ข่าว บริษัท เกี่ยวกับ UV LED completely replaces 90% of mercury lamps

UV LED completely replaces 90% of mercury lamps

  Mercury lamps, the traditional mainstay of UV curing, have been widely used for decades in printing, consumer electronics (e.g., 3C electronics), and wood coating. However, with stricter global regulations on mercury pollution and the maturity of LED technology, UV LEDs are rapidly replacing mercury lamps. By 2025, the UV curing system market is projected to reach US$6.71 billion and continue to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% to US$15.28 billion in 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the energy efficiency, lifespan, and environmental advantages of UV LEDs.

  The drawbacks of mercury lamps are obvious: they contain toxic mercury vapor, generate ozone and heat during operation, have a short lifespan (typically only a few thousand hours), and consume a lot of energy. In contrast, UV LEDs offer single-wavelength output, a longer lifespan (over 60,000 hours), and instant on/off switching. These advantages make UV LEDs an ideal alternative, especially as the use of mercury lamps faces strict restrictions under the EU's RoHS Directive and the UN's Minamata Convention. By 2025, many countries have begun phasing out the production and import of mercury lamps, driving the industry's transition to LEDs.

  In terms of market size, the UV LED market is expected to reach US$1.23 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 39% to US$1.285 billion in 2033. This is due to the shift from mercury-based UV lamps to LEDs, which emphasize longevity, safety, and environmental protection. This contrast is particularly prominent in the printing, 3C, and wood coating industries: mercury lamps have a short replacement cycle (needing to be replaced annually), while UV LEDs can last for several years, significantly reducing downtime.

  Global regulation is a key force driving the replacement of mercury lamps with UV LEDs. The United Nations' Minamata Convention aims to reduce mercury use, and many countries have implemented mercury lamp bans by 2025. The European Union updated its mercury regulations in 2023, specifically targeting the UV curing lamp industry. The printing sector is facing intense scrutiny, forcing manufacturers to turn to UV LEDs to avoid regulatory compliance risks.

  Environmental factors are also crucial. Mercury lamp waste disposal is complex and polluting, while UV LEDs are non-toxic and consistent with sustainable development goals. Industry trends indicate that the UV-curable coating market will reach $20.94 billion by 2025, driven by the growing demand for environmentally friendly coatings.

  Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain. Initial investment is high: UV LED systems cost 20-50% more than mercury lamps, although this can be recovered through energy savings. Ink compatibility issues require dual-cure technology. Wavelength matching is another challenge; the multi-peak nature of mercury lamps versus the single peak of LEDs requires formulation adjustments. However, innovations expected in 2025, such as Osram's high-efficiency LEDs, will alleviate this issue. Supply chain disruptions can be mitigated through localized production. Overall, solutions focus on technological optimization and government subsidies to ensure smooth implementation of the roadmap.