Power
Rated lamp power; As a rule, it corresponds to the power of the lamps installed in it (or differs slightly from it). For combined models (see “Type”), in this case the total power of all light sources is taken into account; and for models with power control (see below) - the maximum value.
The higher the lamp power (all other things being equal), the faster the polymerization rate, the less time it takes for the coating to harden. In addition, the ability to work with certain compositions may depend on this parameter. Thus, for effective polymerization of colored materials, a lamp of at least 36 W is required. It makes sense to use less powerful devices only with transparent coatings; and very limited models - 12 W or less - are suitable only for minor corrections and fixing small decorative elements.
However, 36 W (and a little more) is still a relatively limited figure; Such devices should be seriously considered only in cases where they are purchased for infrequent use in the “at home, for yourself” format. A professional manicurist needs a lamp of at least 48 W, and preferably higher; in some devices this figure can even exceed 80 W. However, here it is worth considering that sometimes manufacturers use cunning, inflating the indicators - for example, indicating in the characteristics not the standard, but the peak power, which is achieved only at certain specific moments of operation. You should be especially careful if the figure of 80 W or more...is stated for a budget model; It wouldn’t hurt to clarify the real capabilities of such a lamp using reviews and testimonials.
Number of LEDs / lamps
The number of light sources largely determines the performance of a manicure lamp. If the drying chamber is capacious, in this case an increased number of emitters is used. Light sources are distributed evenly to create equally good illumination in all directions. The number of light sources depends on the type of lamp. If it is an LED emitter, 100 or more diodes can be used. But in some lamps, LEDs are combined into a single strip, in this case one common illuminator with many diodes is used.
As for CCFL manicure lamps, such devices usually use 1 common cold cathode spiral.
UV manicure lamps have the use of 3-5 fluorescent illuminators.
Power adjustment
Adjusting the heating power during the procedure allows you to reduce discomfort during the procedure. So, when the gel dries on the nails, a burning sensation may occur, and in order to avoid discomfort and reduce the crystallization temperature, the lamp reduces power after a certain time. To do this, the control panel usually provides a special button, when pressed, the power decreases. Note that as the power decreases, the hardening time of the decorative coating will increase.
Carrying handle
A handle on the top of the housing makes it easy to carry the lamp from place to place.
This feature is found mainly in rather expensive, powerful and, as a result, heavy models. At the same time, in most of them
, the carrying handle is made folding: it rises to a vertical position only for transportation, and the rest of the time it is neatly hidden in a special recess in the case.
