Linear Irradiation UV-LED Light Sources Offer High Output And Small Size For A Wide Variety Of Printers

Hamamatsu Corporation has announced its Lightningcure LC-L5 G series linear irradiation type UV-LED light sources. The LC-L5G series meets the printer market’s longstanding need for high UV intensity with units that offer several advantages over metal-halide lamps including small size, light weight, low power consumption, and efficient heat removal using a space-saving fan.

Traditionally, metal-halide lamps have been used in high-performance graphics devices such as inkjets and printers that employ UV curing or drying techniques. Hamamatsu responded with the LC-L5 G series which presents a breakthrough in linear irradiation-type UV-LED light output. For example, the Lightningcure LC-L5 G L12990-2303 achieves a powerful UV radiance of 10,000 mW/cm², making it particularly suitable for inkjet and UV ink drying printers. In addition, the LC-L5 G series’ small size allows it to fit onto an inkjet head, while its light weight allows it to move with the inkjet nozzle.

A compact air cooling system keeps heat emissions to a minimum while eliminating the bulky chiller and exhaust duct requirements that are common when using conventional UV lamps. This saves space and keeps initial equipment costs low. Additional features include low power consumption (down to 40 W, max.), and low maintenance since lamp replacement is irrelevant.

Four standard Lightningcure G series UV-LED types are available for different printer applications:

• GJ series: Optimized to provide high power in a size that fits inkjet heads.
• GL series: Suits screen printers, flexographic printers, gravure printers, offset printers and intermittent printing machines.
• GP and GC series: Can be used for pinning (temporary drying or curing by UV light) to enhance printing quality.

The series offers four wavelength options (365, 385, 395, and 405 nm), and custom units are available to meet OEM needs.

For more information about the Lightningcure LC-L5 G series, including pricing and delivery time, please call Hamamatsu Corporation at 1-800-524-0504 or visit the company’s website, http://www.hamamatsu.com.