6
Dymax BlueWave® LED DX-1000 VisiCure® User Guide
Figure 1. Light Spectrum
Checking the Workstation
A radiometer should be used to measure stray light to confirm the safety of a visible light-curing process. A
workstation that continuously exposes an operator to more than 1 mW/cm
2
of UVA light should be
redesigned.
Protecting Operators
Light-curing technology can be a regulatory compliant, "worker-friendly" manufacturing process when the
proper safety equipment and operator training is utilized. There are two ways to protect operators from
visible light exposure: shield the operator and/or shield the source.
Shield the Operator
Tinted eyewear will shield the operator from high intensity visible energy, and reduce eye fatigue.
Shield the Source of the Light
Any substrate that blocks Visible light can be used as a shield to protect workers from stray light. The following
materials can be used to create simple shielding structures:
Sheet Metal
–
Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc. Sheet metal should be coated black or black anodized to
minimize reflection of UV and visible light toward operators.
Rigid Plastic Film
–
Transparent or translucent/light-blocking plastics (typically polycarbonate or acrylic) are
commonly used to create shielding where some level of transparency is also desired.
Flexible Film
–
Translucent light-blocking, flexible urethane films can be used to quickly create workstation
shielding. This light-blocking, flexible urethane film is available from Dymax. Call for assistance.
High-Temperature Surfaces
Surfaces exposed to high-intensity curing lights may rise in temperature. The intensity, distance, exposure
time, cooling fans, and composition of the surface can all affect the rise in surface temperature. In some cases,
exposed surfaces can reach temperatures capable of producing a burn or causing damage to a substrate. In
these cases, care must be taken to ensure either a more moderate surface temperature or appropriate
protection/training for operators. No infrared radiation is produced by these LED systems, so surface
temperatures will be lower than with conventional lamp systems. Empirical testing should be used to verify
the exact temperature rise in each application.
