shatterproof lamp coatings
FEP Coating for Quartz Tubes
Adtech supplies and applies FEP heat shrink coatings for quartz tubes used in UVA, UVC and other specialist applications.
Our standard 0.25 mm FEP heat shrink provides shatterproof protection while maintaining high levels of UV transmission. Sleeving can be supplied for customers to apply at their own premises, manufactured as a custom closed-end cover, or applied by Adtech as part of our complete coating service.
With options for different tube diameters, lengths and end profiles, we can produce an FEP coating solution around the geometry of your quartz component.
Why Coat Quartz Tubes with FEP?
Quartz is widely used where optical transmission is important, but it can remain vulnerable to breakage.
A thin FEP heat shrink coating adds a protective fluoropolymer layer while allowing UVA and UVC light to pass through the quartz assembly.
Our standard coating has a 0.25 mm wall thickness, selected to balance shatterproof protection with the highest practical UV transmission.
Alternative thicknesses can also be considered where required.
FEP also provides the chemical resistance, electrical insulation and temperature performance associated with fluoropolymer materials.
FEP Heat Shrink Options for Quartz Tubes
Adtech can supply FEP heat shrink for both open-ended and closed-end quartz tubes, manufactured to suit the outside diameter and required length of the component.
For standard cylindrical quartz tubes, sleeving can be supplied for customers to apply within their own manufacturing process.
Where the quartz has a sealed end, we manufacture custom closed-end FEP covers for three common tip profiles:
- Flat
- Domed
- Hemispherical
The customer supplies the quartz dimensions and tip profile, and Adtech determines the appropriate sleeve dimensions. The covers are designed so they can be applied by the customer, with technical application guidance available where required.
Our technical drawings use this same process, with customer glass dimensions used to specify the corresponding FEP sleeve.
Adtech Quartz Tube Coating Service
Customers who prefer a finished component can send their quartz tubes directly to Adtech.
We offer an in-house FEP coating service for open-ended and closed-end quartz tubes, applying the heat shrink and returning the coated component ready for the next stage of manufacture or assembly.
Our standard coating thickness is 0.25 mm, although alternative requirements can be reviewed where necessary.
A fast turnaround service is also available for customers working to short production schedules.
UVA & UVC Performance and Applications
For UV applications, coating thickness needs to balance protection with optical performance.
Adtech’s standard 0.25 mm FEP coating is intended to provide a thin protective layer while maintaining high UVA and UVC transmission through the quartz assembly. Technical transmission data can be provided to support material selection and product development.
FEP-coated quartz tubes can be used across applications including:
- UVA and UVC quartz tube applications
- UV lamp assemblies
- Sterilisation equipment
- Scientific and laboratory equipment
- Industrial UV systems
- Specialist OEM quartz components
Learn more
UV lamp manufacturer Light Sources conducted a research on the aging of fluoropolymer heat shrink sleeves used on UVC lamps. As part of this research, Adtech’s FEP heat shrink was tested.
We worked with a UVC sterilisation customer to create a custom UVC lamp cover. The coating needed to follow strict criteria to fit the UVC sterilisation application precisely.
The most common cause of glass contamination is the mishandling of lamps and bulbs during routine lamp maintenance. This can be prevented with the use of FEP shatterproof coatings.
Shatterproof FEP Lamp Coating Sizes