rare gas discharge UV lamp. UVC germicidal lamps do not have a phosphor coating on the wall of the lamp like the typical fluorescent lamps. The body of the lamp is filled with either pure Argon or a mix of gases including Mercury, Argon, Krypton, Neon, Xenon, or others depending on the application.

Purification of water by UV rays can be accomplished with a few different lamp styles, including Low-Pressure UVC lamps (LPUV), Low-Pressure Amalgam lamps, and Medium-Pressure high-powered lamps. UV lamps can be made of Quartz, Quartz, and Titanium or soft glass.

These various lamps generate UV radiation at 185nm to 254nm for effective elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). UV radiation at 185nm generates ozone, or active oxygen, which is effective in killing almost any form of harmful virus, while 254nm is a powerful disinfectant.

UV Water Purification System Applications

UV Purification of Drinking Water

Approximately ninety percent of the US population depends upon public drinking water systems for safe and clean water. Bacteria and organisms in water are completely eradicated by UV radiation, and they do not build up a resistance to UV light. UV radiation is proven to be a very safe method of water purification as it leaves no byproducts, does not change the pH balance of the water, and leaves no taste or odor.

Aquaculture Benefits from UV Purification

Aquaculture, including aquariums, fish hatcheries, rearing farms, and international shipping companies using oceanic ballast water, benefit from UV radiation. Maintaining water quality without the use of chemicals is vital for the health of marine life.

UV systems for treating ships’ ballast water eradicate harmful oceanic microorganisms and prevent them from wreaking havoc by invading foreign seaports around the world. Foreign invasion of sea creatures, bacteria, and viruses is known as one of the greatest threats to our world oceans, and UV purification of ships’ ballast water is an important contribution to the preservation of our global oceans and seas.

UV Purification of Wastewater

Water discharged by residences, businesses, and agriculture is known as wastewater and is contaminated with waste and bacteria. UV purification of wastewater is effective for purifying wastewater, and can even kill pathogens that do not respond to chemical disinfection.

UV water purification systems are used in wastewater treatment plants by municipalities across the US, meeting all federal and state public safety standards for environmental protection.

Life Sciences

UV radiation is crucial to Life Sciences, including bio-engineering, biotechnology, medical and genetic testing, nanotechnology, food sciences, and pharmacology. UV purification of water in these industries meets the strict requirements of the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), which is a nonprofit organization setting standards for the scientific industry regarding the quality and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and manufactured dietary supplements.

LightSources Provides Proven UV Water Purification Solutions

LightSources is a leading global supplier of LP UV and Amalgam lamps, MPUV lamps, and quartz sleeves with electronic ballasts, standard or custom fit for your UV water purification system. Our proprietary Amalgam lamps provide three times the UVC output when compared to other standard lamps of the same size.

LightSources can adjust the level of gases to achieve the most optimum range of nm to meet your unique needs. Our LP lamps produce UVC output consistently over broad temperatures ranging from 4°C to 48°C. Custom designs can accommodate higher temperatures if required.

LightSources produces MPUV lamps that generate powerful UV radiation effective for various applications of UV water and air purification.

LightSources Vast Resources Allow Cost-Effective Solutions

We employ highly skilled engineers dedicated to discovering and improving innovative technologies to capture and enhance the powerful wavelengths of UV light. By using that technology to create cost-efficient lighting products we are contributing to the overall health of our entire planet by providing safe and healthy drinking water and preserving our natural resources.

The LightSources group is a leading global supplier of the most effective UV water purification and air disinfection systems, with experience in all aspects of UV radiation technology. Our resources, experience, and large capacity allow us to provide this technology to you with the most cost-effective solutions.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our products are used worldwide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV germicidal lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. Contact us to learn more about our large selection of specialty custom and standard UV lamps for UV purification of water and air.