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Hafele America Co.
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Tel : 1.800.423.3531
Fax: 1.800.325.6197
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UV Bonding FAQ - Lamps
Q: How long can I wait between pre-curing and final curing?
A: Maximum 1-2 hours, but the bonding area should not be exposed to sunlight during that time. However, usually final curing is done shortly after pre-curing.
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Q: In which range of UV rays is the UV lamp?
A: Every UV lamp emits UV-A, UV-B and UV-C light. The built-in filters of the Häfele UV lamp block the dangerous UV-B and UV-C rays.
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Q: Can I cure the adhesive without a lamp, just using activator?
A: The use of activator results in approx. 30-40% less bonding strength and may lead to a yellowing of the bonding area, especially if too much activator is used. Activator should only be used in cases where you can’t reach the bonding surface with a suitable UV lamp.
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Q: Can I use the light of a counterfeit money detector?
A: Due to a different wavelength emitted, the adhesive may cure eventually, but will not reach the necessary strength.
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Q: Can I use a lamp from a sun bed (tanning booth)?
A: Due to a different wavelength emitted, the adhesive may cure eventually, but will not reach the necessary strength.
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Q: Can I use sunlight for curing?
A: Generally, it is possible to activate the polymerisation process of the adhesive by sunlight, as the necessary light spectrum is part of the sunlight. However, due to the missing concentration of the correct wavelength no sufficient bonding strength will be reached. We strongly advise not to use sunlight, as the reduced strength may lead to severe damage to bonding objects and pose safety risks to people!
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Q: What is the lifetime of a lamp?
A: That depends on the use of the lamp (hours per day). Most lamps last for approx. 3,000 hours. In time, the intensity of the UV rays weakens, which results in longer curing times.
Companies who use UV lamps permanently for high production capacity are advised to invest in a UV-power-meter, which can measure the intensity of the UV rays. As with normal light bulbs, the lifetime of UV lamps is reduced if they are switched on and off very often – depending on the type of job, you should leave it on permanently unless you are not going to use it for several hours.
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Q: Is the light harmful to the eyes or skin?
A: Not the lamp available from Häfele America Co., as it is equipped with suitable filters. In order to completely rule out any risk, we recommend the use of protective goggles and gloves if someone works permanently with UV lamps.
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Q: Which type of lamp do I need?
A: Häfele UV adhesives react to a UVA wavelength of 320 to 400 nm. Any lamp, which emits UVA light of this wavelength, is suitable. In addition, it is important that the lamp has a built-in filter to block dangerous UV-B and UV-C rays. The lamp should also be chosen according to the bond to ensure a tension-free bond.
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Q: Can I use a lamp I already have?
A: Only if it is a lamp designed for UV bonding. Any other UV lamps (e.g. for inspection purposes, sunbeds etc.) will emit a different wavelength of UVA light and are not recommended for achieving satisfactory results.
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Q: Do I need a UV lamp?
A: Yes, you will need a special lamp, which triggers the adhesive’s reaction at the correct UVA wavelength of 320-400 nm.
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