Friday, May 16, 2025

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.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Mercury Lamps Proven Effective and Cost Efficient


Mercury lamps
use vaporized mercury and an electric arc to produce light, usually in an outer lamp that is coated with phosphor. The phosphor coating helps to offset the bluish-green tint created from the mercury vapor, which can be an unflattering light in public places. The phosphor coating helps to emit a white light which is pleasing in public settings such as overhead lighting in large venues and arenas.

LightSources and LightTech Develop Powerful Mercury Lamps

Mercury lamps are proven more energy efficient that fluorescent and incandescent lighting, with long lasting lamp life. LightSources and our strategic European Partner, LightTech, have developed proprietary low-pressure mercury lamps (LP Hg lamp), providing highly effective and efficient ultraviolet energy in a short wavelength. Our LP Hg lamps convert 40% of electrical energy into effective UVC radiation used in several germicidal applications.

Proprietary Long-Life™ Technology

LightSources and LightTech extend the life of our already efficient mercury lamps with a Long-Life technology coating application, extending operating life and realizing up to 80% end-of-life UVC output. These specialty mercury lamps do not lose their effectiveness even towards the end of the operating useful life.

Various Models of Mercury Lamps

LightSources offers various solutions to customers using innovative technologies. Our low-pressure mercury lamps include quartz and soft glass, ozone generating or ozone free lamps, high output or standard output, low-pressure amalgam lamps and specialty lamps developed specific to your custom product. Our highly skilled engineers work closely with OEMs large and small to develop proprietary lamp applications improving performance and brand awareness. Whether used for germicidal purposes in water or air, ultraviolet (UV) curing processes, medicinal disinfecting purposes, health benefits for skin or mood, or even proprietary tanning lamps, LightSources offers high performance lamp products providing cost-effective solutions.

Quartz Glass and Soft Glass Lamp Products

As the name implies, soft glass is softer than quartz, with quartz providing some added strength against breakage. Quartz is also more resistant to solarization. Solarization is a phenomenon that occurs when optical components are exposed to UV radiation which alters their ability to transmit UV light. Manufacturers of UV light must understand how solarization affects various lamps and components which include the outer glass, phosphor coatings and the filters. The LightSources Group employs technical design engineers knowledgeable in all aspects of UV radiation, conducting continual research and development resulting in several patented and proprietary products.

Soft Glass

Our soft glass low-pressure mercury lamps can operate on lower currents between 180-425mA, with germicidal efficiency of 30%. Our soft glass lamps are ozone free and available in either standard output or high output.

Quartz

The LightSources Group designs quartz glass lamps that are available in either ozone generating or ozone free solutions, and emit highly effective UVC radiation at 253.7nm. Available in either standard or high output, these mercury vapor lamps offer a variety of germicidal solutions.

Ozone Generating Lamps

Ozone (O3) is an unstable form of oxygen with one extra oxygen atom instead of the 2 atoms as in the atmosphere we breathe (O2). The third extra oxygen atom is loosely bonded and is the key to ozone’s effective oxidizing power, eliminating contaminants more effectively than chlorination. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant, destroying viruses, bacteria, microbial organisms and even eliminating odors. LightSources offers two varieties of ozone-generating lamps in High Output (“H”), and Very High output (“VH”).

Ozone Free Lamps

Ozone free lamps use a wavelength of an effective 254nm, which can also be used for ozone destruction. Our ozone free lamps are designed with doped quartz glass.

Standard Output Mercury Vapor Lamps

LightSources offers a low-pressure UVC mercury lamp in both standard and high-output models. Each lamp has a ‘cold spot’ where drops of mercury accumulate, and are then heated to the optimum temperature to produce maximum UVC output.

High-Output Mercury Lamps

High-output mercury lamps operate at a higher electrical wattage than the standard output, 600-800mA vs 425mA, and carry higher electrical loads. Our high-output (HO) mercury lamps use filaments that yield up to two-thirds more UVC output with cold spot technology. The area on the lamp wall with the lowest temperature is the cold spot where mercury condenses. Cold spot technology refers to the condensation of mercury on this area, while the temperature is the defining factor for the level of pressure emitted by the mercury vapor directly impacting the luminous flux, which is the measurement of the energy of light emitted in all directions per second, referred to as lumens. Standard UVC mercury lamps are used in applications where the exposure time can be longer with low flow rates, while HO UVC mercury lamps are ideal in situations requiring higher flow rates.

Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Amalgam technology enhances the UVC output of standard fluorescent lighting. The performance of fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) are greatly affected by high temperatures which deteriorate light and color output as the mercury vapor pressure depends upon temperature. Amalgam lamps control the mercury vapor pressure with amalgam pellet technology rather than cold spot technology. The amalgam method yields up to three times the UVC output, ideal in germicidal applications requiring a wider range of temperatures, although they take longer to warm up than standard fluorescent lighting to reach their maximum light output. LightSources offers various amalgam lamp technologies for a multitude of lighting applications including UVC germicidal purposes.

Specialty Custom Lamps

The LightSources Group offers standard, custom and specialty lighting solutions for any OEM lighting or germicidal application, including specialty lamps such as Quartz U-Lamps, Compact Lamps, Soft Glass Compact and Quartz Germipak Cell Lamps. Our skilled engineers will custom design and match proprietary bulbs to your equipment and application.

The LightSources Group is a leading global manufacturer of lighting solutions used in a multitude of applications in several different industries. We assist OEMs worldwide with high performance, long lasting patented and proprietary lamps used in various UV technologies. Contact us today to speak with one of our lighting experts for proven UV solutions in all fluorescent, UV, UVC and low-pressure mercury lamps.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Leading Patented Technology in High-Caliber Lampholders


Along with our valued partners Voltarc and LCD Lighting, the LightSources Group has developed the most advanced, high-caliber electrical wiring devices and incandescent lampholders in the industry. Our innovative designs combined with patented technology provide superior lamp components with extraordinary long-life combined with convenient features for safety and durability.

LightSources and its affiliated companies have been designing, engineering and manufacturing customized lighting solutions for over 30 years. With vast expertise in UV germicidal lamps, UV ballast water treatment, UV air treatment, UV curing bulbs, specialty fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps, and outdoor sign products, we have the team and resources to make lamp designs a reality.

With dozens of designs and styles to choose from, LightSources offers standard or custom designed lampholders for virtually any application, indoor or outdoor with UL listed CSA approved equipment.

Ground Fault Protection

Voltarc is a leader in the lighted sign industry, with patented Dead Front housing technology to protect your equipment from ground faults. This innovative design eliminates rivets in the face of the lampholder, completely isolating it from the ground. A key component of this design is the Fabulex™ mounting clip manufactured from thermoplastic engineering resin with durable properties of 9,000 PSI Shear Strength and a Tensile Elongation Strength of -68° F to 158° F. Voltarc’s patented O-rings are specially designed for long life with no drying, featuring a blue silicone treatment for water and condensation resistance which prevents bonding during re-lamping.

Kulka® IS-Series Lampholders

The Kulka IS-Series is specially designed for Electronic Sign Ballasts, with an integrated shunt design used for instant start ballasts. The IS-Series are the only lampholders to feature new single Leadwire technology. Patented Red-O Ring technology distinguishes this single lead wire lampholder from the two lead Blue-O Ring technology for safe and simple operation. The Kulka IS-Series of lampholders are all UL listed with the Circle I Rating, and CSA approved.

572 & 573 Series Slimline & Cold Cathode Lampholders

Additional Kulka wiring devices offered by Voltarc include the 572 and 573 Series of Slimline Cold Cathode Lampholders. The slimline 572 lampholder is rated for 660 Watts at 1000V, while the 573 is rated for 660 Watts at 600V. These can be mounted with various brackets or with butt-on mounting. All Slimline series lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

582.GDF & 583.GDF Stationary or Spring-Loaded Series

Voltarc’s 582.GDF™ and 583.GDF™ Series lampholders are Recessed Double Contact Lampholders suitable for 800 and 1500mA Lamps. These lampholders contain no metal clips therefore there is no risk of electrical grounding or corrosion. This stationary series of lampholders completely isolates the socket face from the ground, and features our patented Blue O-Ring technology. The 582 and 583 series lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

530.1K & 530.2K Series Snap-In Lampholders

Convenient lampholders such as the snap-in series from Voltarc include the 530.1K™ & 530.2K™ Series Snap-In Recessed Double Contact Lampholders for 800 and 1500mA Lamps. The 530 series utilize a snap-in mounting system, and are rated at 660 Watts with dual rating of 600V or 1000V.

1550 Series Turn-Type Lampholders with Medium Bi-Pin

The 1550 series features medium bi-pin, in a turn type lampholder with slide-on mounting for 18 or 20-gauge panels. These lampholders can be wired at the factory for custom specifications with length, wire or strip material.

1640 Series Slide-On Lampholders

Voltarc also features the 1640 Series Slide-On Lampholders with recessed double contacts for 800 and 1500 mA Lamps. The 1640 Series of lampholders is ideal for outdoor application when they are enclosed properly. Each end features slide wire horizontal contacts. All slide-on lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

Voltarc and the LightSources group offer the most advanced lampholders in the lighting industry, with patented technology for any application. Our lighting components are manufactured with the highest of quality processes, providing patented solutions to OEMs around the globe. With a full line of standard components or the option to custom design your lighting solutions, we are sure to find the perfect lighting solution for your needs.

LightSources, Voltarc and LCD Lighting specialize in extraordinary design and manufacturing of specialty fluorescent lamps, low pressure UV lamps used in germicidal and UV curing applications, avionics display, and lamps used in medical applications. Contact LightSources for long-life fluorescent lamps and wiring components used in the lighted sign industry.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Proprietary Lighting Solutions Enhance Brand Awareness


Enhance your brand awareness with proprietary lighting solutions offered by LightSources and our sister company, Cerlux. Patented and proprietary lamps are designed to showcase your logo or brand colors for uniqueness, giving you a competitive edge. Cerlux provides custom designed ceramic components with matching end fittings and sockets.

Proprietary lighting solutions are available with our specialty fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps and UV germicidal lamps. Our ability to offer customized and proprietary lighting solutions are one of the many reasons our clients describe our customer commitment as second to none.

Proprietary Lamp Bases and Sockets from Cerlux

Cerlux is our ceramic lamp component provider, manufacturing technical ceramic components with low-pressure injection molding. Cerlux employs skilled engineers experienced with CAD software for three dimensional models, quality tooling, precision milling and EDM processes.

Cerlux conducts ongoing research and development, along with continual improvement projects as an ISO9001 registered company. Environmental compliance is assured with an Environmental Management System registered to ISO14001.

Customized Specialty Fluorescent Lighting Solutions

OEMs conduct business in an ever increasingly global market. Gain a competitive edge with custom designed fluorescent lighting solutions. The LightSources group supports OEMs to grow their aftermarket, and protect it with patented technology. Precision manufacturers of high quality units used in computers, medical instruments and aircrafts need a way to stand out with a branded line of high-performance fluorescent lamps.

LightSources offers customized lighting solutions for specialty lamp manufacturers in any size, length or shape with proprietary phosphor blends. Any size is available, including T5, T8, T6, T10 and T12, with patented bases and sockets designed specifically for your exclusive use.

Proprietary Tanning Lamp Solutions

With the competitive market of tanning lamps today, it pays big dividends to offer your customers something that no one else has. The LightSources group offers proprietary phosphor blends with SolGlass® technology, combined with patented bases and sockets designed and manufactured for your unique, exclusive use.

SolGlass® is an innovative new glass technology developed by the LightSources group with proprietary phosphor blends. Benefits of SolGlass tanning lamp technology include:
  • Short-wave UVB rays for continuous pigmentation providing long lasting gratification
  • Narrow-band UVA wavelengths for quick tanning provides instant gratification
  • Open glass technology allows increased UV transmission over other lamps, creating improved tanning effects.
  • SolGlass® is the only tanning lamp with this unique combination of UVA readings and UVB spectrum, allowing 75% of UVB energy transmission compared to 36% of comparable tanning lamps on the market.
Give your customers extraordinary tanning results with innovative technology, all meeting US and European regulations including class 3 and 0.3W/m2 sunbed regulations. Offering advanced technology for total customer satisfaction, branded for your exclusive use gives you a tremendous competitive advantage.

Proprietary UV Germicidal Lighting Solutions

UV germicidal lamps are used in a multitude of applications, purifying water and air in commercial, medical and government facilities for improved health of occupants. UV radiation is highly effective at eradicating bacteria and viruses from water used in water treatment systems in numerous municipalities and aboard ships. Air purification offers several advantages to hospitals and medical facilities improving the health of the medically compromised.

OEMs of these systems face an ever-increasing competitive market place with offers of inexpensive systems. Be wary of UV solutions that do not come with the support of scientific expertise of UV radiation. The LightSources group conducts ongoing research and development, continually improving our superior UV germicidal products, with skilled engineers possessing in-depth knowledge of the UV spectrum. We can custom design the optimum solution for you, with UV germicidal lamps offered in varying lengths and sizes to fit your system. We can also offer this technology to you branded for your exclusive use, improving your competitive edge.

We can use your provided design, or assist you with designing a UV germicidal system, with 3D model file technology.

Benefits of Proprietary Lighting Solutions

There are numerous benefits to developing your own proprietary products, and it doesn’t take as long as you may think. The LightSources group is experienced in patent and trademark procedures, facilitating your own proprietary project from start to finish, often in only a couple of months.

Proprietary specialty lighting and UV lamp solutions provide the following competitive advantages:
  • Revenue growth with continued sales
  • Custom lamps with unique fittings
  • Distinguishable products with identifiable pin configurations, sockets, bases or end caps
  • Custom colors to match your logo for increased brand awareness
  • Custom logo with decal or specialty etching
The LightSources Group will show you how easy it is to stand out from your lighting competitors with cutting edge fluorescent and UV technology, branded with your unique corporate logo.

LightSources and our partner, Cerlux, provide customized advanced lighting technology, improving your brand awareness, sales and profit. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable engineer for customized lighting solutions.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Ultraviolet Light Bulb Solutions for Any Application


Ultraviolet light bulb
 technology provides solutions to a wide variety of applications, used in many commercial, industrial and governmental processes around the world.  Ultraviolet lighting technology is used in a multitude of applications, including:

  • UVC Germicidal Applications – Ultraviolet rays delivered at very short wavelengths deliver powerful disinfection properties for eliminating bacteria and microorganisms.  UVC technology is used worldwide in water disinfection applications such as wastewater treatment plants in local municipalities and the shipping trades for the disinfection of ballast water in ships traveling in international waters.  UVC provides effective disinfection in air disinfection and food purification systems, utilized in public areas, restaurants and grocery stores.
  • Medical Industry – Ultraviolet light bulb technology is used in the medical industry, providing powerful disinfection to manufacturers of disinfected supplies, and used to purify the air in hospitals and doctor offices for the benefit of those suffering with asthma or lung disease.
  • Tanning industry – UV lamps are critical in the tanning industry as your tanning bed is only as good as your ultraviolet light bulbs.  Salon professionals benefit from learning about the technology available for long lasting, high performing and cost effective tanning lamp solutions.
  • Phototherapy – Ultraviolet light bulbs provide phototherapy to patients who benefit from UV technology to improve skin disorders and elevate the mood in those suffering from depression and seasonal affective disorders.
  • UV Curing –  Ultraviolet technology is used in curing processes by manufacturers and OEMs around the globe to instantly dry inks, coatings and adhesives much faster than other drying methods with higher quality results.  UV curing is proven cost effective in a multitude of industrial and commercial processes worldwide, including bottle treating, screen printing, and secondary applications on various manufactured components.

LightSources along with our European partner, LightTech, is committed to investing in R&D, with large divisions on both continents that are dedicated to developing innovative UV lighting solutions with eco-friendly, green practices.  We provide quick turn-around time for JIT delivery in soft glass & quartz glass products.

LightSources Provides Advanced Ultraviolet Light Bulb Solutions

UVC Germicidal Lamps – LightSources has developed superior UVC germicidal lamps that are proven effective over other methods for disinfecting virusesbacteria and fungi.  LightSources and LightTech provide unmatched resources in delivering a vast selection of high-quality standard products and knowledgeable engineers to custom design UVC germicidal solutions for any application.

Amalgam Lamps – The LightSources group has developed cutting-edge technology in high-performing spot & pellet amalgam UVC light bulbs.  Patented amalgam pellet technology provides superior efficiency and quick ROI with less maintenance and replacement costs.  Our high-performing proprietary products deliver UVC output with 60% & 80% dimming operation modes, reducing energy requirements while producing higher UVC intensity when compared to standard lamps of the same size.  One of our patented technologies, LongLife+™, is a coating applied to all our amalgam lamps, increasing the UVC output up to three times that of a standard lamp.

Specialty UV lamps – Our valued partner, LCD Lighting, offers specialty fluorescent lighting solutions in a wide selection of standard lamps, with custom-designed options available.  LCD Lighting is a global leader in designing and manufacturing T2, T4, T5, T8, and T12 fluorescent lamps, in addition to HCFL-aperture and reflectors, CCFL Sub-minis, compact fluorescent, and aquarium lighting solutions.  Following the philosophy of the LightSources group, LCDL provides customized solutions for all lighting products.

Eco-Friendly UV Low-Mercury Lamps –   Our vast resources allow us to invest in eco-friendly technology to delivery long-lasting, high-performing light bulbs that use far less energy than comparable models from other suppliers.  LightSources leads the industry with cutting-edge technology developed with environmentally friendly practices that also deliver energy-efficient solutions.

Low Pressure Fluorescent, High-Pressure Facial Tanning Lamps, and Dual and Triple-Phosphor Tanning Lamps – LightSources partners with our clients, educating salon professionals on the most innovative ultraviolet light bulb technology available in tanning lamps such as our SolGlass™ technology that delivers instant gratification with narrow-band UVA rays, combined with short wave UVB for long lasting pigmentation. We offer multitude of cutting edge tanning technology such as: A-Power™, Multitone™, Peak2®, twist/swirl & proprietary bases.  Custom solutions allow for enhancing your own brand awareness, increasing your market share.

LightSources Partners with OEMs Large and Small

The lighting specialists at LightSources partner with our customers from prototype through finished product, including assistance with obtaining your own patented product for your custom designed solution.

Our state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe is a modern facility with large capacity to meet the needs of the most demanding OEMs in various industries.  We supply commercial, industrial, private, public and government operations with the highest of quality in ultraviolet light bulb solutions, developed for long life to save you money, with quick turn around on standard or custom designed solutions.

LightSources and our valued partner companies – LightTech, Cerlux, LCD Lighting, and Voltarc represent the leading high-tech manufacturers and designers in the lamp industry today. Our standard lamps and components as well as customized products offer lighting solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.  Contact us to learn more about our vast selection of lamps and proprietary lighting solutions.

 

Friday, March 28, 2025

Are You Looking for a Quartz Lamp Supplier?


If you’re looking for a quality supplier of quartz lamp products and components, the LightSources group offers proven solutions for any lighting application.  Our valued partner LightTech, along with LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux provide the best in class lamps for a multitudeof industries.  We recognize the importance of quality products, delivered on time and to your specification.

The LightSources group provides quick turn-around to OEMs large and small with specialty lamps and lighting technologies, meeting strict delivery requirements with our vast resources.  With a presence in Europe including a state-of-the-art glass factory, a location in China, and wide resources from our partner companies across the United States, we deliver cost efficient lighting solutions to companies worldwide.

Quartz Lamp Suppliers for Any Application

While there are many light bulb suppliers claiming to have the products you need, only the LightSources group is recognized for providing a wide range of lighting technologies meeting critical and demandingapplications.  Our experienced lighting engineers provide custom designed solutions in UV germicidal lamps, tanning lamps and a variety of quartz lamp technologies.

Our quartz lightingsolutions are available in ozone generating or ozone free technologies, in either standard or high output models.  Our mercury vapor lamps offer various UV germicidal technologies at 253.7 nanometer (nm), which is most effective at eradicatingbacteria, viruses and contaminants.

Quartz is stronger than glass or soft glass, providing added strength and protection against breaking.    Quartz is also known to be more resistant to solarization, which occurs when UV radiation alters the ability of optical and lamp components to transmit UV light.   Quartz lamps allow for maximum UV transmission with little absorption.  Quartz provides long lasting performance, maintaining quality output throughout a longer product life cycle.

Quartz halogen lamps are an incandescent light bulb that is enveloped in quartz rather than glass, with the filament surrounded by a halogen gas, usually iodine.  Quartz iodine lamps contain a tungsten filament with the bulb that also contains iodine.  When this reacts with the vaporized tungsten it will prevent blackening of the bulb, and produce an intense light used in applications such as car headlights.

Quartz will remain cooler than glass, providing more transparency and versatility in applications, while transmitting the maximum amount of UV radiation.   Quartz lighting technologies developed by the LightSources group produce higher luminous efficacy with maximum operating life.  Our standard and custom designed solutions will fit any application, with patented products developed with proprietary technologies.

The design and engineering team at the LightSources group understands the technology behind the products, offering specialized design consultations and assistance with developing your own patented products.

Vast Resources from Lighting Solutions Partners

LCD Lighting Provides Innovative Solutions

LCD Lighting is a recognized leader in the industry of light bulb manufacturing, providing lighting solutions for critical aircraft display applications, illuminating cockpits in Boeing aircraft and the NASA space shuttle.   LCDL is a valued partner to the LightSources group, known as an innovative manufacturer of fluorescent and miniature lighting solutions for virtually any lighting application.

Cerlux Offers Custom Designed Lamp Products

Cerlux is a valued member of the LightSources team, offering OEMs and businesses of any size custom designed products to raise your own brand awareness.  Custom design your fluorescent, UV germicidal and quartz lamps with unique custom colors in lamp bases, sockets and components.  Cerlux manufactures high quality ceramic bases and electric insulators, washers, tips, resistant grinding cylinders and many more state-of-the-art lamp components.

Cerlux performs specialty ceramic processes, firing at extremely high temperatures at 1,000°C.   Cerlux is an innovative manufacturer, recycling the heat produced from the high temperature kilns to heat their facilities and water supplies to conserve energy.   Cerlux provides custom glazing options to match your unique color scheme, providing endless options with long-lasting components offering scratch resistant, durable products.

Voltarc

Voltarc is a world leading producer of lighted signs with fluorescent and neon tube signs, long lamps and U-lamps, and proprietary technology such as TriLight Max fluorescent signs.  Voltarc is a valuable addition to the LightSources group, known for innovative and specialty UV curing lamps, quartz lamps, electrical wiring devices, lampholders and fluorescent lamps.

LightSources and its affiliated companies bring together the most innovative suppliers in the lighting industry, working together to provide advanced technologies with all types of lamps and specialty lamp components.  We provide quick turn-around with rapid prototyping of any type of lamp product including quartz glass and soft glass products.

LightSources, LightTech and affiliated companies LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux, represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our products are used worldwide and are found in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV germicidal lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. 

 



Friday, February 28, 2025

Learn How UV Light Curing Improves Your Process


UV light curing
 is the process of altering the properties of polymers, or photopolymers which refers to polymers that undergo changes to their molecular structure when exposed to light.  UV light emits invisible electromagnetic radiation, causing a change in properties to photopolymers. UV light will cause a photopolymer, which are a wide variety of resins, to instantly dry, harden or seal with an unbreakable bond.

UV light is used in many curing processes worldwide by industrial, commercial and government manufacturing and production companies to improve their process.  By exposing their manufactured polymer products to UV radiation, they can instantly dry ink on parts and strengthen surfaces without using harmful chemicals or solvents.  Some examples of processes that benefit from UV curing include:

  • Instantly drying of inks, lacquers and varnishes
  • Creating an improved adhesive bond
  • Enhancing decorative glazes
  • Drying outer surface coatings
  • Improving graphic designs
  • Screen printing
  • Disinfecting of surfaces, air, and water
  • Disinfecting medical equipment

This is only a short list of the multitude of benefits realized by UV curing.  As more and more businesses realize the many benefits of curing with UV radiation, there will continue to be an increase in companies adopting this superior curing method in their processes.

Types of UV Light Curing Lamps

The three basic types of lamps used in UV curing processes are:

  • Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps
  • Medium-pressure UV (MPUV) Lamps
  • High-Pressure UV (HPUV) Lamps

Low pressure amalgam lamps are typically used for polymer curing, although they can also be highly effective in germicidalapplications.  Medium Pressure lamps are effective in germicidal applications and are typically used for airwater, and surface disinfection, while high pressure lamps are typically used to alter the properties of photopolymers in many UV curing processes.

Benefits of UV Light Curing

There are a multitude of benefits to using UV lights for curing, some of the most important would be efficiency, consistency and safety.

Efficiency

There is no other method that is quite as efficient at curing products as using UV light.  Depending on your operation, you could utilize specific UV light curing machines for your process or use more of a conveyor type of UV curing station to instantly treat numerous parts, without even touching them.  Imagine the time, money and labor you save by having an instant curing process occurring simply while your parts are being transported from one station to another such as quality inspection or shipping. The alternative methods such as drying or using solvents are less desirable due to several factors.  Force drying or air-drying products leaves them susceptible to inconsistencies with evaporation and possible contamination, and takes more time than an instant UV cure.  In manufacturing, time is money, and anytime you can improve your cycle time with a higher level of quality, it is evident which method is preferred.   UV light curing dramatically improves throughput and cycle times, with less costs than additional labor and purchasing chemicals which could be harmful to employees and the environment.

Consistency

Consistency is key to producing high quality products.   UV curing produces a consistent process with an even amount of UV exposure applied to parts and products, whereas employees applying a chemical spray for an outer coating can produce inconsistencies in the finished product.  Allowing parts to air dry also leaves room for an inconsistent finished surface due to evaporation.  As all quality minded OEM’s are aware, consistency increases the quality of products in all processes.

Safety and Health of Employees

While efficiency and consistency are top considerations for any production process, the safety and health of your workforce is also a top consideration.  With UV curing there is no emission of harmful pollutants and chemicals in the air, and no need to purchase or store hazardous materials and maintain material safety data sheets on such materials.  Using ultraviolet radiation is effective on photopolymers, and safe to the environment and your workforce.     With all these benefits, it is no wonder that OEMs, quality and production managers are realizing the value of ultraviolet radiation to enhance their production processes.  Cost efficient and consistent processes dramatically increase throughput and profitability.  Combined with health and safety practices UV curing is the most desirable of processes used to cure product surfaces.

LightSources Leads the Industry in UV Light Curing Lamps

LightSources and our European partner, LightTech, lead the industry with high quality UVlamps and customdesigned solutions.  As an ISO registered lighting specialist, we understand the importance of high-quality product, delivered on time.  LightSources goes above and beyond any other lighting supplier with knowledgeable engineers ready to provide custom designs and prototypes with the right lamp for your process.  We can develop lighting solutions to be installed vertically or horizontally, while maintaining effectiveness.  Our lamps are proven to maintain effectiveness longer than other comparable types.

LightSources and our valued partner companies represent the leading high-tech lighting specialists and lamp designers in the industry today.  Our products are used in a multitude of industries and applications worldwide.  We offer OEM oriented and patent protected lighting solutions.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about our wide selection of UV light curing lamps.