UVP Benchtop Curing System User Manual

Benchtop UV Curing System

Installation and User Manual

CAUTION: ULTRAVIOLET LAMPS EMIT RADIATION THAT IS HARMFUL TO EYES AND SKIN. GREAT
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT PERSONNEL ARE NOT EXPOSED TO DIRECT OR RE­FLECTED RADIATION. SUITABLE EYE PROTECTION, SUCH AS UVP, INC. UV BLOCKING SPECTACLES
OR GOGGLES, SHOULD BE WORN WHEN LAMP IS IN OPERATION. BEFORE CLEANING OR
RELAMPING, ALWAYS TURN THE POWER OFF.

81-0180-01 Rev A

BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

The band of radiation just below the violet end of the visible spectrum is called ultraviolet. This invisible band
is divided into several regions.

COSMIC RAYS GAMMA RAYS ULTRAVIOLET VISIBLE INFRA-RED RADIO WAVES

X-RAYS

--- GERMICIDAL ----- BLACKLIGHT ---

-------------- SCHUMAN ----------------

X-RAYS 1.0 100 200 300 400 VISIBLE

-------------- ERYTHEMAL --------------

Various bands exist with the lower band overlapping into the X-ray band. Near ultraviolet, between 320nm
and 440nm, is also known as blacklight or longwave ultraviolet. Middle ultraviolet, between 280nm and
320nm, is called erythemal or sun tan ultraviolet. Far ultraviolet, between 300nm and 400nm, is known as
germicidal ultraviolet.

Industrial UV curing ultraviolet extends lower to 180nm and higher to 420nm.

Ultraviolet is produced artificially by various sources: UV curing lamps, blacklight lamps, sun tan lamps,
germicidal lamps, carbon arcs, welding and cutting torches, furnaces, laboratory test and analysis equip­ment. Nature, in the form of the sun is a major natural source.

UV Curing is a process involving polymerization, or crosslinking of monomers upon exposure to UV radia­tion.

Applications comprise curing of printing inks, curing coatings for wood and paper, particleboard fillers, metal
coatings, adhesives, and prepegs.

All monomers do not polymerize when exposed to UV radiation. UV curable monomers usually include a
sensitizer, which absorbs UV energy initiating polymerization reaction in the monomer.

ADVANTAGES OF UV CURING

UV curable materials are 100% solids, with no solvents to be discharged into the atmosphere. As they
polymerize entirely, a noted reduction in air pollution results.

Plant space is saved, as the UV curing line is considerably shorter than a gas oven. Time is saved as material
reacts immediately to UV exposure negating the time lag necessary to raise coating temperature to induce
thermal curing.

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BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

Lower number of processing and handling procedures provide labor savings. Printed matter is ready for
cutting and folding after UV processing. Wood and particleboard panels can be stacked and processed
immediately. UV curing lamps, placed between stations in multi-color offset printing, cure one color before
next color is applied, eliminating color bleed, scratches, scuffs, etc. Controlled temperature can be obtained
where UV curing is used on heat sensitive substrates.

Rate or speed of UV curing is affected by the following:

• UV curable compounds vary in composition. The type and amount of sensitizer, type and amount of

pigment, etc. used in UV curable formulations will dictate UV curing speed.

• UV curing time is not directly proportional to coating thickness. A two-fold thickness requires 10 times the

radiation energy of a single thickness. UV energy received inside a layer of coating decreases exponen­tially with depth.

• UV curing time will rise with the increase of UV energy per unit surface, up to the saturation point. This is

not linear. The curing rate of most monomers, in the presence of air, at a rate greater than the increase
in UV energy per unit surface. If the amount of UV energy per unit surface is doubled, curing speed may
be tripled, quadrupled, or even rise ten-fold.

Two lamps of even power will not cause a cure as quickly as one UV lamp with twice the radiation power.
One lamp with twice the power doubles the energy radiated to the same surface and curing speed will
double. UV curing lamps with the highest power-to-size ratio should be sued. The non-linear relation
between curing rate and UV energy dictates the UV processor reflector design. Focused reflectors,
incorporated in UVP, Inc. processors, concentrate the UV energy on a small surface, rather than a
uniform distribution over a larger surface.

• Various UV sensitizers require different ranges of UV wavelength for proper reaction. Sensitizers should

react to UV in a range other than those absorbed by the monomer or pigment. UVP, Inc. medium pres­sure Mercury lamps emit UV (180nm to 420nm), suitable for all UV curing applications.

BENCHTOP CURING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

UVP processors consist of the following:

1. High Intensity UV Source (Lamp)

2. Irradiators (Lamp Housing and Reflector Assembly)

3. Shielding, Cooling, and Safety Equipment

4. Power Supply and Electrical Controls

Technical Data

• Length: 30, width: 24, • Elliptical focused heat sink reflector
height: 18, weight 100 lbs. • 6, 300W/inch curing lamp

• Central located exhaust fan • Nomex-coated fiberglass belt

• Optical shielding • Vacuum hold-down

• 1-100 FPM variable speed control • Tri-power lamp switching (300, 200, 125W/inch)
with FPM indicator • 8, 14/3 grounded electric cord

• Elasped-time indicator

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BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

Part Numbers

Model Part Number Watts Volts
BC-300 95-0194-01 300 120V/60Hz
BC-300 95-0194-02 300 220V/50Hz (CE Certified)
BC-300 95-0194-03 400 220V/50Hz (CE Certified)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. After unpacking, check all electrical connections and mounting hardware to insure there is no damage.

2. If all items appear satisfactory, install ultraviolet lamp (see Lamp Installation Instructions sheets page 4).

3. to install the drop off plate on each of the curing system, refer to the Installation of Drop Off Plate under
Diagrams (see sheet 1979-13).

3. A) Main power and lamp on switch to OFF position. B) High/low lamp intensity (1/2) switch to high
position. C) 300 WPI systems - switch to 300 WPI setting. D) Variable speed control knob to ZERO.

4. Plug input cord into Grounded, 120 Volt 60 Hertz, 10 Amps A.C. Outlet. Do not remove ground contact
from power cord under any circumstances.

5. Switch Main Power switch to on position. This switch sends power to the lamp switch variable speed
control and activates center lamp cooling fan.

CAUTION: When fixture is operating, ultraviolet rays are emitted which are harmful to eyes and skin. Great
care should be taken to insure personnel are not exposed to direct or reflected radiation. Suitable eye protec­tion, such as UVP UV Blocking Spectacles or Goggles should be employed when lamp is in operation.

6. When shielding is in place and/or operators are utilizing ultraviolet absorbing safety glasses, the lamp
switch may be turned on. This will light the ultraviolet lamp. The lamp requires a 3-4 minute warm-up prior
to curing applications.

7. Start conveyor belt moving. Belt should always be moving when lamp is on.

8. High/Low lamp intensity option may be utilized to operate lamp at idle mode when curing application are
on hold. Lamp will operate at approximately 1/2 the rated output and rapidly return to full power. On tri­power models switch lamp to 125 WPI when curing applications are on hold.

9. Shut-Down Procedure:

A. High/Low lamp intensity switch to high position.
B. Tri-Power models intensity switch to 300 WPI.
C. Lamp switch to off position.
D. Reduce belt speed.
E. Allow main switch to operate cooling fan for 3-5 minutes before total shutdown. This will allow lamp

to cool evenly and will prolong lamp life.

F. Main power switch to off position.

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BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

Lamp Installation and Relamp Instructions

A drawing illustrating the lamp installation is included under the Diagrams section (see sheet 1874 1 of 4).

1. Turn power OFF.

2. Disconnect Hi-Voltage cable from irradiator cover. Refer to Wiring Diagram drawing number 1871.

3. Remove lamp irradiator cover by removing the 2 screws at each and of irradiator.

4. Place irradiator on its handles.

5. Remove top lampholder bracket from each side of lamp.

6. Side opposite the connector, remove aluminum cover and ceramic washer.

7. Slide lamp out.

8. When installing lamp, slide lamp between ceramic washer and aluminum holder. Use gloves to prevent
fingerprints on lamp.

9. Replace aluminum holder and ceramic washer to assembly.

10. Center lamp so lamp ends are equally spaced on large lampholder bracket.

11. Replace top lampholder brackets, tightening each side equally. Clean lamp a with dry cloth and alcohol.

12. Replace assembly into side extrusion and secure with the 4 screws.

13. Re-connect Hi-Voltage connector.

14. Return to Step 3 of General Instructions.

CAUTION: When fixture is operating, ultraviolet rays are emitted which are harmful to eyes and skin. Great
care should be taken to insure personnel are not exposed to direct or reflected radiation. Suitable eye and
skin protection, such as UVPs UV Blocking Spectacles or Goggles should be employed when lamp is in
operation. BEFORE CLEANING OR RELAMPING, TURN POWER OFF.

Non-Focused Lamp Installation Instructions

A drawing illustrating the lamp installation is included under the Diagrams section (see sheet 1874 3 of 4).

1. Turn power off.

2. Disconnect all power and high voltage cable to irradiator cover.

3. Remove lamp irradiator cover by removing the (2) 10-32 knobs at each end of the irradiator.

4. Place the irradiator upside down on its handles.

5. Refer to drawing 1874 sheet 3 of 4 (see Diagrams section).

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BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

6. Note: metal air diffuser used only with 4, 6 lamp assemblies and laboratory conveyorized system.

A. Remove one metal air diffuser.

Clean the UV lamp and reflectors with a lint free cloth and denatured isopropyl alcohol (we recom­mend the use of disposable latex or vinyl gloves to keep the lamp free of fingerprints which will burn
into the lamp or liners and create hot spots, disallowing the transmission of the UV rays.)

B. Place one wire & ceramic end of the lamp through the mounted metal air diffuser and on top of the

lampholder. Place the loose metal air diffuser around the other lamp end and place the lamp end
onto the lampholder.

C. Remount metal air diffuser with 8-32 x 3/16 screws. Remove the non-focused bracket and the 8/32

x 1/2 screws from the package. At one end feed the wire ceramic end through the lager hole in the
non-focus bracket. Mount non-focus bracket to the lampholder with the 8/32 x 1/2 screws provided.
Mount the wire lead from the lamp end to the ceramic stand off and replace the 8-32 nut. Repeat on
opposite end.

7. Place the irradiator back in place and tighten the (4) 10-32 knobs. Reconnect the high voltage cable by
matching index insuring proper connection and screw connector cable down completely.

CAUTION: when fixture is operating, ultraviolet rays are emitted which are harmful to eyes and skin. Great
care should be taken to insure personnel are not exposed to direct or reflected radiation. Suitable eye and
skin protection, such as uvps uv blocking spectacles or goggles should be worn when lamp is in operation.
Before cleaning or relamping, ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF.

Focused Lamp Installation Instructions

1. Turn Power Off.

2. Disconnect all power and high voltage cable to irradiator cover.

3. Remove lamp irradiator cover by removing the (2) 10-32 knobs at each end of the irradiator.

4. Place the irradiator upside down on its handles.

5. Refer to drawing 1874 sheet 1 of 4 (see Diagrams section).

6. NOTE: mertal air diffuser use only with 4, 6 lamp assemblies and laboratory conveyorized system.

A. Remove one metal diffuser. Loosen the 8-32 screws on the lampholder to release the top bracket.

Do not remove the bracket--this will swing away.

Clean the UV lamp and reflectors with a lint free cloth and denatured isopropyl alcohol (we recom­mend the use of disposable latex or vinyl gloves to keep th elamp free of ingerprints which will burn
into the lamp or liners and create hotspots, disallowing the transmission of the UV rays).

B. Place one wire and ceramic end of the lamp through the mounted metal air diffuser and on top of the

lampholder. Place the loose metal air diffuser around the other lamp end and place the lamp end
onto the lampholder.

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BC-300 Benchtop UV Curing System

C. Remount the metal air diffuser with 8-32x3/16 screws. Place the top bracket over the lamp end and

tighten both screws. Mount the wire lead from the lamp end to the ceramic standoff and replace the
8-32 nut. Repeat on the oppositve side of the lamp.

7. Place the irradiator back in place and tighten the (4) 10-32 knobs. Reconnect the high voltage cable by
matching index to index insuring proper connection and screw connector cable down completely.

CAUTION: When the fixture is opeating, ultraviolet rays are emitted which are harmful to eyes and skin.
Great care should be taken to insure personnel are not exposed to direct or reflected radiation. Suitable eye
and skin protection, such as UVP UV Blocking Spectacles and Goggles should be worn when the lamp is in
operation. Before cleaning or relamping, ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF.

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Contact UVP for a list of replacement parts for the BC-300 Benchtop Curing System. UVP offers technical
support for all of its products. If you have any questions about the products use, operation or repair, contact
our offices below.

NOTE: A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP Customer Service
before returning a product to UVP.

UVP, Inc. Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.

2066 W. 11th Street Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate
Upland, CA 91786 Nuffield Road
Tel: [phone] or Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
[phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] E-Mail: [e-mail]

TROUBLE SHOOTING AND PRODUCT DIAGRAMS

A troubleshooting check list for 208/220/420/440 volt 50/60 hertz conveyorized curing system models is
shown on page 7.

NOTE: Because of the high voltage used throughout the power supply, only qualified personnel
should work on it.

Wiring Diagrams, Lamp Installation Instruction Sheets, and Installation of Drop Off Plate are provided on the
following pages.

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