What are UV meters and why are they essential in UV curing systems?

UV meters are essential tools for accurately measuring UV intensity and energy, ensuring adhesives, inks, and coatings are cured consistently and reliably. This article helps you understand how UV meters work, their applications, and how to choose the right UV meters for production.

1. What are UV meters?

UV meters are specialized optical instruments designed to measure the technical parameters of ultraviolet (UV) light. Each device consists of a UV-sensitive photodetector and a processing unit that displays measurement results.

In manufacturing and research, UV meters—also known as UV light meters—ensure processes remain within optimal limits. If UV intensity is too low, curing will be incomplete and cause defects. If it is too high, materials may be damaged and energy wasted.

The difference between qualified products and defective ones often lies in precise UV energy control. Using UV meters helps standardize processes, reduce errors, and optimize operating costs.

2. Key parameters measured by UV meters

When using UV meters, two core parameters define UV performance:

2.1. UV irradiance

Unit: mW/cm²

Meaning: Indicates the UV power delivered to a unit area at a given moment.

Application: Used to check lamp uniformity and stability during operation.

2.2. UV energy (energy density / dose)

Unit: mJ/cm²

Meaning: The total UV energy received over exposure time.

Application: Determines whether UV adhesives, inks, or coatings receive sufficient energy for complete curing.

Formula:
UV energy (mJ/cm²) = UV intensity (mW/cm²) × exposure time (s)

3. Classification of UV meters by wavelength range