FAQ

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our UV LED solutions, how they work, their applications, and their use.
Our FAQ helps you quickly find essential information about UWAVE technologies.

Questions

Which LED wavelength should I choose for curing?

The choice of wavelength depends on the material to be cured. UV-A (320–400 nm) is the most commonly used because it penetrates deeper and efficiently cures most resins, while UV-C (200–280 nm), thanks to its higher energy, provides rapid surface finishing.
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What UV power should I use?

The required UV power depends on the application. Low power is sufficient for fluorescence inspection, medium power is used for bonding and sterilization, while high power is required for drying and certain curing processes. The choice also depends on the wavelength, working distance, and exposure time.

Why cure under an inert atmosphere?

An inert atmosphere (usually nitrogen) limits the presence of oxygen, which inhibits the curing process. This enables faster, more complete curing and improves surface quality. UWAVE offers chambers designed for operation under nitrogen or other inert gases.
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Why switch from mercury lamps to LED?

UV LED lamps offer instant on/off operation, long service life, low maintenance, and contain no mercury. They are a more efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional mercury lamps while significantly reducing maintenance costs.

How much energy can LEDs save?

UV LED systems typically reduce energy consumption by 50 to 80% compared to mercury lamps while providing a service life up to six times longer.

How can lamp aging be monitored?

UV lamp aging is monitored using a UV radiometer that measures irradiance and received dose. Regular monitoring ensures consistent and repeatable processes while simplifying maintenance operations in production or laboratory environments.
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Which UV radiometer should I choose?

The choice of a radiometer depends on the wavelength, measurement range, and operating conditions. UWAVE offers several wired and wireless radiometers for different applications. Check our radiometer comparison guide to find the model best suited to your needs.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective screens, gloves, and UV-filtering safety glasses. Always follow the safety recommendations applicable to industrial UV systems, depending on the installation, LED wavelength, and operator exposure.
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What cooling options are available?

Our UV LED lamps are available with passive, air, or water cooling depending on the model. The choice depends on the power level, duty cycle, and integration constraints. Passive cooling relies on the product's mechanical design, air cooling uses fans, while water cooling circulates coolant to maintain a constant LED temperature. Liquid cooling provides greater optical stability and extends product lifetime.

What are the differences between UVC, UVB, and UVA?

UV-A (320–400 nm) is used for adhesive curing, fluorescence inspection, and resin curing. UV-B (280–320 nm) is used in accelerated weathering and certain curing processes. UV-C (200–280 nm) is mainly used for disinfection, sterilization, and can also complement UVA during curing applications.

How does UVC improve curing?

UVC provides high-energy radiation that can accelerate certain curing reactions by more efficiently activating photoinitiators. Compared with UVA, UVC improves surface curing and is therefore often used for finishing applications.

Which applications are covered?

At UWAVE, we develop UV lighting systems for a wide range of applications, including curing, fluorescence inspection, non-destructive testing, accelerated weathering, and disinfection.
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How do you control a UV LED lamp?

A UV LED lamp is controlled by regulating the electrical current, which determines light intensity and UV output power. Our systems can be operated using the UWAVE UPOWER power supply, through a UV chamber for additional operator protection, or directly via your PLC for seamless automation.

Why use UVC for sterilization?

UVC damages DNA, thereby inactivating microorganisms and preventing their reproduction. A relatively low UVC dose can achieve different decontamination levels, from log 1 (90%) reduction to log 6 (99.9999%) sterilization. UVC is widely used for air, water, and surface disinfection.
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What are the key features of an NDT inspection lamp?

A fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) lamp must provide uniform, stable illumination that complies with non-destructive testing standards. Power, ergonomics, and durability are key factors when selecting the right system.
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