Frequently Asked
Questions
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How long
should my lamp last?
Lamp life depends on many factors including number of starts, thermal
operating conditions, power rating and proper handling. Under normal
conditions, the vast majority of TCS Technologies lamps will provide at
least 1000 hours of useful life. In the unlikely event of failure
during the first 100 hours, 100% credit will be given. Between 100
hours and 1000 hours, pro-rata credit will be given based on the number
of lamp hours. For example, a lamp which fails after 500 hours would
result in 50% credit. Consult
factory for exact warranty details. |
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What are the recommended running temperatures for a UV
curing lamp?
The area
between the tips of the electrodes, within the main lamp body, should
be maintained at an operating temperature of 600 - 800 degrees C. The
area consisting of the metal foil and end fitting should be maintained
at a temperature of less than 250 degrees C. If the lamp has a lead-out
wire, the wire must be maintained at a temperature of less than 200
degrees C. Lamps running too hot can expand and or sag and will cause
short lamp life. Overcooling can cause just as many problems as
overheating. Lamps must have a minimum wall temperature in excess of
357 degrees C, the boiling point of mercury. Below this temperature,
mercury condenses, lamp voltage along with UV output drops. In extreme
cases, the inner lamp wall becomes plated with a mirror like effect
from the mercury sputtering.
The ends of my lamps are discolored, what happened?
Avoid excessive
starts. Upon start up, the internal lamp pressure is low. During this
time the lamp electrodes literally sputter off tungsten and this is
deposited on the inside of the tube. Always start lamps in high power
to shorten warm up time. Excessive starts cause premature darkening and
drop in UV output. Limit your cure area to 3 inches less than the lamp
arc length to insure highest UV output. For example, a 13 inch arc lamp
should be used to cure a 10 inch print area.
Natural solarization will occur with age due to high temperatures and
UV level. Poor thermal conditions resulting in lamp overheating or
overcooling.
Lamps operate at
excessive lamp current. Some equipment manufacturers utilize power
supplies that employ low voltage high current lamps. Lamps operating in
excess of 13 amps have greater electrode blackening and generally
shorter lamp life. Keeping lamp current between 6 and 11 amps will
significantly increase lamp life.
My coating will not cure.
Confirm that the dryer
reflectors are clean and free of distortion.
Be sure the lamp is not covered with spray powder, fingerprints,
reflector material or other contaminants.
Make sure UV lamp is up to full power.
Consult TCS
Technologies for specifics.
Verify the number of operating hours that the lamp has run. Lamps
generally have an energy output of about 75% of their original
specification after 1000 hours. If the lamp has over 1000 hours of use,
it may not generate enough ultraviolet energy to cure your application.
How do I properly dispose of a lamp?
Simply,
package your UV lamps safely and send them to TCS Technologies. We will
properly dispose of these materials at no charge.
Can you supply a lamp even if we do not know the part
number?
TCS
Technologies manufactures lamps for all makes of curing systems. We can
match lamp specifications from an original operating sample. Normally
this only takes a few days between receiving the lamp and providing a
replacement.
Can you retrofit a higher power lamp into our dryer?
It
depends. Power supplies and UV lamps are normally matched to provide
peak performance. Usually, upgrading would require both the lamp and
power supply to be replaced, along with modifications to the lamp head
to provide additional cooling. Please contact our engineering
department for advice.
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How do I
clean my UV lamp?
Use a lint free cloth with Windex or Simple Green to clean. Don't waste
your money on special UV lamp cleaners as they have dubious value! If
solvents are permitted, use isopropyl alcohol. For extreme cases use a
mild abrasive such as Soft Scrub to clean the UV Lamp. Be sure to rinse
any residue off the glass before reinstalling lamp. Always allow
lamp to cool and disconnect all power prior to any cleaning. |
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