As the interest in LED technology increases the technology is now an excellent alternative to conventional broad-spectrum light curing that was the norm for the industry for decades.
LEDs provide numerous advantages over mercury-arc lamps. LEDs cure coolers for better thermal management. They also have a very constant intensity that translates to better process control that is consistent. LED light-curing systems are activated immediately, providing instant energy for light, and come with an anticipated beneficial LED lifetime of over 20000 hours, which results in significantly lower downtime as well as less costly replacement of light bulbs in comparison to traditional lamp systems. LED curing technology provides numerous advantages over traditional UV light curing, including lower operating expenses and “green” features that reduce the dangers of mercury and ozone.
Cooler Temperatures
LED lamps are more efficient than traditional broad-spectrum lamps. Cooler curing facilitates better thermal management and their short wavelength spectrum emission limits the increase in thermal heat. Since some substrates are susceptible to high temperatures, curing these materials without damaging the substrate could require several passes using the broad spectrum lamp, but with lower levels of intensity. These additional steps can be avoided by switching to cool LEDs.
Another benefit of LED systems with cool temperatures is that they don’t require the same amount for heat extraction (exhaust) and thus eliminate the cost of installation and operating.
Longer Life
Another advantage to LED cure sources is their longer life span. Even though LEDs can decrease in output intensity with time A typical spot-cure broad-spectrum lamp could last for around two years before output drops to around 50% of their initial levels. In contrast LED curing units usually provide greater than half of initial output of intensity much longer.
More uniform cures
LEDs give a uniform distribution of light over the cure area, resulting in more reliable results.
Instant On
LEDs start to power up instantly and do not require warming time. The production can begin immediately, increasing production.
More efficient in energy use and environmentally Eco-friendly
LED lighting systems are more energy efficient and eco-friendly than mercury-arc curing lamps. The LEDs operate at lower voltages, and require no warm-up time, which reduces expenses for electricity. They’re also not classified as a potential electrical danger like traditional mercury-arc lighting is.
KBA UV light-curing systems, as a result the unique structure they have, provide the same frequency and intensity for uniform cures which allow improved process control and enhanced production throughput. Other advantages include:
Small equipment that decreases the both the cost and size of the light-curing system.
Flexible light-delivery configuration
The lamp’s intensity is stable and provides constant process control
Longer service life prevents bulb replacement and decreases the cost of maintenance compared to conventional curing systems.
A high electrical efficiency and instant off/on capability reduces operating costs and speeds of automated assembly