Intertronics offer improved UV curing control

Citation

(2010), "Intertronics offer improved UV curing control", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 22 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2010.21922cad.007

Intertronics offer improved UV curing control

Article Type: New products From: Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Volume 22, Issue 3

The people at Intertronics are well aware that in addition to supplying the best possible adhesive, they must also ensure that the application process is as low cost/time saving as possible. For UV curing adhesives, the BlueWave™ 200 UV curing spot lamp offers the highest intensity and the most user-friendly operation in the industry. A new, patent pending Intensity Adjustment feature also allows simple, manual intensity adjustment during initial UV process validation and production.

As with any manufacturing process, defining an acceptable processing window is a crucial step in developing a UV curing process. The new Intensity Adjustment feature permits engineers to evaluate the full range of intensity produced by the BlueWave™ 200 spot lamp, from 0 to 100 percent. Thus, the upper and lower intensity limits of a UV curing process can easily be identified in an actual production setting. When in production, routine radiometer measurements performed in accordance with good manufacturing practices will determine if any further intensity adjustments are required. The average BlueWave 200 bulb varies less than 1 percent over 8 h of normal use, so daily or weekly adjustments are typically adequate to maintain a tightly controlled process.

Intertronics are delighted that the BlueWave™ 200 features a useful bulb life of up to 2,000 h with 20 W of UV/visible light curing power, coupled with a choice of 2, 3 or 4 split wand light guides. One unit provides the performance of multiple spot/wand units – thus ensuring faster, deeper adhesive curing of UV and visible adhesives, coatings and potting materials. The consistent high intensity of the BlueWave™ 200 spot light eliminates the need for continuous power adjustment and frequent bulb replacement.

The BlueWave™ 200 primarily emits UVA and blue visible light (300-450 nm) and is designed for UV curing of adhesives, coatings, and encapsulants. It contains an integral shutter which can be actuated by a foot pedal or PLC making it ideal for both manual and automated processes. A solid-state power supply provides consistent performance at any voltage (90-263 V, 47-63 Hz). Intertronics also offers a wide array of long-lasting lightguides including liquid/fibre, single/multi-pole, and lightguides of various lengths.

Because of its ultra high intensity and slow light degradation, the BlueWave™ 200 can deliver over four to ten times the useful bulb life of other industry spot lights. Further information, along with a free download and kit may be accessed by visiting: www.intertronics.co.uk