How long should my lamp last?

You can expect our lamps to meet or exceed the industry standard of 1000 hours.  Our UV replacement lamps are manufactured to stringent quality standards using the latest production techniques and high-quality raw materials.

Our lamps carry a standard 1000-hour warranty provided they run under normal operating conditions. In the unlikely event of failure due to a manufacturing defect after less than 100 hours, a replacement will be given at no charge. If a failure occurs between 100 and 1000 hours and is not due to adverse operating conditions, mishandling, etc., then a prorated credit will be given.

Why is my lamp bowed?

If the air around the lamp is not cooled properly, the temperature will rise causing the quartz tube to soften and lose its shape. Adjustment of the cooling and airflow around the lamp will be required however the lamp body should not be cooled below 600 degrees Celsius as the mercury could condense and adversely affect lamp power and performance.

What do I do if my lamp is arcing?

Many parts of your equipment may be electrically grounded. UV lamps usually operate at extremely high voltages and power. It is possible for damaged or overheated equipment to trip out the electrical safety circuit. Since high voltages are present, please consult our field technician who is a qualified electrical engineer and can offer equipment service.

What do I do if my media is not curing effectively?

Follow these steps:

  1. Confirm that the dryer reflectors are properly focused and are clean
  2. Check that the lamp is not covered by external contaminants such as spray powder, reflector material, or other contaminants
  3. Confirm that all coating and ink materials have been stirred before application to make sure photoinitiator material is equally distributed
  4. Verify the number of operating hours that the lamp has been run for.  Different applications result in different lamp lifetimes. Lamps generally have an energy output of about 75% of their original specification after 1000 hours. If your lamp has over 1000 hours of use, it may not generate enough ultraviolet energy for curing your application

What do I do if my lamp will not light or strike?

Follow these steps:

  1. Confirm that all of the terminations are tight
  2. Examine the lamp and confirm that the mercury is distributed between the electrodes. If the lamp has been stored on end, it is possible that the mercury has deposited behind the electrode and will not easily vaporize. Carefully shake the lamp from end to end to remove the mercury from behind the electrodes.
  3. Try to strike the lamp again
  4. Confirm that the power supplies are operating properly eg all capacitors are working etc
  5. Please feel free to contact our technical department if you need further assistance

What are the recommended running temperatures for a UV curing lamp?

The area between the tips of the electrodes within the lamp body should be maintained at an operating temperature of 650 – 850 degrees Celsius. The area consisting of the metal foil and end fitting should be maintained at a temperature of less than 250 degrees Celsius. If the lamp has an electrical lead or wire, it should be maintained at a temperature of less than 200 degrees Celsius.

Will using a lamp with an additive enhance our output?

Adding metal halide additives to a lamp will not enhance output. The electrical system must be matched to the lamp so that the striking and operating voltage necessary to vaporize the halide is available. Also, the ink or coating must be formulated to match the spectral output of the additive lamp. Our technical department is available to assist with any curing or drying issues you may be experiencing.

Can we put a higher power lamp in our system?

Upgrading a lamp requires both the lamp and power supply to be replaced. Additional modifications to the lamp head may also be needed to provide an optimal working environment. Please contact our technical department for advice.

What is the bump of glass on the lamp tube?

This lump is a closed seal, known as the “pip” or “filling tip” and is produced as a result of a dual-process manufacturing method.  This will not interfere with the lamp’s output.

Why is my lamp discolored?

Proper lamp maintenance is important for ideal lamp life. Lamp discoloration can be caused by many factors:

  • External contaminants (spray power, dust, fingerprints, etc.) can coat the lamp.
  • Lamps become blackened on the ends due to the natural erosion of the electrode material that accumulates inside the lamp.
  • Devitrification is caused by the lamp reaching a high temperature and then rapidly cooling. You will see the ends turn a milky white color with the quartz returning to its natural state.
  • Lamps can cool too quickly. The mercury cools down in the coolest part of the lamp giving a mirror-coated look on the ends.