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.

Find the Best Lamps for Light Therapy for Depression

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/find-the-best-lamps-for-light-therapy-for-depression/

Using specially designed phototherapy lamps, many people are experiencing relief from a host of medical ailments including the use of light therapy for depression. Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to provide many healthy benefits such as effective air purification. When used properly, UV light can treat many skin conditions and mood disorders.

Light therapy is used to treat acne, eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis, seasonal depression and is even being used to treat non-seasonal depression. Phototherapy should only be used under the care of a physician and is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatment methods such as antidepressants and counseling. Your physician will know which course of treatment is right for you and how to prescribe the right type of lamp with the most effective exposure.

Why You Might Consider Light Therapy for Depression

There are many reasons why you might want to try light therapy for depression, some of the most common reasons include:Pregnant or nursing women must avoid certain antidepressants
Used in conjunction with antidepressants it may decrease the amount of prescription medication necessary

Light therapy may increase the effectiveness of prescription antidepressants

Phototherapy may elevate mood to improve the effectiveness of counseling
Light therapy has very few side effects and is considered to be a very safe treatment

Your doctor may recommend light therapy

Artificial light is proven to help treat seasonal mood disorders and non-seasonal depression as well. Light therapy emits the right amount of UV exposure to elevate mood much like natural sunlight. This helps people suffering from depression by triggering the brain to increase production of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that acts much like antidepressants. This increase in the level of serotonin is proven to help treat non-seasonal depression as well.
Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

SAD usually affects people living in the Northern Hemisphere during the fall and winter months when exposure to sunlight and daylight hours is significantly reduced. You should speak with your doctor if you experience any symptoms of SAD which include:Losing interest in normal activities
Food cravings especially foods high in carbs
Withdrawing socially
Gaining weight
Fatigue

Light therapy is recognized by the American Psychological Association, as effective treatment for SAD, providing relief to approximately 50% of patients treated. This increases significantly to an improvement in about 80% of patients when the light therapy is customized to an individual’s sleep and wake cycle. The typical treatment includes about 30 minutes of exposure in the morning with a fluorescent white light. Most patients experience an improvement in one week of light therapy for seasonal depression.
Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depression and Other Conditions

Light therapy is also used to treat nonseasonal depression and many other conditions such as:Depression not caused from changing seasons
Dementia
Jet Lag
Adjusting to night work schedules
Sleep Disorders

Light therapy is successful in treating many conditions including nonseasonal depression and various sleep disorders. People suffering from circadian rhythm disorders have difficulty with regulating regular wake and sleep patterns. This is common in people that work night shifts or people that experience jet lag. A person’s circadian rhythm is like the internal clock that tells the body to become more alert when daylight begins and more tired when daylight diminishes.

Light therapy is proven highly effective at treating a wide range of sleep disorders by helping to “re-set” the internal clock which promotes regular sleep patterns. Light therapy for sleep disorders should be conducted only under the care of a physician experienced in sleep disorders.
LightSources Offers Effective UV Lamps for Light Therapy for Depression

The LightSources Group is recognized as a leading global supplier of high quality, energy efficient and highly effective UV lamp solutions used in a wide range of applications. Our full spectrum UV lamps for depression are specially designed and manufactured with rare Earth phosphors which produce a clear and bright white light with a high coloring index (CRI) in the range of 90 to 100. We design, engineer and manufacture phototherapy lamps used in a wide range of medical uses.

Our lamps are used worldwide for many therapeutic purposes including skin conditions, sleep disorders and light therapy for depression. Our skilled and experienced lighting engineers understand the technology behind the UV radiation and offer in-depth expertise in designing UV lamps with the exact amount of bandwidth and UV exposure prescribed by physicians for many health conditions.

UV Disinfection Eliminates Germs Chlorine Doesn’t

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-disinfection-kills-germs-chlorine-doesnt/

We’ve been hearing a lot about UV disinfection and the many uses for disinfecting air, water, and surfaces, but do you know that UV radiation can eliminate germs that chlorine does not? Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal radiation is a popular method of disinfection in many water and air purification systems, due to its highly effective disinfection properties and the many health and safety benefits. UV disinfection is fast, effective, and completely safe, providing many advantages over other methods of water disinfection such as chlorination.

In addition to the many benefits of UV disinfection systems, UV light has been proven to eradicate an extensive list of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. One key advantage that UV purification systems offer over chlorine-based disinfection methods is the effectiveness of eliminating protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia which can be chlorine resistant. UV germicidal disinfection has proven to be highly effective at eradicating these parasites from water supplies to prevent widespread intestinal illnesses.

How Does UV Disinfection Work?

UV disinfection works by short-wave UV light causing a physical reaction to the RNA and DNA of cells in microorganisms which renders them incapable of reproducing and infecting. UV light is invisible to the human eye, falling in between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. UV light is emitted by the sun, although most is absorbed by the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere.

UV light is measured in wavelengths referred to as nanometers (nm), which is a billionth of a meter. UV emissions in the UVB and UVC range of 200 to 300 nm are considered germicidal, which means they are effective at inactivating microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. UVC lamps are used in disinfection applications worldwide, providing effective, safe, and environmentally friendly disinfection without the use of chemicals and harmful byproducts.

Effectiveness of UV Disinfection

UV disinfection has been proven to be highly effective with instant disinfection of pathogenic organisms such as those that cause hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, polio, and viral, intestinal parasitic diseases. UV light provides advantages over disinfection with chlorine with its ability to destroy parasites that threaten public health such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Wastewater treatment facilities utilizing chlorine disinfection systems run the risk of releasing these dangerous organisms into rivers and lakes which may threaten public health if the same water supply is also the source of drinking water. UV disinfection used in drinking water plants helps to eradicate parasites and protozoa resistant to chlorine treatment.

Safety Advantages of UV Disinfection

• UV disinfection provides many benefits over other treatment methods, which include the following:UV light is chemical-free and does not add any harmful or carcinogenic byproducts to water, air or the surface treated.

• UV disinfection systems eliminate the need to purchase, handle, store and dispose of corrosive or toxic chemicals, providing environmental benefits to the treatment plant and the community

• UV light is proven to be extremely effective at eradicating a wide range of harmful microorganisms including pathogens resistant to chlorine treatment

• UV radiation may be combined with hydrogen peroxide to destroy toxic chemicals while simultaneously providing effective disinfection

It is clear to see why UV light is a popular method of disinfecting water, air, and surfaces. Working with an experienced UVC lamp provider will ensure high-quality germicidal effectiveness for your application.

LightSources Offers UV Disinfection Lamps

LightSources and our valued partners are recognized for providing high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps which are proven effective across a wide range of applications. We design, engineer, and manufacture UVC germicidal lamps for effective disinfection of water, air, and surfaces. Our specialty UVC lamps are found in applications worldwide, leading the industry with first-to-market, energy-efficient germicidal solutions.

Our UVC lamps are utilized in water disinfection applications such as:

• Wastewater treatment plants
• Drinking water treatment plants
• Water reclamation
• Aquaculture
• Ballast water treatment systems

Our UVC lamps contribute to these and many other water disinfection applications, as well as air treatment systems and various disinfection applications. We provide a wide selection of standard UVC lamps as well as offering custom-designed solutions to meet your specifications. Our standard selection includes Low-Pressure UV disinfection lamps, Low Pressure Amalgam UVC lamps, Medium Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps, electronic ballasts and quartz sleeves.

UV Light Disinfection Robot: Still a Viable, Cost-Effective Solution

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-disinfection-robot-still-a-viable-cost-effective-solution/

Service robots have been used in the medical field for many years with robots assisting with surgery, roaming bots with tablets allowing for physician tele-visits and even drones delivering emergency medical equipment. Robots have many other applications in the healthcare industry such as UV light disinfection robots which are becoming increasingly popular in hospitals to sterilize patient rooms, operating rooms, common surfaces, and medical equipment.

UV Light Disinfection Robots: Not Entirely a New Concept

Even before the global COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country like this New Jersey hospital were investing in UV light disinfection robots according to this article in Robotics Business Review magazine published March of 2019. Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) have always been a concern as some of the most commonly transmitted HAIs are “superbugs” which are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococci), C. diff. (Clostridium difficile) and other superbugs cause serious pain and suffering and may even cause death.

Cleaning and disinfection practices are a significant concern and one of the greatest costs of the modern healthcare sector. Hospitals must always maintain diligence in sterilization procedures to prevent hospital acquired infections and studies have been conducted on the efficacy of UV light robots long before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study from the National Institutes of Health from 2017, Application of Service Robots for Disinfection in Medical Institutions, concludes that semi-automated UV light systems such as UV light robots were effective to substantially reduce the burden of MRSA and bacteria on surfaces, including in vacated patient rooms known to have been infected with MRSA.

MRSA is in the beta coronavirus family, similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Several recent studies have shown that UV light may be effective at eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 virus as other coronaviruses, including MRSA, with the right conditions and exposure. According to the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, as of February 2021 there was still limited published data on the dose, duration and wavelength required to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

More UV Light Robots Roaming Hospital Halls

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals have been faced with new challenges in preventing the spread of COVID-19 amidst record capacity levels with many patients infected with the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. On top of treating high patient levels, healthcare workers at times had to deal with shortages in protective personal equipment (PPE), putting staff and patients at an increased risk of infection.

Hospitals across the country sought new tools and innovative methods to protect patients and staff. UV light disinfection robots provided a valuable tool as more hospitals began implementing mobile ultraviolet technology to aid in the fight against COVID-19. The Henry Ford Health System in Detroit invested in 20 UV light robots as reported in December of 2020, the Norman Regional Health Systems in Oklahoma purchased 6 UV light disinfection robots in July of 2020, as well as many other hospitals and medical facilities.

Hospitals are not the only application where UV light robots have been used to combat infectious disease. Airports, mass transit stations, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and many other public places have invested in autonomous virus killers on wheels to protect against the spread of germs.

UVC Disinfection Devices

A UVC disinfection robot is one of several devices where UV technology is used to eliminate harmful germs. Additional UV disinfection devices include air purification systems, water treatment systems and additional surface sterilization technologies. UVC disinfection devices typically use UVC germicidal mercury lamps due to high effectiveness and low cost.

Air purification systems are often installed as a wall-mounted unit or in HVAC systems and help to clean and purify the air that we breathe by eliminating harmful airborne pathogens. UVC lights mounted over surgical equipment and in operating rooms help to provide surface sterilization and UV water treatment systems eliminate harmful pathogens from water supplies in many applications. While air and water UV purification systems are still widely in use in many environments, the use of UV light sterilization robots has increased with a greater awareness of the effectiveness and the benefits that mobility devices provide.

Advantages of UV Light Disinfection Robots

UV light robots should be considered for use only in addition to manual cleaning practices and never relied upon for soul sterilization purposes. UV wavelengths are more effective when hitting a clean surface as dirt can trap microorganisms that may be difficult to be eradicated by UV light. Hospitals and other applications that have employed the use of UV light robots have realized many advantages such as:

Semi-automatic operation – staff can be trained to operate the UV robots which can be programmed to follow a particular path in a patient room, focusing UV rays in hard-to-reach places and can automatically return back to a charging station.

Highly effective – UV light robots have been proven to significantly reduce harmful levels of pathogens to safe levels, in addition to manual cleaning practices.

No labor expenses – UV robots have become part of the staff in many hospitals, even given names of their own. Robots however never ask for a lunch break, a day off or overtime pay.

Low maintenance – UVC germicidal lamps provide thousands of hours of effective sterilization with low maintenance and low ongoing costs.

No additional cleaning chemicals – UV lamps provide high sterilization efficacy with no need to purchase and store chemical cleaners.

Return on investment – UV light robots provide a worthwhile return on investment to hospitals by reducing costs of extended hospital stays due to HAIs, which occur in 1 out of 31 patients according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. Additionally, by eliminating superbugs from patient rooms and saving even one life due to serious infection, this added level of disinfection is priceless.

UVC Germicidal Lamps for UV Light Disinfection Robots

LightSources and LightTech, together with our valuable partner companies comprise the LightSources group, recognized as a world leading UV lamp supplier. We offer a wide selection of UVC disinfection lamps, with various proven technologies, sizes and styles and custom engineered germicidal lamp solutions available. Our UV lamp engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design to provide customized solutions including custom phosphor blends and proprietary technologies to meet the needs of innovative original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of all sizes.

Our UVC germicidal lamps for UV light robots include:

· Low pressure Mercury lamps

· Medium pressure UVC lamps

· Compact quartz lamps

· Standard quartz

· High-output quartz

· Standard softglass

· High output softglass

· Amalgam lamps with proprietary technology.

· UVC ozone lamps

· Custom lamp bases and sockets

· Electronic ballasts

Our proprietary technology Shatter ProTech provides a cost-efficient solution to protect lamps and the environment with a shield that is acid and heat resistant and fits any lamp geometry. Our additional proprietary lamp technologies give our customers an added competitive advantage with high-quality, cost-effective UV lamp products for any germicidal application.