Maintaining consistent UV output is critical for reliable curing and disinfection performance. Whether you’re running a printing line, adhesive application, coating process, or UV-based sanitation system, Southern Lamps offers practical tools to monitor UV levels visually and effectively. These include UV test strips, UV test labels, UVC 254 Dosimeter Dots, and UV-A Dosimeter Strips & Cards (395 nm).

All options are easy to use and offer clear visual feedback. They’re especially helpful in environments where radiometers or electronic probes may not be suitable. The right choice depends on your wavelength, system configuration, and the level of precision required.

UV Test Strips

UV test strips are paper indicators with five color-changing zones that react to UV exposure. Each zone activates at a specific UV energy level, helping estimate the dose in mJ/cm² using a supplied reference chart.

Best for:

  • Quick spot checks
  • Comparing multiple UV sources
  • Hard-to-reach areas
  • Detecting lamp degradation

How to use: Place the UV test strips during production. After exposure, compare the color zones to the chart to estimate UV dose.

UV Test Labels

UV test labels are small, adhesive-backed indicators offering higher precision. Ideal for tight spaces, they help define and monitor curing performance benchmarks over time.

Useful for setting:

  • A “good” cure baseline
  • A “bad” cure point (under-cure)
  • A “minimum” acceptable dose

How to use: Stick the UV test labels on a test piece, expose it to UV, and compare the result to known standards to confirm curing consistency.

UVC 254 Dosimeter Dots

Designed for UV-C disinfection systems at 254 nm, these dots change color at defined dose levels: 25, 50, 75, and 100 mJ/cm².

Ideal for:

  • Verifying disinfection dose
  • Spotting shadowed or underexposed areas
  • Training and performance tracking

Packaged: 25 dots + 1 color chart per pouch (10 pouches per box)
Shelf life: 3 years

How to use: Peel and place on the surface before exposure. After the cycle, use the chart to determine UV dose received.

UV-A Dosimeter Cards (395 nm)

Built for UV-A LED curing systems at 395 nm, these indicators are available as:

  • Cards (1000–5000 mJ/cm²)

They’re thin, flexible, and adhesive-backed for use in narrow or curved curing environments.

How to use: Stick to the target surface with the indicator facing the UV source. After exposure, compare the color to the reference to confirm dose accuracy.

Applications

UV test strips and UV test labels are commonly used in a range of industries, including:

  • Printing and Packaging: Verifying UV ink and varnish curing on high-speed flexographic and offset presses to prevent smudging or incomplete bonding.
  • Coating and Finishing: Monitoring UV lamp output during the curing of clear coats on wood, metal, and plastic components to have an even surface protection.
  • Electronics Manufacturing: Checking the cure quality of UV-sensitive adhesives used to secure components, conformal coatings, and mask layers on PCBs.
  • Automotive Parts Manufacturing: Confirming full cure of UV-applied protective films, headlamp sealants, and decorative trim adhesives during component assembly.

They help confirm proper curing without needing complex instruments or prolonged testing cycles.

Track UV Confidently with Southern Lamps

Ready to improve UV monitoring in your curing or disinfection process? Southern Lamps offers a full range of UV test strips, UV test labels, and dosimeter indicators to help you track performance and maintain consistency. Whether you’re running a high-speed production line or a UV-C disinfection system, we have the tools to support your needs. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you select the right product for your application. Contact us today to request a quote or speak with a UV specialist.