UV Curing worked example

UV LED Array Power Density at 65% thermal and aging derate factor: a worked example

This worked example runs the uv led array power density numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 65% thermal and aging derate factor instead of the typical 90%. Calculate UV LED array optical power density (W per inch of array length) - the spec that lets you compare LED arrays head to head independent of array length.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Total UV optical power of the LED array: 180 W (UV) (held at the documented default)
  • Effective emitting length of the array: 12 in (held at the documented default)
  • Thermal and aging derate factor: 65 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 90)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Nameplate density = UV optical power รท array length (W/in).
  • Effective W/in at part works out to 9.75 W / in at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Raw density works out to 15 W / in (UV optical) at these inputs.
  • Effective quantity works out to 117 pieces at these inputs.
  • Array effective length works out to 12 in at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where thermal and aging derate factor sits at 90% and the headline result is 13.5 W / in, this scenario comes in 27.78% below the baseline at 9.75 W / in.
  • Use it when sizing a UV LED array for a line speed, comparing arrays, or diagnosing why an aging array no longer fully cures at its rated setting. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Effective W/in at part: 9.75 W / in (headline result)
  • Raw density: 15 W / in (UV optical)
  • Effective quantity: 117 pieces
  • Array effective length: 12 in

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live UV LED Array Power Density calculator, set thermal and aging derate factor to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.