Posted : 05/01/2003

Posted : 05/01/2003

Replacing Acrylics

Q: We are the through the better part of the current tanning season. I have just installed new lamps, but they do not seem as strong as the ones we installed in January. In fact, our handheld UV meter indicates a weaker reading. Could it be the lamps or the acrylic shields? When should I replace my acrylic shields? I can still see through them and they are not broken or cracked. But how long do they actually last?

A: Acrylic shields are without a doubt the most overlooked part of the indoor tanning system. Generally, many of us will not replace them if they are not cracked or damaged.

Acrylic shields for indoor tanning are a special type; they transmit UV rays to the tanner. However, not all acrylics are created equal. I know of some people who have tried to save money by buying their shields from their local plastics company. They replace the shield and find out that everyone is complaining that they are not getting tan. Well, no kidding--this type of shield doesn't transmit UV!

Of course, these shields are not unlike many other products; you get what you pay for. Quality acrylics go through a process called annealing, where the acrylic is heated and molded into its shape. Lesser acrylics don't go through this rigorous process, and are merely heated and placed on a rack to cool. This process tends to produce shields that are more prone to stress fractures.

Now, when should you replace the shield? When UV is passed through the acrylic, it tends to degrade the shield. As it ages, it begins to actually block a certain amount of UV. An aged acrylic can block 30 percent or more of actual lamp output. Some acrylics can last for as little as 1,000 hours, others as much as 4,000 hours. The key is contacting your distributor or acrylic manufacturer and find the rated life.

So, let's do the math: If you find that the lamps you are using last 800 to 1,000 hours and your acrylics are rated at 3,000 hours, your old acrylics should be replaced every three to four lamp changes. Now, there are some owners who will not replace shields on this type of schedule, but understand that a certain amount of UV will be blocked and not transmitted if they don't. Some salon owners will rely on a lamp meter to monitor lamp and acrylic degradation. Test the lamps with the shields on and then with them off. If a fluctuation of more than 20 percent to 30 percent is detected, it is probably a good time to replace the shields.

Replacing acrylics per manufacturer specifications, keeping the beds cooled properly, periodically cleaning the dust from acrylics and reflectors, and operating the unit with proper voltage all will help to provide the correct UV transmission to the tanner.

Over the life of the shield, it should only cost between 7 cents and 15 cents per hour of operation. That's not a bad price considering customer satisfaction is maintained. It is always less expensive to keep your current customers rather than try to find new ones.

If you have a question that you would like answered in this forum, please e-mail joe_lsi@bellsouth.net. I look forward to your comments. For more information on Light Sources products, visit www.light-sources.com.