UV Curing Lamps and Their Common Issues
Hello everyone! I’m a star employee at CHROMÉCLAIR, a brand of hema free gel polish brands.Today, I’d like to share some common questions and answers about UV curing lamps, hoping they’ll be helpful to you.
How to determine if a UV lamp needs replacement?
As usage time increases, the operating voltage of the UV lamp will decrease. When the lamp voltage falls below the relay set point,
the lamp will be unable to enter the “standby” state.
If the UV lamp expands due to overheating, its operating voltage will also decrease, leading to reduced curing efficiency.
If all other UV lamp components are functioning normally, lamp replacement is required when the following conditions occur:
- Failure to start
- Inability to enter “standby” mode
- Curing failure
- Noticeable discoloration
- Volume expansion
- 99% of startup failures are often misdiagnosed as lamp faults. In reality, these failures are typically caused by other components in the system, such as capacitors, ballasts, reflectors, or igniters.
How does the lamp start?
First, a high voltage is applied to the electrodes, ionizing the internal starting gas. Temperature and pressure begin to rise, vaporizing the mercury/metal halide. High-energy collisions involving the mercury/metal halide during this process generate a high-temperature plasma arc that emits ultraviolet light and other electromagnetic radiation.
Why must you wait for the lamp to cool before restarting it?
When the lamp is turned off, ions and electrons recombine, losing charge carriers. However, while the lamp is still hot, atoms within it move rapidly.
Restarting the lamp at this point would encounter high impedance from electrons.
What is the optimal operating temperature for the lamp?
Mercury lamp: 700°C
Metal halide lamp: 800°C
Lamp envelope (housing): Maximum 250°C
How often should the reflector be replaced?
It is generally recommended to replace the reflector whenever the lamp is replaced, or as soon as the reflector becomes dirty or damaged. The reflector is extremely important,
generating approximately 70% of the usable ultraviolet light, so it should be regularly inspected and maintained.
Why Clean the Lamp?
Why Clean the Lamp?Opacity is the process where the lamp’s fused quartz begins transforming its structure into a crystalline form. Once the lamp cools to room temperature, opacity manifests as white spots
or patches. This occurs due to the differing optical properties of crystal structures: refraction and transmission of electromagnetic radiation, such as light. Consequently, the lamp
becomes highly inefficient at transmitting ultraviolet light, potentially leading to failure and requiring replacement. This situation may result from the following factors:
– Lack of effective cooling equipment
– Inability to enter “standby” mode
– Operating current or power exceeding rated values
– Handling without gloves, causing oil or chemical contamination on the lamp; these substances can catalyze vitrification
– Failure to wipe with alcohol before use
How do atoms/ions generate electromagnetic radiation?
Collisions between moving particles excite atoms/ions, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels. As electrons return to their original levels, they release the excess energy in the form of “photons” (particles of electromagnetic radiation), thereby producing electromagnetic radiation.
Why use UV inks/coatings/adhesives?
- UV substrates contain no solvents or volatile organic compounds (40% present in conventional substrates)
- Prevents prolonged sticking to printers after drying
- Saves space with short startup/cleaning times
- Traditional solvent-based inks require lengthy drying; UV inks cure instantly
- UV lamps are more energy-efficient than heaters/dryers
- Enhances quality and cures ink/polymer/resin substrates
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electronic power supplies?
Disadvantages
Shorter lifespan
More heat-sensitive—requires cooling
Advantages
Higher efficiency—energy savings
Lighter and smaller
Instantaneous, stepless power switching and voltage output
Extended lamp life
What is electromagnetic radiation?
What is electromagnetic radiation?Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy emitted by charged particles. It travels as waves or packets of energy and propagates through a vacuum
(see solar radiation). The following seven types are all forms of electromagnetic radiation:
1) Gamma rays
2) X-rays
3) Ultraviolet (UV)
4) Visible light
5) Infrared
6) Microwaves
7) Radio waves
How should UV lamps be packaged?
Wrap them in bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard to prevent shock, drops, and friction.
We hope this article helps you understand UV curing lamps more easily!
CHROMÉCLAIR offers Base coats, Top coats, solid color gel polish without HEMA, and hema free cat eye gel polish.
Their website also features nail art tutorials, such as:
How to Do the Checkered Print Nail Art at Home?