GEW launches next-gen UV monitor

GEW stated that effective ink curing using UV depends upon guaranteed output from the lamp and reflector system.

UV monitoring consists of calibrated sensors positioned along the length of the lamp to continuously measure the UV intensity in a UV curing system. This is needed to avoid the risks and consequences of undercured product reaching the customer.

mUVm is claimed by GEW as a highly reliable and cost-effective option for production monitoring of UV intensity at multiple positions across the web, to eliminate the possibility of inadequate UV dose.

It features a simple user interface that displays the UV output of the lamps on the Rhino system touchscreen and alarms can be set to warn when the output gets too low or too high. With up to five sensors per lamp monitoring once a second, ‘unprecedented control’ over the UV curing process can be achieved. As a result, potential waste is eliminated and thus efficiency is greatly improved.

mUVm also enables the user to easily see when UV lamps reach the end of their usable life. Accurate UV outputs determine when to change lamps to extend their life, whilst saving energy by reducing lamp running power, without risking undercured product.

‘With mUVm, it is now possible to attain 100 percent UV inspection for every batch when using the API user interface, and generate a UV curing certificate for every batch by recording live UV outputs for every lamp,’ GEW stated.

mUVm is designed to comply with European legislation on food contact packaging, including: Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 article 3; Good Manufacturing Practice Regulation (EC) 2023/2006; Plastics Regulation (EU) 10/2011; and Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21.

Read about the latest developments from the UVFoodSafe industry initiative in L&L issue 1, 2018, and here