Energy efficient UV-diodes for the global curing industry

The objective is to demonstrate ”intelligent” UV light emitting diodes (LED) luminaires for energy saving curing processes in the furniture manufacturing industry. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency up to 80 % compared with the existing curing technologies based on mercury lamps. In addition the LED technology will much more adaptive due to multiple wavelengths, controllable light intensities and integrating LED´s in existing product lines or in completely new setting such as in robotics for 3D curing.

The aim was to develop and demonstrate intelligent UV LED luminaires for highly energy-efficient industrial curing and subsequent replacement of the existing mercury-based lamp technology.

There are test achieved an improvement in energy efficiency by 75%. The developed new technology is being tested at a major European manufacturer. The new product is expected to be marketed in the first quarter of 2016. The repayment period is expected to be less than 3 years. There are still challenges to deliver the very best quality of hardened surfaces rapidly serial production of the developed equipment.
In a number of industries are working to harden surfaces - for example in the furniture industry, the graphics industry or the medical industry. The use of broad-spectrum ultraviolet light generated by mercury lamps is a common technology used therefor. The causes, however, a large power consumption and environmental challenges with ozone and mercury.
With the advent of ever more effective UV-emitting diode (LED) is practical, technical and economic conditions for a technology shift for industrial hardening along the way. This would mean - at least - a halving of power consumption, a much more environmentally friendly