In the demanding world of manufacturing and industrial processes, achieving precise and consistent UV curing is critical for product quality, efficiency, and cost control. Modern UV LED and broadband curing systems require advanced measurement tools to ensure optimal performance. This is where the EIT 2.0 UV PowerMAP® II, LEDMAP™, and the accompanying UV PowerView Software® III stand out as indispensable assets for professionals seeking unparalleled insight and control over their curing applications.
The Core of Advanced UV Measurement: PowerMAP® II and LEDMAP™
Both the EIT 2.0 PowerMAP II and LEDMAP are state-of-the-art profiling radiometers designed to provide a comprehensive “picture” of your UV source and how UV energy is delivered to the cure surface. These compact, one-piece instruments are significantly smaller than their predecessors and boast increased memory for extensive data gathering.
EIT UV PowerMAP® II: Mastering Broadband Sources
The PowerMAP II is engineered for measuring UV broadband sources across four distinct EIT spectral regions: UVA (320-390nm), UVB (280-320nm), UVC (250-260nm), and UVV (395-445nm). This makes it ideal for applications utilizing traditional mercury lamps. It offers two dynamic ranges, 10 W/cm² and 100 mW/cm², providing versatility for various intensity levels. The instrument’s performance demonstrates high accuracy (typically ±5% or better) and repeatability (typically ±2-5%).
EIT LEDMAP™: Precision for UV LED Systems
For high-speed applications relying on UV LEDs, the LEDMAP is the go-to solution. It measures LED sources using EIT 2.0’s patented LED L-Bands, specifically designed for common LED wavelengths: L365 (340-392 nm), L385 (360-412 nm), L395 (370-422 nm), and L405 (380-432 nm). With a dynamic range of 40 W/cm², the LEDMAP provides exceptional accuracy (typically ±2% or better) and repeatability (typically better than 0.2% when used alone) for critical LED curing processes.
Both instruments are capable of providing irradiance (W/cm²), energy density (J/cm²), and an irradiance profile (Watts/cm² as a function of time), along with a temperature profile (°C as a function of time).
The Analytical Powerhouse: UV PowerView Software® III
The true potential of the PowerMAP II and LEDMAP is unlocked through EIT 2.0’s UV PowerView Software III. This National Instruments LabVIEW-based program, compatible with Windows 7-10, transforms raw data into actionable insights.
Key features that empower advanced analysis include:
- Detailed Data Visualization: The software allows for detailed visual and numerical analysis of UV sources. You can graph by file, displaying up to four UV bands and temperature data simultaneously, enabling comprehensive comparisons.
- Comprehensive Profiling: Profiling radiometers, supported by this software, quickly identify and track critical process parameters:
- The number of lamps/arrays and their individual performance.
- Focus conditions, bulb/array uniformity, and effects of speed/exposure time.
- System changes over time by comparing to stored files.
- Maintenance needs before they impact product quality.
- User-Friendly Data Management: Data is easily downloaded via USB and stored in LabVIEW-based *.tdms file format, which is simple to share and export to Excel for further analysis. You can also capture screenshots and add process notes directly to files.
- Flexible Data Collection: Both PowerMAP II and LEDMAP offer user-adjustable sample rates from 128-2048 Hz and impressive memory capacity, supporting up to 65 minutes of data collection at 2048 Hz. A pause mode allows for multiple data collections prior to transfer.
How Blaze Can Elevate Your Projects
At Blaze, we leverage the power of EIT 2.0’s advanced UV measurement instruments and software to provide tailored solutions for manufacturers and industry professionals. Our expertise, combined with these cutting-edge tools, enables us to assist with your projects in several critical areas:
- Optimizing Curing Processes: By analyzing the detailed irradiance and temperature profiles provided by the PowerMAP II and LEDMAP, we can help you precisely tune your UV curing parameters for maximum efficiency, adhesion, and material integrity. This leads to reduced waste and improved throughput.
- Proactive Quality Control: Implement robust quality assurance protocols by regularly monitoring your UV systems. We can help you interpret data to detect subtle changes in lamp performance or LED array uniformity, addressing potential issues before they compromise product quality.
- Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: When curing challenges arise, the in-depth data and comparison capabilities of UV PowerView Software III allow us to quickly diagnose root causes, whether it’s an out-of-focus lamp, an aging LED array, or inconsistent process speed.
- Equipment Validation and Calibration: Ensure your UV curing equipment is operating at peak performance and meets stringent industry standards. Our use of NIST traceable calibrated instruments ensures reliable and consistent measurements.
- Research and Development Support: For new product development or process innovation, the comprehensive data from these profiling radiometers provides invaluable insights, allowing for data-driven decisions and accelerated R&D cycles.
- Training and Consultation: We can empower your team with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize these sophisticated tools, fostering in-house expertise and self-sufficiency in UV curing management.
By partnering with Blaze, you gain access to state-of-the-art UV measurement technology and expert guidance, ensuring your UV curing operations are efficient, precise, and consistently deliver high-quality results.
Ready to achieve unparalleled precision in your UV curing processes? Contact Blaze today to discover how we can help you integrate EIT 2.0’s PowerMAP II, LEDMAP, and UV PowerView Software III into your operations.