Arc vs LED UV Curing Cost Calculator
Arc lamps dim and get replaced; LED sources run ~20,000 hours with no consumable lamp. This calculator estimates the lamp-replacement cost of an arc process over time, so you can weigh it against moving to LED. Every input is yours to edit, the defaults are just a starting point.
Questions
Is LED UV curing cheaper than arc-lamp curing?
On consumables, usually yes over time, LED sources are rated around 20,000 hours with no replacement lamp, while an arc lamp is a recurring module cost as it dims. The trade-off is that LED emits one wavelength, so it only suits adhesives that cure at an available band. This calculator estimates the lamp-replacement saving from your own numbers.
How long does a UV arc lamp last?
It depends on the lamp and how it is run, but output falls gradually over life rather than failing outright, commonly a couple thousand hours before it should be replaced to hold cure times. Track it with a radiometer and the front-panel hour meter.
How long do UV LEDs last?
UV LED sources are typically rated around 20,000 hours, roughly ten times a typical arc lamp, with no warm-up or cool-down and stable output, which is much of their cost advantage.
