Tuesday, June 28, 2011

UVB lightbox




Panel holding fixtures:  32 x 23 inches
Panel height from base:  10 inches
Fixtures apced 2.5 inches on center

12 fixtures, 3 6-plug cords, one with easy toggle switch; fixtures may be staggered as in picture to provide broader coverage
Fixtures Suggestions - these are all fixtures that tax 15 watt T8 bulbs & do not have any part of the fixture along side of the bulbs to allow for maximum light spread; remove bulb cover to allow maximum light to reach printing frame:
Lights of America G9718P-T8-WH-I Undercabinet Light available at Amazon.com about $14 including shipping
Good Earth Lighting GLS9721-GROWWHI Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture available at Amazon.com about $20 including shipping

Bulb  F15T8/BL - 15W T8 18INCHES BLACK LIGHT LITE F15W/BL - this is an ultaviolet B or UV-B bulb
Bulb Manufacturers include:  Eiko, Hitachi
Bulb Cost $5-$15, depending on manufacturer, seller, quantity (check all in cost including shipping)

Shiny sides are aluminum foil wrapped poster board, pinned to top of light box.  Foil reflects light back into box & keeps from shining into the room where it can fog unexposed paper & damage eyesight.

Top board, to which fixtures are attached, was spray-painted silver for reflection.
Fixtures are attached without bulbs in because screws go in behind bulbs.
Bulbs supplied with fixtures were donated to resale shop.

Scrap plywood & lumber for supports used.
Total cost, including bulbs & can of spray paint (although I had some hanging around), approximately $290.

Size can be increased by making the box longer, adding more fixtures parallel to those pictured.  Continue adding with each additional fixture on 2.5 inch center.
This box fits on my table & prints 20x24 inch very well.

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