Uv Curing System Safety - Oce Arizona 250 GT User Manual

UV Curing System Safety

Introduction
The UV Curing System on the Arizona 250 GT generates hazardous levels of
thermal, electrical and UV energies.
The Arizona 250 GT printer uses UV-curable ink that needs a high energy level of
UV light to cure. The system is made up of two medium pressure mercury arc lamps
attached to the carriage. The ink has been designed using the proper photo-initiator
to cure at the highest efficient wavelength of the Lamp (366nm).
UV Lamp Hazards: Superficial eye damage and burning of the skin can occur with
even brief exposure to UV light. Serious injuries can result from prolonged exposure,
especially if unshielded. UV lamps operate at very high temperatures
(approximately 800° Centigrade). For this reason, never touch a lamp which has
been in operation. Let the lamp cool before attempting any maintenance, and then
use extreme care in handling the lamp cartridges. The UV bulbs contain a small
amount of metallic mercury which is toxic when ingested, handled, or breathed.
Therefore, if bulbs are broken, care should be taken to clean up the spill immediately,
and then disposed of according to local regulations concerning Mercury disposal.
Bare skin contact with the UV lamps must be avoided. Compounds from the skin
when heated on lamps operating at 600 to 850° C will form permanent etching on
the quartz surface that can decrease UV energy transmission. A contaminated lamp
eventually may overheat, causing premature failure.
Ozone: Ozone is a toxic gas which all medium pressure UV lamps create. As the
lamp warms up, it briefly passes through a section of the light spectrum which
excites oxygen molecules enough to create ozone. Once a UV lamp has completely
warmed up, only very minute amounts of ozone are present.
Note: The Arizona 250 GT printer has a built-in interlock safety system that shuts
down the motion motors if the interlock is tripped. This ensures that the operator is
not exposed to any hazards. The interlock system includes an aluminum safety gate
around the perimeter of the carriage that reduces the UV light exposure and also
stops carriage motion if it is not properly seated. See the section
Safety System' on page
Caution: Warning for Seated Individuals: The UV Emissions and Blue
Light Emissions profile of the Arizona 250 GT is at its worst for individuals
in a seated position (Table Height of 90cm). Remove all chairs within 5
metres (16 feet) of the printer.
29)" for more details on how it works.
UV Curing System Safety
"(see 'Interlock
27