Start with the UV process
UV curing, exposure and surface modification are different process targets. The first selection step is to identify the material, the intended physical or chemical change and any existing process validation.
Define the light-source inputs
Wavelength and required energy should come from the material or chemistry specification whenever possible. Equipment selection should not guess these values.
- Required wavelength or wavelength range
- Target irradiance or accumulated energy
- Exposure time or production speed
- Working width, area and distance
Plan cooling, shielding and line integration
The light source, material and duty cycle determine cooling and exhaust requirements. The final design must also account for shielding, access interlocks and upstream or downstream material handling.
