Dry film curing machine with ultraviolet lamp controls

摘要

A dry film curing machine utilizes ultraviolet lamps mounted in reflectors, which are positioned on opposite sides of a mesh or open type conveyor belt carrying the film to provide radiation for drying. The lamps are controlled by a circuit that regulates the intensity of the ultraviolet lamps to a set level as the lamp ages. The control is effective even though the arc in the lamp may deflect as the lamp warps under temperature differentials. A sensor is mounted in a housing and is positioned adjacent the lamp. The sensor housing eliminates reflected ultraviolet light from striking the sensor, to eliminate erroneous input signals. The sensor provides a signal that is directly proportional to ultraviolet lamp intensity and this signal is used to adjust the power (primarily the current) to the lamp through a microprocessor controlled power source to maintain the UV intensity at the set level. The intensity level can be adjusted, to provide a wide range of intensities to suit the needs for drying the film that is being carried through the machine. Accurate and controllable curing action is thus obtained. In addition, a separate control insures that a provided fan does not overcool the lamps during periods when the intensity of the UV light is set at a low level.