NobleCure® is the new UV LED module made by Heraeus.
It is a modular LED unit in the near UV range that comprises all peripheral components such as cooling, control and power supply. These components are optimally tuned to each other to optimize the service life of the light source. At a wavelength of 395 nm, NobleCure® has an irradiance of at least 4 watts per cm². As the area of the emission window is almost 40 cm², the resulting total optical output is about 200 watts. This high total optical output is achieved, among other things, by the use of a technologically unique micro-lens for which a patent is pending.
The special micro-optics technology enables the beam to be shaped to optimally suit the working distance required. This improves the uncoupling efficiency of the UV LED system by more than 50 percent. Even at different distances to the material, the irradiance drops just slightly initially but then remains relatively stable. Therefore, NobleCure® can be used at various working distances to the substrate without the need to retool the system.
The UV LED special light source can therefore be used for applications that require a small working distance, such as inkjet applications, but also in printing processes that require a larger distance. Offset and flexo-printing are particular examples, but also adhesive curing or lithography applications in which objects with different shapes are treated with ultraviolet light. Irradiance remains relatively constant even at different working distances up to about 100 mm. The particular micro-optical beam shaping of the NobleCure® offsets the weak point of conventional UV LEDs where the irradiance drops to a minimum as the distance increases.
The special Heraeus optics that can be adjusted to the relevant application not only provide high optical output but also help to increase the process speed. More light and higher irradiance – even at large working distances.
Heraeus has developed this novel technology in its own laboratories and Heraeus also manufactures the UV LED special light sources. Learn more about Heraeus Noblelight and UV LEDs with special micro-optics at www.heraeus-noblelight.de.