The light source of UV ink plays a crucial role in the curing process of UV ink, and their selection directly affects the curing speed, curing quality, and production cost of the ink. The following is a comparative analysis of UV ink light sources:
1、 Traditional UV mercury lamp light source
1. Advantages
High curing efficiency: The mercury lamp light source can emit strong ultraviolet radiation, allowing the ink to cure quickly in a short period of time.
Wide applicability: Suitable for various types of UV inks and substrates.
2. Disadvantages
Limited lifespan: Mercury lamps have a relatively short lifespan and require regular replacement, which increases operating costs.
High energy consumption: Mercury lamps generate a large amount of heat and visible light during the emission process, resulting in low effective utilization and high energy consumption.
Environmental issues: Mercury lamps contain mercury, which poses a certain threat to the environment and human health. Meanwhile, the ozone generated during the use of mercury lamps can also cause environmental pollution.
2、 UVLED light source
1. Advantages
Ultra long lifespan: The service life of UVLED light sources is more than 10 times that of traditional mercury lamps, reaching 25000 to 30000 hours, and the service life is not affected by the number of switches.
Energy saving and environmental protection: UVLED light sources are cold light sources with low heat generation and no thermal radiation, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. At the same time, it does not contain mercury and does not produce harmful substances such as ozone, making it more environmentally friendly.
Instant switch: The UVLED light source does not require preheating, and the UV output power reaches 100% immediately after turning on, allowing for immediate printing and improving production efficiency.
Precise control: UVLED light sources can achieve precise control, ensuring that ink is uniformly cured in designated areas and improving the quality of printed materials.
High stability: The energy output of UVLED light sources is predictable and stable, so the printing effect is also predictable and stable.
2. Disadvantages
Higher initial investment: Compared to traditional mercury lamp light sources, the initial investment cost of UVLED light sources is higher. But with the advancement of technology and the increase in production, its cost is expected to gradually decrease.
High technical threshold: The design and manufacturing of UVLED light sources require a high level of technical expertise and professional knowledge, and also have high requirements for manufacturers.
3、 Suggestions for selecting light sources
When choosing a UV ink light source, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as specific production needs, cost budget, and environmental requirements. For production enterprises that pursue high efficiency, high quality, and environmental protection, UV LED light sources are undoubtedly a better choice.