Which UV light do you use?

[pugga]

Hey all,

I have been setting norland using the sun but relying on bright sunny days is causing a few issues. I have searched and looked at the different UV led options but was wondering what others are using to set norland. The two that I am interested in is Nailbenders nichia p60 dropin and the nichia UV torch (http://www.ledwholesalers.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=272). There is a bit of a price difference which is making it a bit hard. I was wondering what others are using and how quickly they set the norland (how long they leave the light on to set it). I generally polish the area when it is dry so it has to be well done. Another point is that I don't really have any other use for a UV light apart from setting norland but I need another option. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Cheers Pugga.

 

[hyperloop]

i'm not an expert by any means but is there a wavelength requirement for this use of yours? I had to google "setting norland" before i figured out what it meant, if i am not wrong it's a form of adhesive that requires UV light to set right? Hence my question about wavelengths, am sure a much more knowledgeable person will chime in soon.

However, for giggles and just cos i had to have one, i got a UV module from DX, this one to be exact and it is a genuine UV though i am unsure if the wavelength is suitable for your needs.

I figure that you might get a P60 host (reasonable ones like the Solarforce L2) come to mind and have a light that you can use and switch the modules as and when you need the UV instead of getting a dedicated UV light (unless of course wavelength requirements dictate getting a dedicated UV light).

cheers

 

[pugga]

Hi hyperloop,

Sorry should of clarified. It is a UV activated optical adhesive that I use to set trits. Its optimal wavelength is 365nm. I also have a 6P which is why I have looked at Nailbenders P60 UV dropin but it is quite an expensive option at this point. I am interested if anyone has Nailbenders nichia version and if they use it for curing, how does it go.

Cheers pugga

 

[hyperloop]

Hi hyperloop,

Sorry should of clarified. It is a UV activated optical adhesive that I use to set trits. Its optimal wavelength is 365nm. I also have a 6P which is why I have looked at Nailbenders P60 UV dropin but it is quite an expensive option at this point. I am interested if anyone has Nailbenders nichia version and if they use it for curing, how does it go.

Cheers pugga

Ah, much clearer now, then the link to that drop in would not be suitable i assume? well, good luck with your search!

 

[JNewell]

I have four. Several are slightly different wavelengths so they give different results on different materials.

Cheapest (two):
Photon UV
Lighthound 12x (or something like that)

Not cheap but good:
TerraLux drop-in for Mini Maglite
Arc AAA UV

I believe all of these are 375 or higher, so they probably won't cure your adhesive.

 

[angelofwar]

I ust the Stream Light 3-C UV light (not for setting norland, mind you), with 3 365nm and 3 390nm LED's. Plus a bright xenon bulb (the beam's not great, but frost the bulb should solve that). Not a bad deal for $40-$50.

 

[alpg88]

i have 2 uv lights, those are 2 lanterns i modded, here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=262913
1 has 385nm uv leds, other has 375nm, i can't be sure that in reality they are really 385-375nm but i could see more things glow at 375, also they emit less visible\blue light. so the rating should be about right.
i also have 5 360nm leds that i plan to use in my next build.
my use is mostly shining uv at anything that glows and make my buddies go "wow, that is so cool, look at that".

but leds have limited nm range, plus as nm drops $$ goes up fast, fluorescent are better source of uv light. for a few years now i'm looking for mini uv fluorescent tube, less than 4 inches, but no luck, i loosing hope that those even still exist, thou i have seen a pic of 2in tube on the net few years ago.

 

[Kid9P]

An Inova UV-X5 will do the trick.
Cures my Norland in about 15 minutes, just aim it closely at the Norland.

I use to do the sun thing myself, total pain in the rear.
There were times I planned on setting a trit, but the day was rainy so I would have to wait.

Ray

 

[Chrontius]

Inova X5-UV. Mostly use it for charging GITD, checking for messes, and looking for genuine dollar bills.

 

[JNewell]

Inova X5-UV. Mostly use it for charging GITD, checking for messes, and looking for genuine dollar bills.

Interesting, that's 395nm? I'm surprised it works on the adhesive. Good report.

 

[pugga]

Hi thanks for the responses.

It's interesing that the different wavelength versions which are cheaper than the 365nm led work just take a little longer to cure. Idealy a p60 dropin would be best so when I'm not needing the UV I can just swap another module in and not have a whole different torch. Anyone elses opinons with actual curing experience would much appreciated.

Cheers