UV Inspection Lights are used in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for fluorescing fluorescent magnetic inks and fluorescent dye penetrants. UV light or black light with a wavelength of 365nm creates the optimal viewing conditions. We have a very wide range of UV Lights to choose from such as Bulb or LED technology, mains operated, portable battery operated, combinations of both, hand-held, bench mounted, in varying cases and intensities etc. All offer instant or near instant start up times, with no pre cooling etc. Can be switched off and back on instantly. All operate with no external fans making them lighter and quieter, very useful in damp or dusty environments and require less maintenance. They will still stay cool to the touch, especially useful in confined spaces. None of our lamps are affected by magnetic fields. The battery models are fitted with current regulators to keep intensities stable when the battery power fades. Our UV Lights are divided in to two main categories defining the light source technology the Lights are based on. Standard MPXL 35w & SuperXenon MPXL 35w & 50w (Gas Discharge Bulbs) or LED (Light Emitting Diodes).

Standard MPXL & SuperXenon MPXL  (Gas Discharge Bulbs) These UV Lights use the gas discharge bulbs (Standard MPXL 35w or SuperXenon MPXL 35w & 50w) a similar technology to that of modern car headlights. These types of UV Light typically give much higher intensities giving them the ability to spread that light over a larger beam area, or to be focused over a longer distance or even in brighter conditions such as daylight. Making them more suited to applications requiring the following attributes:- • Large beam coverage area. • Illumination from a greater distance. • Illumination in brighter conditions e.g. daylight. • Combinations of the above.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes) These UV Lights & Torches use the latest in LED technology. These type of lights are usually more compact and lighter weight than the previous gas discharge bulb lights. Making them ideal for harder to access areas or areas where a beam can be projected down tight spaces etc. The LED’s also offer a much greater life expectancy, a more uniform beam and No UV-B emissions.

Choosing which type of UV light is right for you? Many factors will affect the best choice of UV Light for your application. To help narrow down the options for you here are a few questions to think about while choosing the light you require. • Do you require it to be portable (battery operated) or mains powered only? • Is the size of the lamp critical? (Access or weight issues may limit you to torch size lights.) • Will you be able to darken the area or will it it be daylight? • Do you need to illuminate the inspection area from a distance? • Do you need to cover large areas quickly? • Do you have specifications or standards to meet? (e.g. Visible light output limits, intensity outputs minimum or maximum, Specific Wavelength requirements etc.) • The budget - Obviously the wide range of UV lights covered will vary a lot in price, from the basic UV LED torch through to the high intensity portable gas discharge bulb lights. There are many other things to consider but if you need any assistance in your choice then please do not hesitate to contact us for further help. Below is a comparison chart highlighting a few of the basic factors when choosing a UV light which may assist you in narrowing down your choices.

Possible Applications Applications include: Non Destructive Testing (N.D.T.), Magnetic Particle Inspection (M.P.I.), Dye Penetrant Inspection (D.P.I.), Leak Detection, Engine Leak Detection, UV Curing, Sanitation, Purity Control, Art Restoration, Art Verification, DNA Based water detection e.g.. SmartWater, Theatrical Stage Lighting, Pre Paint cleanliness checking, Forensic work and Crime Scene Investigations. Animal Urine monitoring and detection, Search & Rescue operations and many many more.

The main factors to consider when deciding to purchase a UV-A light particularly for use with fluorescent penetrant testing and/or magnetic particle inspection.  High Intensity LED Lights are now widely accepted for use in NDT testing.  However. there are a number of factors which have to be taken into consideration when deciding which LED light to purchase.    1. Peak Wavelength & Emission Spectrum The peak wavelength is the most important consideration when deciding which light to purchase.   Fluorescent penetrants and MPI materials are designed to fluoresce under UV-A at 365 nm. The peak wavelength on LED’s is variable dependent upon the manufacturer.  It is vital for NDT work to ensure that the lights have a peak wavelength within the range 360-370nm. The UV-A emission spectrum of an LED exceeds that of the mercury vapour type of lights.  Some LED lights give an emission above 400nm which is observed as a deep violet glare and is unacceptable in many aerospace Standards.  This means that for a light to be suitable for aerospace inspection and comply with the standards, then a White Light Block Filter must be fitted – see the lights within our range which comply – eg. BB 2.0 Ikaros, MB 3.0 Series and even a UVG Torch!   2. Beam Profile & Working Distance LED Lamps are available in many different versions which are designed specifically to suit the many different types of applications. Torches are available which have a very focused, but intense spot beam profile but only have a small diameter beam area.  These are ideal for the inspection of small holes, welded joints, etc.  However, when inspecting a large area, a light with an array of LED’s is a much better option as this will give a much larger beam area to allow for quicker inspection times.  The light should be used at the correct ‘working distance’ to ensure even coverage and eliminate any dark spots which may occur if the light is too close to the surface.   3. Battery or Mains Operated or BOTH LED UV lights can be operated from a battery for several hours or be mains operated or both!   The Labino range of Battery Powered LED Lights are equipped with a ‘Current Regulator’ that keeps the UV intensity constant even when the battery fades and will automatically turn off if the minimum intensity is not maintained.   4. Certification Requirements There are many different Certification requirements dependent upon the industry and the specific inspection type required. ASTM E3022: Standard Practice for Measurement of Emission Characteristics and Requirements for LED UV-A Lamps Used in Fluorescent Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing is a standard which is specified throughout the Aerospace NDT Industry.  See the lights within our range which comply – eg. BB 2.0 Ikaros, MB 3.0 Series and even a UVG Torch! Not all aerospace processes require the lights to have full ASTM E3022 certification and there are many other industries where the certification requirements are less rigid. When deciding to purchase a LED Light – make sure that you make an informed decision !