3W High Power UV LED - 365nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum PCB)

Specifications:

• Power Rating: 3 Watts
• Peak Wavelength: 365nm
• Forward Voltage (Vf): 3.4V - 3.8V DC
• Forward Current (If): 600mA - 700mA (Max)
• Luminous Flux: 10-15 LM (Visual brightness is low due to non-visible spectrum)
• Viewing Angle: 120° - 140°
• PCB Diameter: 16mm (Round Type)
• Life Span: > 50,000 Hours (with proper heatsinking)

Key Applications & Projects

• DIY UV Flashlights: Fits standard 16mm "pill" slots in tactical flashlight bodies.
• Portable Resin Curing: Ideal for building UV pens for curing fly-tying resin or fixing PCB traces.
• Forensics & Gemology: Portable inspection of banknotes, ID cards, and fluorescent minerals (Yooperlites).
• Leak Detection: High-contrast detection of AC/Oil dyes in automotive repair.
• Glass Bonding: Cures LOCA (Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive) for screen repairs.

Project Evolution 

• Prerequisites: Users often start with 5mm UV LEDs which are too weak for field work, or 395nm LEDs which have too much visible glare.
• The Upgrade: This 3W 365nm unit allows you to build Portable Inspection Tools that rival expensive commercial units. It enables you to see fluorescence that is completely invisible under 395nm light.
• Effort Level: Intermediate. Requires precise soldering (small pads) and thermal paste application.

Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety Guide

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Invisible Radiation: 365nm is largely invisible. DO NOT LOOK INTO THE BEAM. It can damage retinas without triggering the "blink reflex." Use UV400 Safety Glasses.
• Heat Trap: The small 16mm board heats up extremely fast. You MUST adhere it to a heatsink or flashlight pill immediately.

Wiring Pinout:

• (+) Pad: Positive (Marked on board).
• (-) Pad: Negative (Marked on board).

​Packages include:

1 X 3W High Power UV LED - 365nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum PCB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will this fit my flashlight?
   If your flashlight uses a standard 16mm driver/LED board, yes. This is the common size for many C8, S2+, and tactical style host bodies.
2. Why is the light so dim?
   It is 365nm, which is mostly invisible to humans. If it were bright purple, it would be the cheaper 395nm version.
3. Can I run this on a single 18650 battery?
   Not directly! A charged 18650 is 4.2V. This LED needs ~3.6V. You must use a current-limiting driver.
4. How is this different from the 20mm version?
   Technically, the LED chip is identical. The only difference is the aluminum board size (16mm vs 20mm). This one is for compact spaces.
5. Does it get hot?
   Yes, extremely fast. The small 16mm board saturates with heat quicker than a 20mm star.
6. Will this cure UV resin?
   Yes, 365nm penetrates deep and cures "tack-free" better than 395nm.
7. Can I use it to find pet stains?
   Yes, 365nm is the superior wavelength for organic stains.
8. Is the board aluminum or copper?
   It is a standard Aluminum PCB.
9. What driver current should I use?
   We recommend 600mA - 700mA.
10. Can I solder it easily?
    The pads are smaller than on the 20mm version. You need a steady hand.
11. Is it waterproof?
    No. The flashlight body provides the waterproofing.
12. Can I use this for rock hunting (Yooperlites)?
    Yes! 365nm is the only wavelength that makes sodalite-rich rocks glow properly.
13. Does it have a lens?
    The LED itself has a silicone dome (120°).
14. Polarity marking?
    Yes, (+) and (-) are etched on the white solder mask layer.
15. Can I use a 3W white LED driver?
    Yes, as long as the current is constant (approx 600-700mA).
16. Is the base isolated?
    Yes, the aluminum bottom is electrically neutral.
17. Why use 16mm instead of 20mm?
    20mm boards often don't fit inside flashlight heads. 16mm is the compact standard.
18. Will it fade colors?
    Yes, high-intensity UV radiation breaks down chemical bonds.
19. Can I dim it?
    Yes, with a compatible driver.
20. What is the beam angle?
    120 degrees without an external reflector.