Selection of identification technology for the outer shell of rural lighting ready board in Africa

The outdoor environment in rural Africa has strong ultraviolet radiation and large temperature differences between day and night, accompanied by wind, sand, and salt spray erosion. The weather resistance, wear resistance, and fade resistance requirements for the identification of Ready Board Box are extremely high. Screen printing and transfer printing are preferred as secondary options and are not recommended as the main identification process.

Silk screen printing relies on ink to adhere to the surface of the spray box, which has low production cost and can be used for color identification. However, the ink is prone to aging and fading under strong ultraviolet radiation for a long time, and ink may fall off and become blurry after being rubbed by wind and sand. The reliability of long-term outdoor use is insufficient; Even with the use of weather resistant ink, its lifespan is still limited in harsh environments in Africa, making it suitable for non exposed labeling on the inside of the box. Pad printing is suitable for small area and slight curved surface transfer printing, and also belongs to the ink transfer printing process. Its UV resistance and friction resistance are similar to silk screen printing, and it is only used for small characters in some parts of the box. It is not suitable for the main nameplate and safety warning signs of the shell.

Laser engraving belongs to physical etching, without ink consumables, and directly forms permanent marks on the surface of sprayed metal or PC modified plastic boxes. It is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, salt spray, and wind and sand wear, and will not fade or fall off under high and low temperature cycling environments. It meets the long-term operation and maintenance identification needs on site and complies with the durability labeling requirements of IEC 62208 outdoor power distribution equipment. Fiber laser is selected for the metal spraying box body; The PC plastic shell should use ultraviolet cold laser to avoid burning and yellowing of the shell, ensuring clear and sharp characters.

If the project cost is limited and silk screen printing is used, two-component weather resistant outdoor ink must be selected to increase the ink thickness and fully cure, but the risk of aging in the identification still needs to be accepted; Key indicators such as main parameters, grounding symbols, and safety warnings must be mandatorily laser engraved to ensure clarity and readability even after many years, reducing safety hazards in rural on-site operations and maintenance.