The use of UV LEDs in disinfection, curing, and medical processes has proven to be efficient and environmentally friendly, and due to this, it has been adopted in various industries. Further, the selection of a suitable UV LED for a specific use case can be tedious. The global UV LED market size was valued at USD 787.9 million in 2022 and is anticipated to witness an increase in CAGR of 21.5% during the period of 2022 to 2030. In this detailed guide, we intend to help engineers, manufacturers, and decision-makers with the selection of a suitable UV LED for their needs by weighing in on the key factors, which include wavelength, power output, and intended use case.
Wavelengths of UV LEDs
The effectiveness of a UV LED in any application is highly dependent on its wavelength. However, the varying wavelengths of UV LEDs can be applied in different fields, which include:
- UV-A (315-400 nm): These LEDs are widely used across multiple industries for curing purposes, counterfeit detection, insect traps, as well as cosmetic and medical procedures.
- UV-B (280-315 nm): These specific LEDs have medical uses to treat and manage psoriasis and eczema as phototherapy. Furthermore, these LEDs are also effective as disinfectants.
- UV-C (100-280 nm): This is the most useful range for combating germicidal. As they can destroy harmful microorganisms by damaging their DNA.
Output Power and Effectiveness
In addition, power output should be considered when choosing a UV LED. The greater the assigned power, the more the intensity of UV light. This is important for applications that need fast disinfecting or curing.
- Low-Power UV LEDs: Suitable for low-power tasks such as fraud recognition and lower-tier curing
- High-Power UV LEDs: An absolute necessity in industrial disinfection, massive volume water treatment, and heavy-duty curing applications. High-powered LEDs provide greater strength and shorter processing periods, which can only be useful in advanced applications.
The application of high-power UV LEDs produces greater efficiency and effectiveness, as well as faster results for a lower amount of energy compared to other traditional sources.
The Most Efficient UV LEDs in the Market for Disinfection Use
UV-C LEDs are potentially the go-to for disinfecting use as they destroy bacteria, viruses, and other germ types. The following can guide the user in making a choice when purchasing UV LEDs for disinfection.
- Wavelength: Make sure that the LEDs are in the 260-280 nm range since this is the ideal range for germicidal.
- Power Output: Use high-power UV-C LEDs in industrial disinfection, such as in water or air purification, to get the job done.
- Durability and Lifespan: In the market, search for LEDs that can operate for long hours prior to replacement for use in disinfection.
Application Characteristics Based on Particular Requirements
The application pertains to the characteristics of the UV LED that a user will need. Some of the most important to bear in mind include:
- Industrial UV Curing: For industrial applications involving curing printers or coatings, high-powered UV A or UV B LEDs are best suited to provide quick and efficient curing.
- Medical Uses: UVB is regarded as less harmful than UVC, and it is being used for skin lesions, phototherapy, and UVC LEDs for sterilization and treatment of wounds. The UV LEDs must also have the desired specifications in terms of both power and wavelength.
- Air and Water Purification: In the health care sector, UV-C LEDs are found to be effective for use in treating both air and water and in the food industry and other areas such as municipal.
Features of Key Nature to Look Out For
To reach a decision in relation to the best UV LED, the following tips should be kept in mind:
- Heat Management: Check and verify that the LED system is well designed to provide heat management so that overheating does not occur.
- Beam Angle: A narrow beam angle is particularly suitable for focused disinfection, while for larger areas, a wide beam angle is required for the UV LEDs for such applications.
- Strength: UV LEDs are particularly useful in areas where they are required to stand moisture, shock as well as vibration and other tough industrial conditions.
Final Thoughts
In order to select the best UV LED, due consideration has to be paid to the application the user has in mind, such as the required wavelength, the output power, and the construction material. One way to use UV LEDs is for disinfection, another use is in medical procedures, and another use is for curing.
