If your UV curing with ultraviolet lamps is insufficient, or the result is not the desired, it may be due to several factors.
Here we list the most common causes. We advise checking each point to determine what the reason could be.
Are you using the appropriate UV inks and varnishes?
Check with your manufacturer of supplies what requirements your products have to ensure that the power and UV emission of your ultraviolet equipment is adequate.
A change in formulation or a product in poor condition may cause to not cure properly.
Are the reflectors damaged or dirty?
The lamp reflectors serve to redirect the light beams that do not go directly to the substrate and focus them on the surface to be treated. If these are in poor condition part of the emitted UV energy will be wasted lowering the overall performance of the equipment.
Since the result of UV curing depends largely on the lamp reflectors, keep them clean and in good condition,
Clean them from time to time using isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth that does not scratch its surface. If they were in poor condition replace them.
UV lamphead ventilation
The UV head that houses the ultraviolet lamp has an air ventilation system to keep the lamp at a suitable temperature.
If this ventilation is insufficient, the lamp will deteriorate rapidly and the equipment may be damaged.
If the ventilation is excessive, the lamp will not reach its optimum working temperature and will not emit properly, and may not even turn on.
Check that the ventilation system is working properly and that there is no contamination or excessive humidity in the air flowing through the lamphead. The accumulation of dirty air particles or inks that enter the equipment can damage it.
Identification of your machine
If you want technical assistance, spare parts, etc. Contact us indicating the type of machine and serial number, which can be found in the user manual and the identification plate of the electrical cabinet.
Old or damaged lamp
If the lamp is very used or partially deteriorated (inflated, blackened …) it may continue to work for a while, but its performance will be lower, not curing properly.
Replace it with a new one as soon as you appreciate that it is not in good condition.