The
UVICURE Plus is a self-contained, electro-optic instrument designed to measure
and display peak UV irradiance and total UV energy density applied to a workpiece
in a UV curing system. The UVICURE Plus has a unique compact design, only 4.60
inches in diameter and 1/2 inch high, which allows it to be placed directly in
most curing environments. The instrument operates successfully in the extremes
of UV and thermal radiation often encountered in UV curing systems.
A carefully designed optical sensing system measures total UV
dosage in a particular bandwidth. The output is converted to a digital form
and then displayed on the LCD. Total UV energy density, measured in Joules/cm2,
is the result of the integrated irradiance during exposure time. It is how much
actual UV energy was impinged on the unit from the time it encountered UV until
the time the UV source was removed. The UVICURE Plus also has the distinct advantage
of being able to monitor the peak irradiance in Watts/cm2. This allows the operator
to determine not only the total energy density, but also how that energy density
is delivered; i.e., at what irradiance.
How To Use a Radiometer
When product is passed through a curing system and the resulting cure is satisfactory,
the operator normally does not know what UV level was required to obtain this
cure. Therefore, he may not be able to repeat this process successfully next
week or next month. With the use of a radiometer, the operator can immediately
quantify the process. After product is cured satisfactorily, the operator exposes
the radiometer to the same UV process. The UV level readings are displayed on
the radiometer.
By using the data provided by the radiometer, true process control
can be achieved. At start-up each day, the operator exposes the radiometer to
the curing process, takes readings, and observes if the readings are within
his curing parameters for a satisfactory cure for the particular product to
be run. The operator can make adjustments by changing length of exposure time,
cleaning reflectors, or even relamping in order to obtain the desired UV levels,
thereby assuring consistency in the curing process. The use of a radiometer
takes a great deal of guesswork out of the overall process.
Operation
The UVICURE Plus is very easy to use. Simply push the "Reset" button
and send the unit through a curing system, either conveyorized or stationary.
The unit begins accumulating data when the UV irradiance encountered is greater
than its built in threshold. After the UVICURE Plus has been passed through
the UV process, the results of its measurements can be easily accessed by touching
the "Select" button to toggle the display menu. Measurements displayed
will be the UV bandwidth being monitored, the total UV energy density in Joules/cm2,
and the peak UV irradiance in Watts/cm2 . If a low battery condition exists,
this will also be displayed.
The unit will time itself out after approximately two minutes
of non-use to conserve battery life. After the unit times itself out, the last
measurements obtained by the UVICURE Plus can be accessed by pushing the "Select"
button again. This information will remain available until the user pushes the
"Reset" button to initiate a new reading.
The unit is able to withstand extremely demanding operating
conditions. Since the internal temperature should not exceed 80°C, a safety,
audible, high temperature alarm will provide a warning that the unit is approaching
an unsafe internal temperature. The UVICURE Plus can accommodate an irradiance
up to 5W/cm2. Total energy density range is 0-250 Joules/cm2. An optional 10W
version is available. Also available are several several low power options.
The UVICURE Plus is battery powered using lithium, user-replaceable
batteries. A weak battery will trigger a "Lo Batt" warning to appear
on the display. Data remains valid even in "Lo Batt" status. When
the battery voltage affects data integrity, zeros are displayed in all locations.
The UVICURE Plus comes in a protective foam-lined carrying case.
