Guide to Selecting and Using DYMAX CURING SYSTEMS

BENEFITS of UV LIGHT CURING Light-curing technology has allowed manufacturers to lower processing costs, produce higher quality products, and eliminate the use of harmful chemicals from the workplace for over 30 years. Although each manufacturer will perceive and realize a unique set of benefits from light curing, there are a few features/benefits that Dymax customers consistently cite: Light-Curing Features Light-Curing Benefits ■ ■ ■ ■ Fast Light Cures “On Demand” ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ One Component ■ ■ ■ ■ Environmentally and Worker Friendly ■ ■ ■ ■ Reduced labor costs Simplified automation Easier...

OVERVIEW of UV LIGHT-CURING SYSTEMS SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS Dymax spot-curing systems provide very high intensity (3,000- 8,000 mW/cm2 (320-395 nm)) over a small area (typically <1/2", 5 mm diameter). These intensities usually result in a 0.5-5 second cure time. Dymax spot-curing systems utilize an integral timed/manual shutter and typically require little external shielding. An intensity adjustment feature aids users in both validating and controlling a UV light-curing process. Spot lamp systems are ideal for curing small areas quickly and can be easily integrated into an automated assembly process...

OVERVIEW of UV LIGHT-CURING SYSTEMS RADIOMETERS A radiometer is a device that measures the intensity and/or dose associated with light of specified wavelengths. UV light is, by definition, not visible and so a radiometer is required to determine UV intensity. The ACCU-CAL™ 50 radiometer is ideal for measuring the UV intensity of UV spot lamps, flood lamps, and conveyors. This radiometer measures intensity and dose in the UVA (320-395 nm) range. The ability to measure light intensity is useful for three reasons: maintaining a controlled light-curing process, providing a “worker friendly” light-curing...

FUNDAMENTALS of UV LIGHT CURING Developing a successful light-curing process requires knowledge of the following key concepts. Higher Intensity = Faster Cures – Intensity is the light energy reaching a surface per time and it is often measured in mW/cm 2. Higher intensity light (of the proper wavelengths) will generally provide faster cure. Shortwave and Longwave Bulbs – Dymax UV light-curing systems can be outfitted with either shortwave bulbs (emphasizing UVB and UVC) or longwave bulbs (emphasizing UVA and visible light). Longwave bulbs are recommended for curing most Dymax (and similar) light-curing...

DESIGNING a UV LIGHT-CURING PROCESS There are several factors to consider when designing a UV lightcuring process. Intensity – A well-designed UV light-curing process incorporates a curing system with excess intensity. Excess intensity provides both a safety margin and long bulb life. See page 18 “Setting Up and Monitoring a Light-Curing Process” for specific intensity and safety margin guidelines. Spectral Output – It is important to match the spectral output of the lamp to the material and application. Dymax supplies both shortwave bulbs (also called Mercury or “H”) and longwave bulbs (also...

UV LIGHT-CURING SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS BlueWave® 200 WITH INTENSITY ADJUSTMENT The BlueWave® 200 UV light-curing spot lamp offers the highest intensity and most user-friendly operation in the industry. The BlueWave 200 spot lamp primarily emits UVA and blue visible light (300-450 nm) and is designed for UV light-curing of adhesives, coatings, and encapsulants. With over 17 W/cm2 in initial bulb UVA curing intensity, 0.5-5 second cures are typical. Bulbs used in UV light-curing spot lamps degrade with use, emitting less and less intensity (see Chart 1). Prior to production, the intensity adjustment...

UV LIGHT-CURING SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS DYMAX BLUEWAVE® LED PRIME UVA The BlueWave® LED Prime UVA high-intensity spot-curing lamp is designed for rapid curing of various coatings as well as adhesive bonding of metal, glass, polycarbonate, PVC, PET, and many other substrates. This simple-to-operate spot lamp emits over 15 W/cm2 of UV curing intensity and features an intensity adjustment feature from 0-100%. The BlueWave LED Prime UVA is compatible with a wide array of lightguide options (see Table 1 The BlueWave LED Prime UVA spot-curing lamp includes an electronic exposure control circuit that can...

UV LIGHT-CURING SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS DYMAX BLUEWAVE® 75 WITH INTENSITY ADJUSTMENT The BlueWave® 75 UV light-curing spot lamp is simple to operate and is designed for use with light-curable adhesives, coatings, and encapsulants. The BlueWave 75 is compatible with a wide array of lightguide options (see Table 1 on page 11). With over 9 W/cm2 in initial UV curing intensity, 1-10 second cures are typical. Bulbs used in UV light-curing spot lamps degrade with use, emitting less and less intensity. Prior to production, the intensity adjustment feature aids users in determining an acceptable intensity...

LIGHTGUIDES for UV LIGHT-CURING SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS LIGHTGUIDES Lightguides transmit UV and visible light from a source mounted inside of a spot-curing unit to the curing area. There are several factors to consider when choosing a lightguide. Length – Lightguides are commonly one meter long although other lengths are available. Curing Area/Intensity vs. Distance – The UV and visible light emitted from a lightguide diverges. As a result, intensity decreases and curing area increases with distance from the end of the light guide. The chart below describes this relationship clearly for the 5-mm liquid...

ACCESSORIES for UV LIGHT-CURING SPOT-LAMP SYSTEMS SPOT ACCESSORIES There are a number of accessories available for the Dymax BlueWave® 200, BlueWave® LED Prime UVA, and the BlueWave® 75 UV light-curing units. Please contact Dymax Application Engineering for more information on the accessories featured below. LIGHTGUIDE MOUNTING STAND The Lightguide Mounting Stand utilizes a 24" flexible arm for mounting 3-mm, 5-mm, and 8-mm lightguides. This stand offers a 5" x 5" (127 mm x 127 mm) working area and allows repeatable, hands-free spot curing. PN 39700 A lightguide (sold separately) is required...