HITEGLA BLOG
What kind of glass for UV lamps?
To achieve high UV transmission, special types of glass with low absorption in the UV range are used.
According to HITEGLA, quartz glass is the best choice for UV lamps.
Quartz and fused silica (silica glass)
Fused silica/optical quartz has very high UV transmission, even in the UVC band (185–254 nm) — values often >80–90% transmission for wavelengths of 185–254 nm, with high purity (>99.99% SiO₂).
These materials are also characterized by a very low thermal expansion coefficient and high thermal shock resistance, which is crucial for UV lamps, where the temperature range can be wide.
Quartz glass is the standard in UVC lamps for water and air sterilization because it allows for the effective use of 254 nm radiation, which is responsible for disinfection.
The full characteristics of quartz glass can be found - HERE.
1. Disinfection and sterilization lamps (UV-C)
Type: Quartz glass (or silica glass).
Why: Ordinary glass blocks UV-C rays (bactericidal band 200-280 nm). Quartz glass has very high UV transmittance (up to 90%).
Application: Flow lamps, water sterilizers, medical lamps, contamination detection. Attracting and eliminating insects. Hospitals and laboratories: Sterilization of operating rooms, treatment rooms, instruments, and air. Public spaces: Schools, kindergartens, government offices, public transportation. Home and office: Air purifiers with UV function, room disinfection lamps. Food industry: Disinfection of packaging, bottles, cutting tools, and production surfaces.
2. Curing lamps (hybrid varnishes, paints, adhesives, resins - UV-A)
Type: Quartz glass and silica glass, which transmit the UV-A band (mainly 315-400 nm), are often used.
Features: The glass must withstand high temperatures and not darken under the influence of radiation.
Application: Drying paints, varnishes, adhesives, and resins (e.g., in printing and varnishing), curing dental materials. Detection: Checking banknotes and documents.
3. Cosmetic and therapeutic lamps (UV-B)
Type: Quartz glass (so-called quartz lamps).
Application: Therapeutic skin irradiation, solariums.
Summary of UV glass properties:
High UV transmission: Must transmit the appropriate wavelength (UVA, UVB, or UVC).
Thermal resistance: Must withstand the heat generated by discharges.
Durability: It should not become cloudy under prolonged exposure to radiation (solarization).
You can find a complete knowledge base on glass - HERE.
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