These LEDs powerful enough for a UV exposure box?

Boscoe · 29th December 2010, 08:57 PM

DO you think THESE LEDs will be powerful enough for a small uv exposure box? They are 0.5W each and I will be using all 20 but i'm thinking they probably don't emit that much uv?

Thanks
Boscoe

PedroDaGr8 · 30th December 2010, 12:04 AM

If they have an emitmax in the deep violet to uv range then they should be OK. That being said, I have a feeling they are more of just a purple LED. Whether that works or not depends on the resins used on the boards. I really don't know enough about UV development to say much.

tomchr · 30th December 2010, 12:24 AM

I suggest buying LEDs from a reputable dealer where you can get specs for the LEDs and know what you'll be buying.

wakibaki · 30th December 2010, 01:17 AM

I used 100 (99) 3mm types. I wired them in strings of 3, 9 in a row * 11 rows, 1in spacing. Driven by 12V regulated, with a couple of series power diodes to lower the voltage to ~10.8V. No dropper resistors.

Lot of 100 X 3mm UV LED Ultra Bright Free Resistors on eBay (end time 21-Jan-11 07:49:43 GMT)

I have to stand the target about 15" off the LEDs to get the spots to merge. I can do an A4 size PCB. The exposure time is 6 mins. The illumination is a bit patchy because the LEDs aren't exactly perpendicular so the projected dot pattern isn't entirely regular.

These fluorescents are probably better, but obviously dearer, I think I'd want 3. Ultra Violet Fluorescent Light Fitting 15w

I guess you'd have a 5 * 4 matrix. If you spaced them on a 2" grid that would give you 10 * 8 inches. The collimation will not be as good as with many smaller ones, but this is only really important for extermely fine detail. You could run 2's or 4's or 5's in series, or of course singletons. The wavelength is right. Other than that there are no guarantees, it's going to be experimental to a degree no matter what you choose.

I've dealt with Asia Engineer on many occasions, they've always been reliable. Assembled quality (soldering) of some of their meters is a bit untidy, and delivery often takes over a week, but other than that, no complaints where LEDs, displays and other components are concerned.

w

29th December 2010, 08:57 PM	#1
Boscoe diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: England	These LEDs powerful enough for a UV exposure box? DO you think THESE LEDs will be powerful enough for a small uv exposure box? They are 0.5W each and I will be using all 20 but i'm thinking they probably don't emit that much uv? Thanks Boscoe __________________ I thought about it once, but then thought again.

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30th December 2010, 12:04 AM	#2
PedroDaGr8 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Diego, CA	If they have an emitmax in the deep violet to uv range then they should be OK. That being said, I have a feeling they are more of just a purple LED. Whether that works or not depends on the resins used on the boards. I really don't know enough about UV development to say much.

30th December 2010, 12:24 AM	#3
tomchr diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greater Seattle Area	I suggest buying LEDs from a reputable dealer where you can get specs for the LEDs and know what you'll be buying.

30th December 2010, 01:17 AM	#4
wakibaki Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Blog Entries: 2	I used 100 (99) 3mm types. I wired them in strings of 3, 9 in a row * 11 rows, 1in spacing. Driven by 12V regulated, with a couple of series power diodes to lower the voltage to ~10.8V. No dropper resistors. Lot of 100 X 3mm UV LED Ultra Bright Free Resistors on eBay (end time 21-Jan-11 07:49:43 GMT) I have to stand the target about 15" off the LEDs to get the spots to merge. I can do an A4 size PCB. The exposure time is 6 mins. The illumination is a bit patchy because the LEDs aren't exactly perpendicular so the projected dot pattern isn't entirely regular. These fluorescents are probably better, but obviously dearer, I think I'd want 3. Ultra Violet Fluorescent Light Fitting 15w I guess you'd have a 5 * 4 matrix. If you spaced them on a 2" grid that would give you 10 * 8 inches. The collimation will not be as good as with many smaller ones, but this is only really important for extermely fine detail. You could run 2's or 4's or 5's in series, or of course singletons. The wavelength is right. Other than that there are no guarantees, it's going to be experimental to a degree no matter what you choose. I've dealt with Asia Engineer on many occasions, they've always been reliable. Assembled quality (soldering) of some of their meters is a bit untidy, and delivery often takes over a week, but other than that, no complaints where LEDs, displays and other components are concerned. w

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