Significance of UV LED 405nm in 3D Printing

Do you know the global UV LED Printers market is expected to hit a revenue of US$ 925 million by the end of 2033? UV LEDs have become an attractive technology for generating intense light with minimal power consumption while enjoying longer lifetimes and emitting a little heat.

With the ever-evolving advancements in digital printing, modern UV-derived solutions have started replacing the traditional, power-hungry mercury (Hg) vapor lamps. Excellent running and low power consumption UV LED boards have longer lifespans and very few problems with disposal.

Keeping this in mind, UV LEDs with a wavelength of 405nm are pretty beneficial for 3D printing. Also, they are more practical and environmentally friendly alternatives to mercury lamps. Keep reading to unveil the significant role of 405nm UV light in 3D printing processes.

Understanding UV Spectrum and Where 405nm Fits

A UV LED 405nm emits ultraviolet light with a pre-selected wavelength. As we all know, the UV spectrum ranges from 100nm to 400nm depending on its wavelength, which is measured in nm. 

The UV LED 405nm wavelength fits at the top of the UV spectrum and is often called “UV-A Light.” UV LEDs with this specific wavelength are used across various industries, such as electronics, digital inkjet printing, 3D printing, medical device manufacturing, curing processes, security marketing, and disinfection. 

Though direct and prolonged exposure to UV lights can be harmful to human cells, UV-A is generally considered less harmful than UV light with shorter wavelengths (i.e., ranging from 100nm to 280nm).

Unique Characteristics of 405nm UV Light 

405nm UV light wavelength lies in the violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It possesses the following unique characteristics:

l This wavelength has a higher energy per photon, which can be used in various industrial photochemical reactions.

l 405nm UV light can effectively excite fluorophores due to its shorter wavelength than visible light.

l Due to its low penetration, 405nm UV light can easily interact with surface-level structures. 

How UV LED 405nm Works for 3D Printing?

In 3D printing, each layer must be cooled and cured immediately after it is jetted. UV  LED curing approaches have advanced capabilities and can efficiently be used for 3D printing of automotive parts, footwear, jewelry, and prototypes.  

405nm UV LEDs work by passing electrons from semiconductor diodes, emitting energy as UV photons. Curing for specific printing processes, such as stereolithography (SLA), using UV technology can be tedious as it depends entirely on photoinitiators.

Photoinitiators are chemical substances that react to specific wavelengths, such as 405nm led. They are used for both bond breakage and creating new bonds between oligomers.

As the new bonds form, they efficiently cure the adhesives in the desired shape. This way, UV LED technology can be used for curing the substrates without damaging the system, environment, and human cells. 

The chosen wavelength of high-power UV LED boards ensures that they efficiently activate adhesive curing agents. AND this approach results in a thorough and rapid curing process, ultimately contributing to reduced processing times and increased production speeds.

Understanding the Role of 405nm UV LED in the 3D Printing Process

The following printing methods are used in the 3D printing industry:

1. Stereolithography (SLA)

2. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

3. Carbon CLIP Technology 

4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

UV LED 405nm corresponds to the violet spectrum, ideal for curing photopolymer resins, mainly used in Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Stereolithography (SLA).

In resin 3D printing, 405nm UV light plays a pivotal role in initiating the photopolymerization process, which is responsible for solidifying the liquid resin into your desired objects. The 3D printing process involves building up layers of desired compounds, such as metal, polymer, or resin, until they merge into your desired shape.

Since it can be challenging to continuously apply raw materials if the working surface has not dried immediately. So, the composites can be hardened as they polymerize by irradiating them with 405nm UV light, allowing more materials to be applied for further layering. 

In addition to resin curing in 3D printing, 405nm LED can also be utilized in the post-processing of the formed objects. In the 3D printing industry, this process is carried out to improve the mechanical properties and performance of the material. Also, UV light helps in increasing resistance and minimizing shrinkage. 

Reasons and Benefits of Using UV LEDs for 3D Printing

1. Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency 

One of the most notable features of the UV LED 405nm technology is its remarkable energy efficiency and cost savings. Unlike conventional curing systems, UV LED sources don’t consume substantial amounts of power. This approach ultimately leads to reduced environmental impact and lower energy bills.

2. Ultra-Fast Switching 

Another appreciable benefit of the 405nm LED technology is that it can be switched ON/OFF rapidly without damaging your systems. Traditional mercury lamps work by, in effect, striking a short-circuit arc. Also, they have a limited scope of varying output intensity. So, they keep generating heat and using power whether you’re printing or not.

In contrast, UV LEDs for 3D printing can be switched rapidly to vary the light output. Since the UV LED 405nm board is only switched on when needed, its lifetime can be extended to years.

3. Longer Life and Durability 

Do you know the service life of a single chip with UV LED technology is about 10,000 to 15,000 hours, depending on the heat dissipation? That means if a UV LED 365nm board runs 8 hours a day, with a service life of 10,000 hours, it can last about 5 years. Seems impressive?

Since the UV LED boards remain OFF in non-printing mode, their actual service life can even be further extended. Traditional curing systems such as high-pressure mercury (Hg) lamps generate ozone gas, which needs to be extracted by ventilation and can lead to regular wear and tear to your systems. 

In contrast, UV LED technology is better known for its reliability and durability. The high-end UV board ensures reduced downtime, more consistent printing operation, and lower maintenance costs. 

4. Improved Production Speeds

Everyone wants to save time in the fast-paced digital printing world, and the UV LED 405nm offers a significant advantage in this regard. The ultra-fast switching and instant curing capabilities of this technology can eliminate the need for drying time and speed up the production process. 

Also, the fast-curing power of UV technology accelerates customized printing solutions and helps businesses quickly meet tight deadlines. Above all, the faster turnaround times of UV LED 405nm can be a game-changer in 3D printing, offering you a competitive edge over the competitors.

5. Precise Wavelength 

The carefully chosen wavelength of the UV LED 405nm is not arbitrary. Instead, it aligns with the absorption spectra of commonly used photo-initiators in UV adhesives.

This thoughtful wavelength selection ensures that the Ultraviolet light is fully absorbed while triggering an efficient glue-curing process without excessive heat dissipation. Also, it results in controlled and precise curing without damaging the sensitive substrates. 

The Bottom Line

So, that sums up our today’s review of UV LED 450nm. Light-emitting diodes with this specific UV wavelength show promising capabilities in the 3D printing industry.

AND when it comes to finding the right UV LED manufacturers, you know whom to contact - Zhuhai Tianhui Electronic. With more than 20 years of experience in OEM/ODM services, we are able to deliver the best quality UV LEDs for several purposes at affordable rates.

Contact us today to learn more about our premium UV LED solutions for multiple applications!