Hoenle and Pruuve launch UV dose measurement system

Hoenle and Pruuve have jointly launched UV Scan MACS, a UV dosimetry system for printing and coating applications that uses delayed phosphorescence technology to deliver calibrated UV dose measurements, replacing conventional color-changing indicator strips.

The system comprises two components: the macsReader evaluation unit and the macsStrip, a flexible, self-adhesive sensor that can be applied to paper, carton and three-dimensional surfaces, including narrow printing applications. Each strip is calibrated prior to use, eliminating measurement errors caused by storage conditions or production environment variables, a known weakness of color-changing strips, which can deteriorate invisibly and produce incorrect readings.

The measurement principle relies on delayed phosphorescence. As a strip passes through a UV curing system it absorbs a portion of a pre-defined calibration dose. When placed under the macsReader and irradiated again, the strip emits light sooner than an unexposed reference strip, allowing the system to calculate the exact UV dose received. Comparative testing shows a 1:1 linear correlation between UV Scan MACS results and readings from the industry-standard EIT Power Puck II, ensuring compatibility with existing process standards.

Unlike the Power Puck II, which cannot be used in most press environments due to its physical size, the strip-based format allows measurement under real production conditions. The macsStrips offer a shelf life of more than 12 months at 30°C and up to 95 percent relative humidity with no refrigeration required.

The system operates entirely off-line, with no smartphone or cloud connection needed. The handheld macsReader stores more than 2,000 measurements and transfers data via USB to a CSV file.