UV Torch Selection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 11:00:55 pm
content: I have a mind to buy a UV torch to play with. They're available in all price ranges at the places you'd expect.I wondered if some of you guys had already done this research and could save me some hours.I'm just after a toy, but things I've thought of that I'd like to do:Develop some UV curing stuff. Not necessarily well and evenly, just to fool around.Look at some money.Make a sun-tan tattoo.Any thoughts?

author: Skashkash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 11:09:44 pm
content: I've been very happy with this one.http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_277704.htmlOn sale at the moment.You may also want a filter (but it's not really needed).http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_266825.html

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 11:12:52 pm
content: Quote from: evb149 on November 12, 2016, 11:08:17 pmYes.I had a look at digikey before I posted this, wondering if I could simple replace the LEDs in an ebay torch with something better.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 01:05:23 am
content: Apart from being dangerous to look at and expose the skin to, UVC is also a poor choice for UV curing and looking at the fluorescent markings on bank notesI believe you need 360nm for tanning, curing and fluorescence.By the way fluorescent markings can also be excited by the shorter visible wavelengths.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 06:43:11 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on November 13, 2016, 01:05:23 amThat's looking more likely the more I research. Cheers mate.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 06:57:01 am
content: Wolf Eyes make some very robust torches. I've had a couple for many years which have stood up to all kinds of abuse.In any case, they also make aUV (400nm) model. I haven't personally used this particular model and not sure if it's in your price-range. It looks to be a fairly low power one though.They also sell a more powerfulLED/UV LED torchbut the specs don't say much.

author: Artlav
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 06:58:37 pm
content: Depends on the task.For erasing vintage EPROMs i use this mercury vapour induction relic -https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/solid-state-equivalent-for-an-old-valve-lamp/Gives 5W of UVC, still works like a charm with some modern implants.These are common in the post-soviet space, but no clue where you could find one in the southern hemisphere.For post-curing of rosins and UV polymers, i use a cube made out of UVA LEDs.They are widely available, aren't terribly pricey, and do the job well.These also show the markings on the money quite well.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 08:42:10 pm
content: Quote from: Skashkash on November 12, 2016, 11:09:44 pmOK. Not exactly overwhelmed with suggestions, but Thanks for the link Skashkash, I just bought one.I'll report back when it gets here.

author: Skashkash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2016, 11:06:45 pm
content: Take the eye protection warnings seriously.Short exposures are not a problem, but if you are doing any extended inspections and getting a lot of reflections, then some UV blocking glasses would be in order. They are cheap insurance.I found the orange glasses that some dental techs wear to almost entirely block 365nm. At least it blocks the UV that I can easily test for.These are the ones I use. But I suspect most similar safety glasses would do the job.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000USRG90/