As the interest in LED technology increases the technology is now an excellent alternative to conventional broad-spectrum light-curing , which has been the norm in the industry for decades.
LEDs have numerous advantages over mercury-arc lamps. LEDs cure coolers for better thermal management. They also provide constant intensity that translates to more reliable process control. LED light-curing systems are activated immediately, providing instant energy for light, and come with an anticipated practical LED lifespan of more than 20.000 hours, resulting in significantly lower downtime as well as lower costs for replacement of lights as compared to traditional lamp systems. KBA UV curing technology provides numerous advantages over traditional UV light curing, including lower operating expenses and “green” characteristics that remove Ozone and mercury safety concerns.
Cooler Temperatures
LED lamps are more efficient than traditional lamps with broad spectrums. Cooler curing allows for better thermal management and their short wavelength spectrum emission limits the increase in thermal heat. Since some substrates are susceptible more to heat, curing these materials without damaging the substrate could require multiple passes with the broad spectrum lamp, but with lower levels of intensity. The extra steps could be avoided by switching to more efficient LED units.
A further benefit of LED systems cooling to lower temperatures is the fact that they don’t require the same amount for heat extraction (exhaust) which eliminates the high costs of installation and operating.
Longer Life
Another advantage one of LED cure sources is the fact that they last longer. While LEDs do decrease in output intensity with time and a typical spot-cure lamp could last for around 2 years before the intensity output levels drop to approximately 50% of the initial level. However LED curing units typically provide more than 50percent of the initial output of intensity much longer.
More Uniform Cure
LEDs give a uniform lighting distribution across the cure area to provide more predictable results.
Instant On
LEDs are powered up immediately and do not require warming time. It allows the production process to begin immediately, increasing production.
More efficient in energy use and environmentally Green
LED lighting systems are more energy efficient and eco-friendly than mercury-arc curing lamps. They operate at lower voltages, and require no warm-up, thus reducing the electrical cost. They’re also not classified as a potential electrical danger like traditional mercury-arc lighting is.
LED light-curing systems because due to their distinctive design can achieve the same frequency and intensity to ensure consistent cures, which facilitate more effective process control as well as increased production efficiency. Other benefits include:
Compact equipment reduces the size and costs of the light-curing process.
Flexible light-delivery configuration
The lamp’s intensity is stable and provides continuous process control
Long-term service life means no bulb replacement and decreases the cost of maintenance compared to conventional curing systems.
The high electrical efficiency and the instant off/on capability reduces operating costs and speeds of automated assembly