dymax Edge-Carry, User Manual

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6 Dymax Edge-Carry Conveyor User Guide
Shield the Operator —
UV-Blocking Eye Protection - UV-blocking eye protection is recommended when
operating UV light-curing systems. Both clear and tinted UV-blocking eye protection is available from Dymax.
UV-Blocking Skin Protection —
Where the potential exists for UV exposure upon skin, opaque, UV-blocking
clothing, gloves, and full-face shields are recommended.
Shield the Source of UV
Any substrate that blocks UV light can be used as a shield to protect workers from stray UV light. The following
materials can be used to create simple shielding structures or blind corners:
Sheet Metal —
Sheet metal (aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc) should be coated black or black anodized to
minimize reflection of UV and visible light toward operators.
Rigid Plastic Film —
Transparent or translucent/UV-blocking plastics (typically polycarbonate or acrylic) are
commonly used to create shielding where some level of transparency is also desired. These rigid plastic films
are available wither water clear or tinted.
Flexible Film —
UV-blocking, flexible urethane films can be used to quickly create workstation shielding. This
UV-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.
Ozone
Standard Dymax lamps (UVA type) generate an insignificant amount of UVC and therefore essentially no
ozone. Some UV light-
curing systems, like those used to cure UV inks, emit primarily “shortwave” (UVB and
UVC) energy. Upon exposure to UVC light (specifically <240 nm), oxygen molecules (O
2
) split into oxygen
atoms (O) and recombine with O
2
to create ozone O
3
. The current, long-term ozone concentration limit
recommended by ACGIH, NIOSH, and OSHA is 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m
3
).
Bright, Visible Light
The bright, visible light energy emitted by UV light-curing systems can cause eye strain if proper eye protection
or shielding is not used. The proper use of tinted eye protection and/or opaque/tinted shielding can be utilized
to reduce eye strain and address this concern.
Summary
UV light sources can be more “worker friendly” than many commonly accepted industrial processes, provided
the potential concerns are addressed. Contact your Dymax representative for information regarding the
proper use of Dymax UV light-curing systems.