I expose pcbs with a cheapo 500W halogen work lamp. Exposure time ~30 minutes..
Could I reduce the exp time with an auto HID projector lamp? (Scrap yard. BMWs I think. Who hasn't been blinded by those suckers.)
I see blue light from those HID lamps. If there's more blue end, than perhaps there's more UV too? It's probably not a big spectral span from blue to the UV band.
A point light source is supposed to be best for exposing circuit boards.. A projector makes a nice spot. UV tubes radiate radially. I have no idea how this difference in directionally has on the exposure quality.
Anybody seen a spectral graph for those automotive HID lamps? I tried to Google up a spectrum.. Nothing yet.
Note: UV tubes are not easily found around here but I'm surrounded by scrap yards.. :)
D from BC