New range of microwave-powered bulbs from Primarc

Since the launch of the Primarc electrodeless microwave-powered bulb in 1998, Primarc has continued to improve and develop the product in line with customer demands and research developments.

Following significant investment in new plant and equipment at the company’s purpose-built facility in Slough, UK, Primarc have now released an enhanced range of bulbs available for rapid delivery.

Primarc’s original bulb range was designed for use with Nordson’s Coolwave microwave powered ultraviolet curing systems, and shortly after, a range of equivalent versions were developed for all other commercially available microwave UV equipment.

The spectral characteristics of the electrodeless bulb can be modified, in a similar way to conventional arc lamp technology, by incorporating special metal halide materials to enhance the spectral characteristics. This enables Primarc to match the bulb to the specific needs of the curing process and supply H, H , V, Q & D fills for 150mm & 250mm (6” & 10”) systems with power ratings from 120W/cm to 240W/cm (300W/Inch to 600W/inch).

The main advantages of the microwave powered bulbs are:

•        Enhanced peak irradiance resulting in improved curing efficiencies.
•        Reduced IR transmission to the substrate.
•        Rapid burn-in.
•        Stable UV output due to absence of chemical reactions of the fill with electrode assemblies.
•        Longer bulb lifetimes in comparison with more conventional arc lamp technology leading to reduced maintenance costs.

Primarc electrodeless microwave bulbs are used in the printing industry as well as in a number of diverse industrial markets such as fiber optic cable production, 3D cure, powder coatings, CD/DVD production and electronics fabrication.

Primarc have been engaged since 1970 in the development of UV curing technology, manufacturing a wide range of UV curing lamps suitable for all makes of dryers. Primarc UV curing lamps are designed and manufactured as direct replacements or to meet the specific needs of original equipment manufacturers world-wide.