Custom UV LED Modules for Integrated Photonic Solutions

How to Choose the Right UV LED Module

1. Choose the Application of the Module

Identify the intended application before selecting a UV LED module:

• UV Curing: Adhesives, inks, coatings, and UV-curable resins.

• Fluorescence Inspection: Industrial quality control, non-destructive testing, and fluorescence detection.

• UV Printing: Curing of compatible printing inks and coatings.

• PCB Processing: UV exposure and curing of compatible materials used in electronics manufacturing.

• Industrial Equipment Integration: Custom UV light sources for automated production and inspection systems.

Each application requires careful consideration of wavelength, UV output, thermal management, and installation requirements.

2. Select the Appropriate Wavelength

UVET provides UV LED module options at 365nm, 385nm, 395nm, and 405nm, depending on the product model and application requirements.

• 365nm: Suitable for compatible UV-curable materials, fluorescence excitation, and selected industrial inspection applications.

• 385nm: Used for curing compatible adhesives, inks, and coatings.

• 395nm: Commonly selected for UV LED printing and industrial curing processes.

• 405nm: A near-violet light option for compatible photopolymer curing applications.

The optimal wavelength depends on the absorption characteristics of the material and the required process performance.

3. Verification of Output Power and Intensity

Evaluated in mW/cm² or total radiant flux (in mW or W).

The curing time is directly proportional to the power output, as is the strength of the fluorescence observed.

Decide if you require:

• Spot modules (focused beam)
• Flood modules (wide area coverage)
• Linear modules (found in conveyors or lines)

4. Assessment of Thermal Management

UV LEDs generate significant heat. Look for:

• Integrated fan or water-cooled modules
• Low thermal resistance (aluminum MCPCB or ceramic)

These modules will suffer degraded performance and a reduced lifespan due to poor heat dissipation.

5. Compatibility with Power Supply and Drivers

• Check for the correct voltage and current requirements such as 12V or 24V constant current/voltage.
• For each module, ensure that the power supply is aligned with the specifications.
• Some modules have integrated drivers while others need external one(s) to be fully functional.

6. Configuration and Installation

• The equipment or fixture should accommodate the size and shape (round, strip, square).
• Some modules are equipped as plug-and-play while the others require PCB mounting.
• Consider the IP rating where the equipment is placed if it’s dusty or humid.

7. Service life and Dependability

• A UV lamp should last 10,000 to 50,000 hours.
• Quality modules provide LM-80 and/or MTTF results.
• Find the ESD protection of the device; it can be crucial in sensitive environments.

8. Additional functionalities

• Optics: shape the beam using Lens, Collimator, or reflector
• Ability to dim and PWM control.
• Calibration of the wavelength/ binning or grouping of the same wavelengths.
• Sensors with status indicators or reporting functions.

2. Choose the Right Wavelength

⚠️ Choose based on the photo-reactive material or fluorescence target you're working with.

3. Check Output Power & Intensity

• Measured in mW/cm² or total radiant flux (mW or W)

• Higher power = faster curing or stronger fluorescence

• Consider whether you need:

  • Spot modules (focused beam)

  • Flood modules (large-area coverage)

  • Linear modules (used in conveyors or lines)

4. Evaluate Thermal Management

UV LEDs generate significant heat. Look for:

• Built-in heat sinks or active cooling (fan or water-cooled modules)

• Low thermal resistance substrates (e.g., aluminum MCPCB or ceramic)

🧊 Poor thermal control will reduce lifespan and performance.

5. Power Supply & Driver Compatibility

• Confirm voltage and current requirements (e.g., 12V, 24V constant current or constant voltage)

• Make sure your power supply matches the module specs

• Some modules include integrated drivers; others require external ones

6. Form Factor and Mounting

• Size and shape (e.g., round, square, strip) should fit your equipment or fixture

• Some modules are PCB-mounted, while others are enclosed for plug-and-play

• Consider IP rating if used in humid or dusty environments

7. Lifespan & Reliability

• Look for rated lifespans of 10,000–50,000 hours

• High-quality modules will list LM-80 test results or MTTF

• Check if the module is ESD protected (especially important in sensitive environments)

8. Optional Features

• Optics: Lens, reflector, or collimator to shape the beam

• Dimming or PWM control

• Wavelength calibration or binning

• Integrated sensors or status indicators

🧪 Summary Checklist