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 air, water, 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.  

 

Proven Proprietary UVC Germicidal Technology

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted in various wavelengths, including UVA, UVB and UVC, with emissions in the UVC range providing highly effective germicidal properties. UVC germicidal lamps effectively eliminate threats from bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores and many other microorganisms by penetrating the DNA of the cells and rendering them useless and unable to replicate. The effect is instant and safe with no harmful byproducts or contaminants such as using chemical disinfection methods. 

Ozone producing germicidal lamps emit wavelengths in the range of 185 nm and are used to eliminate foul odor and airborne contaminants. Ozone germicidal lamps are effective in surface, water and air sterilization and are used in commercial, industrial and residential environments. It is always best to check with an ultraviolet radiation specialist and experienced UV lamp manufacturer to be sure that your lamps meet the specifications required for your germicidal process.

LightSources Offers Proprietary and Custom Germicidal Solutions

The LightSources Group provides germicidal solutions with a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps, proprietary technology and custom designed solutions. We deliver first to market UV lamps which deliver improved performance and energy efficiency over comparable lamps. Our skilled lamp and lighting engineers have developed several patented products with proven proprietary technology for maximum germicidal effectiveness.

The LightSources Group provides innovative germicidal solutions with proprietary technology including:

Shatter ProTech - this proprietary technology provides safety and eliminates the risk of mercury contamination with a shatter resistant shield. The Shatter ProTech is resistant to heat and acid and provides cost efficiency over quartz sleeves.  Shatter ProTech proprietary technology protects workers from glass injuries, damaged product and damage to equipment.

LongLife+™ - this specialty proprietary coating significantly increases germicidal lamp life by up to 16,000 hours.  This proprietary technology is compliant with TCLP standard lamps, utilizes low mercury technology and is environmentally friendly.

LightSources offers these proprietary lighting technologies and others to support OEMs large and small around the world. Our skilled technical team provides custom designed samples, prototypes, beta site testing and controlled production. We follow a strict quality policy as part of our ISO2001:2015 registration and are committed to continual improvement, research and development.

LightSources offers a wide selection of lamps designed and engineered with high quality components and patent protected, proprietary technology. Our products can be found in a multitude of applications and industries worldwide.  Contact us to speak with an engineer and learn more about our germicidal solutions and proprietary UV technology. 

Control Odor with UVC Germicidal Technology

UV germicidal lamps which are designed to emit ozone provide effective and cost-efficient sterilization and deodorization. Ozone producing lamps are proven to meet strict air quality regulations in many industrial applications including removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor causing contaminants. UV germicidal lamps are used in many industrial applications worldwide, commercial properties and residences to remove foul odor from the air.

Germicidal lamps are engineered to emit various effective wavelengths such as 254 nm which instantly eliminates bacteria and viruses by penetrating the DNA of cells and rendering them useless and unable to replicate. Germicidal lamps designed to emit 185 nm produce ozone which safely removes odor causing contaminants such as sulfides, mercaptans and ammonia. Ozone breaks these harmful organisms into less complex molecules through a process called oxidation.

UV air sterilization and oxidation systems breakdown water vapor molecules and ambient oxygen into hydroxyl free radicals and short-lived oxygen. Hydroxyl and oxygen provide instant breakdown of gases with very little byproducts.

LightSources Offers Ozone Producing Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a leading supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including highly effective germicidal lamps. We design, engineer and manufacture low-pressure Mercury lamps and low pressure Amalgam lamps with proven proprietary technology. Our low-pressure germicidal Mercury lamps include standard quartz and high output quartz lamps.

Our low pressure Amalgam lamps include proprietary pellet Amalgam technology and Spot Amalgam lamps. Elimination of water causing contaminants depends upon humidity, ambient air temperature, and the type of odor causing contaminants. Our experienced UV lighting engineers provide custom design solutions to meet specific requirements.

UV ozone lamps are used in wastewater treatment plants and sewage lift stations providing a small footprint and ease-of-use with low maintenance. These ozone lamps provide many health benefits by removing harmful contaminants, controlling odor and eliminating exposure to hydrogen sulfide which contributes to ill health effects.  UV ozone lamps provide many benefits such as eliminating the need to purchase, store and dispose of chemicals in providing effective sterilization without chemical byproducts.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including germicidal lamps used worldwide in water, surface and air sterilization systems. We understand the technology of UV radiation and harness the power with custom phosphor blends and lamp components. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of UV sterilization and how to control and eliminate irritating and harmful odor from the air.

Successfully Treat Psoriasis with UV Phototherapy Lamps

Ultraviolet light is used in phototherapy lamps to successfully treat psoriasis and many other skin conditions.  Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is proven to provide successful treatment for many health conditions such as:

• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Eczema
• Vitiligo
• Jaundice
• Depression
• Seasonal affective disorder

Using the right type of UV light therapy lamp is critical to achieving successful treatment. In fact, using the wrong type of lamp could make symptoms worse or not provide any benefit at all. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders and use a UV phototherapy lamp designed specifically for your condition.

The National Psoriasis Foundation endorses the use of phototherapy lamps for effective treatment of psoriasis under the care of a physician. Tanning beds to not provide the right wavelength of ultraviolet light and may damage the skin or make conditions worse.

LightSources Manufacturers High-Quality Phototherapy Lamps

Working with a reputable UV light therapy lamp supplier with in-depth knowledge of UV radiation will ensure that you receive the right type of lamp with the proper wavelength output.  UV radiation is emitted in either UVA, UVB or UVC wavelengths, with UVB wavelengths proven to successfully slow down the production of new skin cells.  This allows the skin to heal and improves symptoms of psoriasis.

UVB wavelengths in a narrow band and UVA emissions combined with a medication called Psoralen also provides relief to some patients suffering with psoriasis and may be referred to as PUVA treatment.  Patients using phototherapy for psoriasis may see an improvement in their symptoms as quickly as a few weeks or up to a few months depending on the severity of their condition.

LightSources is recognized as an authority on UV technology with in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and all applicable uses. We offer vast resources including a state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe, exceptional customer service, custom designed solutions and full support for OEMs large and small.  LightSources is committed to continual improvement through research and development and offers several patented lighting solutions which outperform comparable lamps.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high quality UV lamps and lighting solutions to a wide range of industries and applications. We offer the widest selection of UV lamps as well as custom designed solutions and phosphor blends to meet your specifications. Contact us to learn more about our UV germicidal solutions and phototherapy lamps.

High Pressure UV Curing Lamps Solutions

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a powerful source of energy used in a multitude of commercial and industrial applications. Ultraviolet light is a proven method of sterilization in water and air purification systems with instant germ killing effects. UV light is also used in curing processes to instantly bond, harden and strengthen various polymers.

UV curing lamps are used in many commercial manufacturing applications such as automotive, aerospace, medical and many more to strength and add durability to various products.  UV light instantly cures inks on many products for vibrant colors and permanent quality printing that will not wear off. UV curing lamps provide a smooth finish to lacquers, glazes and varnishes and improve cycle times with instant results.

With UV curing there is no need to wait for products to air dry which exposes them to dust, debris and evaporation leading to uneven finishes. UV curing improves quality, product cycle time, customer satisfaction and profitability.

LightSources Offers Proven High Pressure UV Curing Lamps

Metal halide, high-pressure lamps are proven effective in UV curing applications worldwide. High pressure curing lamps peak at the range of 254 nm to 365 nm, providing effective curing along with sterilization effects. UV radiation emitted at 254 nm is proven to instantly kills germs, viruses and bacteria.

LightSources offers a wide selection of UV curing lamps and UVC germicidal lamps for use in a multitude of commercial and industrial applications.  We offer a full OEM support with custom designed solutions, prototypes and assistance in developing proprietary products to enhance your brand awareness. We continually deliver first to market solutions with proprietary products and custom phosphor blends.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions and is  recognized as an authority on UV radiation applications. We design, engineer and manufacture UV lamps used in a wide range of applications including UV curing and UV see germicidal processes. Contact us for more information and to speak with an engineer.

UV Drying Lamps Provide Quick Return on Investment

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used in many industrial applications in highly effective UV drying lamps to provide a quick and strengthened bond when curing polymers such as resins, varnishes and inks.  Specialty resins that are exposed to UV wavelengths cause a photochemical reaction that produces a strengthened and hardened finish.  UV drying lamps provide cost efficient drying processes to a multitude of industrial applications. 

UV Drying Lamps Aid Automotive Manufacturers

Automotive manufacturers utilize UV drying lamps in several applications to cure polymers in specialty parts.  UV drying creates a hardened gloss surface on interior parts, providing strengthened plastic parts that hold up with extensive wear and tear and still retain their exterior finish.  UV drying can add considerable strength to parts used in critical applications that require long lasting durability under high temperatures.  

UV drying is a fast and efficient process, saving time and money for production facilities with low maintenance, little repair cost and quick cycle times.  

Printing Industry Enhanced with UV Curing 

UV curing printing machines are enhancing the printing industry with specialty inks that dry instantly with little evaporation, providing a consistently crisp and clean finish.  UV drying lamps are used in printing processes for several products including postcards, glossy cards or calendars, magnets, plastic bottles or wood products. 

UV Drying Lamps Cure Wood and Flooring

UV drying lamps can instantly cure ink on vinyl, wood and even concrete, improving stain resistance and long-lasting durability during wear on tear on floors.  UV drying is highly effective with no lasting chemical residue and provides a fast curing process suitable for walking on within minutes of treatment. 

UV Drying Lamps for Medical Sterilization

UV lamps are highly effective at sterilization and disinfection assisting the medical industry with safe products and surfaces.   UV drying lamps are used to sterilize medical devices including hearing aids, syringes, dialysis machines and test strips to name just a few of the many purposes for UV lamps in the medical industry. 

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.

Energy-efficient Low Pressure Curing Lamps

Several years ago the only UV lamps available to industries to cure free radical UV inks were medium or high pressure UVA (365nm) lamps.  Today however, new advancements have made it possible to use low pressure UVC (254nm) curing lamps to cure “cationic” based UV inks, coatings, lacquers, and resins.  These low pressure UVC (254nm) curing systems provide the benefit of producing no hazardous byproducts as well as offering lower operating costs than either free radical UVA (365nm) curing or heat-based curing systems.

As they operate on significantly less power than medium or high pressure lamps, low pressure lamps are ideal for applications that require dimming at 40%, 60% or 80% of full power.  In addition while both low pressure mercury lamps and amalgam lamps produce UVC (254nm), there is an increasing trend toward using amalgam lamps due to their speed and efficiency in drying cationic based UV inks, coatings and resins.  For example an amalgam lamp can produce an output of 200 to 1000 watts, of which one-third is usable UVC (254nm) energy. Another reason for the growing popularity among industries is that amalgam lamps offer the ability to downsize a system while still maintaining maximum speed and efficiency for UV curing.

Furthermore, the advantages to energy-efficient UV curing are clear when compared to traditional heat curing systems.  UV curing systems are not only easier to maintain, but since they do not produce noxious fumes, do not require expensive exhaust systems. Moreover since the process is instantaneous, it provides economic benefits such as speeding up production times as well as improving consistency and quality of the finished product.

LightSources and LightTech are happy to answer any questions you have regarding an UV system for your application needs.  Contact us for more information on low pressure and amalgam curing lamps. 

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our team consists of the most highly skilled professionals that specialize in a range of innovative solutions.  Please contact us to learn more about our broad range of standard and custom lighting solutions.

Terms Used to Describe our UV Lamps

At the LightSources group, we provide a wide range of UV lamps for virtually any application.  While browsing through our extensive website, we encourage you to take a look at our educational area where you will find a glossary of terms commonly used to describe our lamps.  The following is a few definitions you may find helpful.

One word that is used in our specifications is “nanometer”, or the abbreviation, “nm”.   A nanometer is one billionth of a meter and equals 10-9 meter, 10-3 micron or 10 Angstrom.  In the lighting industry, it is used to define the wavelength of light, particularly in the UV and visible ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.  One wavelength equals the distance between two successive wave crests or troughs.  

Another term used to describe our lamps is “spectral output”, which is the radiant output of a lamp versus wavelength.  While it can be displayed in a variety of ways, most commonly it is in a graph or chart that plots output watts against wavelengths and is influenced by the wavelength resolution used.  Also “energy density” is another important term to understanding the technology.  It is defined as the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume or mass.  For a parallel and perpendicularly incident beam, not scattered or reflected, energy density and fluency become identical.

“Emission spectrum” is the radiation from an atom or atoms in an excited state, usually displayed as radiant power vs. wavelength. It is seen as bright lines or bands when the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a substance is passed into a spectrometer. 

Please see our website for more lighting definitions.  While you are there, take a look at our complete line of UV germicidal lamps (including low pressure, medium pressure and high pressure ultra-violet), specialty fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps, and outdoor sign products.

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 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. 

Trust LightSources to Make Your Specialty Lighting Vision a Reality!

Just as our slogan says, “Trust LightSources to Make Your Specialty Lighting Vision a Reality”, we mean it.  The LightSources group is a specialty lamp company with an OEM-focus that knows how to build and maintain a long-term business alliance.  This allows us to add value and profits to our OEM customers’ bottom-line.  Our group comprised of LightSources along with our affiliated companies, LCD Lighting, Voltarc, LightTech, and Cerlux, are global leaders in designing, engineering and manufacturing high-tech standard and custom lamps. 

The line of quality lamps produced by LightSources and LightTech include UVC germicidal lamps, amalgam lamps, specialty UV lamps, low pressure fluorescent and high pressure facial tanning lamps, twist, dual and triple-phosphor tanning lamps, medical lamps, collagen fluorescent lamps, and eco-friendly UV low mercury lamps.  With our abundant resources and highly professional team, we are able to mass-produce new types of proprietary and specialty lamps more efficiently and cost-effectively than our competitors as well as provide shorter turnaround times. 

LCD Lighting is another important arm of the LightSources group.  Specializing in avionic display backlighting, an extensive portfolio includes specialty fluorescent lighting, cold and hot cathode fluorescent lamps CCFL / HCFL, backlight lamps and assemblies, aperture and reflector lamps, compact lamps, sub miniature lamps and HID‐MPUV lamps.  In fact LCD Lighting is the sole manufacturer of the miniature AMLCD backlight lamps that are found in the cockpit of the Boeing 777 passenger jet.

Yet another significant member of the LightSources group is Voltarc.  They represent North American’s leading manufacturer of neon tubing and specialty sign lamps.  Their range of products includes neon, specialty and fluorescent sign lighting components, Masonlite electrodes and Kulka lampholders and electrical wiring devices.  Please refer to our website for further information regarding our entire line of products. 

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our team consists of the most highly skilled professionals that specialize in a range of innovative solutions.  Please contact us to learn more about our broad range of standard and custom lighting solutions.