• How should I dispose of my used UV lamps?

All UV lamps contain hazardous materials which should be disposed of according to your local environmental regulations – this normally means the use of a licensed hazardous waste transfer station who will supply sealed containers and transportation of the used lamps, (this also applies to the disposal of the remains of any broken lamps).

• How do I arrange a service visit for my gew UV system?

Contact our service team by sending an inquiry to: service@uv.opole.pl. A complete service history is kept of all gew systems.

• Where can I find the GEW UV system serial number?

The GEW system serial number (s####) can be found on the rating plate of the GEW power supply unit, it can also be found inside the GEW manual, and on e-brick systems it can be displayed on the touch screen by pressing the tool button.

• How do I order spares for my system?

You can order spares by sendind us an order or inquiry to: order@uv.opole.pl. If you do not know the relevant part number then simply supply a description or photo of the component along with the system serial number and we will identify it for you. See FAQ „Where can I find the GEW UV system serial number?”.

• What lamp life should I expect from my GEW UV system?
  
  

The UV lamp is warranted that it will start for 1000 hours or six months, whichever comes first. This is dependant on the UV system having been installed and commissioned correctly and regular maintenance being undertaken. Remember to always keep a spare lamp in stock.

• How do I change my lamp?

The detailed information for changing lamps is available in the GEW users manual, if you do not have a copy of the manual one can be requested via e-mail: service@uv.opole.pl. When changing the lamp it is important not to get any fingerprints on the lamp glass; an ipa wipe is provided to remove accidental contamination. Always check that the lamp is fitted the correct way up and that the wire terminations are tightened using the correct tools.

• Can I use non-gew lamps in my GEW UV system?

The GEW power supply units are specifically tuned for optimal use with our own range of UV lamps. The use of non-gew lamps has been known to cause irreparable damage to critical power handling components and can also give poor curing performance and short lamp life. Use of non-gew lamps will void any warranty still to run on a system.

• What is a doped lamp?

The most common type of UV lamp is the mercury vapour lamp. A doped lamp is a mercury vapour lamp with a metal halide, of typically iron or gallium, added to it. These lamps tend to be more difficult to start and may also have a shorter life span than the standard mercury lamp. Every other alternative should be tried before requesting a doped lamp; your UV system will need to be re-configured by a trained GEW technician to run a doped lamp correctly.

• Why is my UV ink not drying?

There are many factors that can affect curing performance that are not related to the UV system. Generally a system that is correctly installed, well looked after and given a yearly service by a trained GEW service technician should give no performance problems.
For further help please contact us.

• How do  I check the UV output?

Direct measuring UV devices are available that can be used for checking degradation in the UV system relative to a measurement taken when it was new. This will indicate whether the lamps require cleaning or if they have reached the end of their useful life span. Please contact order@uv.opole.pl for further information.

• Is UV dangerous?

It is possible that direct contact with UV radiation from the lamp can cause skin and eye irritation. All GEW systems come with shielding that must be kept in place at all times. Provided these shields are adjusted correctly and not removed the system is safe. Reflected light that may still be visible after the lamp shielding contains very little UV energy.

• Why do we duct the exhaust gases out of the building?

The exhaust from the UV system is ducted out of the building to safely disperse the ozone that is produced by the UV light. Due to the high reactivity of this ozone it will typically decompose back to oxygen whilst traveling through the exhaust system so will not damage the environment. The exhaust is also used to extract the heat produced by the UV lamp.

• Why is the UV lamp’s arc-length always greater than the maximum print width?

When studying the irradiance profile at the substrate, it can be seen that the irradiance reduces significantly at the ends of the lamp. This zone of reduced irradiance extends up to 20mm inwards from each end. In order to keep the print width in the zone of full irradiance, a lamp of arc length at least 40mm greater than the print width will be selected. Please click here to see a detailed explanation.

• What maintenance is recommended for my gew UV system?

The following maintenance is recommended:

1. The dryers should be periodically cleaned to remove any debris and ink build up.
2. All air filters on the system should be inspected weekly and cleaned or replaced if dirty.
3. On systems using compressed air the regulator bowl should be checked weekly.
4. On water cooled systems check the water level in the chiller weekly.
5. Check all hoses and ducting, replace if damaged.

Further information can be found in your UV system user manual.