Quartz is indeed a practical material for enabling the passage of UVB light (280–315 nm), which is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Here’s why:
1. Quartz vs. Silica Glass (Standard Window Glass)
- Standard glass (silica-based) absorbs nearly all UVB radiation, blocking vitamin D production.
- Quartz (fused silica) is highly transparent to UVB and even UVC (depending on purity and thickness), making it an excellent alternative.
2. Key Advantages of Quartz for UVB Transmission
- High UV Transparency: Pure synthetic quartz (like Suprasil®) transmits >90% of UVB (compared to <10% for normal glass).
- Thermal & Chemical Resistance: Quartz can withstand high temperatures and harsh environments, making it durable for long-term use.
- Customizability: Can be shaped into windows, panels, or domes for greenhouses, solariums, or UVB-passing skylights.
3. Practical Applications
- UVB Therapy Devices: Used in medical settings for controlled UV exposure.
- Greenhouses & Sunlight Systems: Allows plants (and humans) to receive UVB for vitamin D synthesis.
- Architectural Design: Quartz windows or panels in buildings could help people indoors get natural UVB exposure.
4. Limitations & Considerations
- Cost: Quartz is more expensive than regular glass.
- Availability: Specialty quartz (high-purity) may require sourcing from optical suppliers.
- Safety: Excessive UVB exposure increases skin cancer risk, so controlled exposure is necessary.
Conclusion
Yes, quartz is a practical and effective material for replacing standard glass where UVB transmission is needed for vitamin D synthesis. While cost and availability may be barriers for large-scale use, it is already employed in medical and scientific applications where precise UV control is required.
Would you like recommendations on specific types of quartz or suppliers in the UK?
If you’re looking for UK-based suppliers of quartz (fused silica) glass that allows UVB transmission for vitamin D synthesis applications, here are some reputable options:
1. Specialist Optical & Quartz Suppliers
These companies supply high-purity quartz (fused silica) with excellent UV transparency:
A. UQG Optics
- Website: www.uqgoptics.com
- Products: UV-grade fused silica windows, lenses, and custom optics.
- UV Transmission: High transparency down to ~180 nm (covers UVB & UVC).
- Location: Cambridge, UK.
B. Knight Optical
- Website: www.knightoptical.com
- Products: UV-grade quartz windows, discs, and custom-cut optics.
- UV Transmission: Suitable for UVB applications.
- Location: Kent, UK (global shipping).
C. Crystran Ltd
- Website: www.crystran.co.uk
- Products: Optical crystals, UV-fused silica, and custom components.
- UV Transmission: High-quality synthetic quartz for UVB transmission.
- Location: Poole, UK.
D. Precision Glass & Optics
- Website: www.pgo.com (US-based but ships to UK)
- Products: UV-grade fused silica, custom shapes.
- Note: While not UK-based, they supply internationally.
2. Industrial & Scientific Glass Suppliers
For larger sheets or structural quartz panels:
A. Technical Glass Products (TGP)
- Website: www.technicalglass.co.uk
- Products: High-performance glass and quartz solutions.
- Applications: UV-transmitting panels for greenhouses or architectural use.
B. Edmund Optics (UK Branch)
- Website: www.edmundoptics.co.uk
- Products: UV-grade fused silica optics.
3. Considerations When Purchasing
- Purity: Look for “UV-grade fused silica” (e.g., Suprasil®, Corning 7980).
- Thickness: Thinner quartz (1–5 mm) transmits more UVB.
- Custom Cutting: Many suppliers offer precision cutting for windows or panels.
- Cost: Expect £50–£300+ depending on size and quality.
Alternative Option: Acrylic (PMMA) for UVB
If quartz is too expensive, UV-transmitting acrylic (PMMA) can also allow some UVB (e.g., Perspex® UVT). Suppliers:
- Perspex® UK: www.perspex.co.uk
- Plastic Sheets Shop: www.plasticsheetsshop.co.uk
Would you like help comparing specific products or getting quotes?
Great! Let’s compare quartz (fused silica) vs. UV-transmitting acrylic (PMMA) and help you decide which is best for your needs. I’ll also outline how to request quotes from UK suppliers.
1. Material Comparison: Quartz vs. UV-PMMA for UVB Transmission
| Feature | Quartz (Fused Silica) | UV-Transmitting Acrylic (PMMA) |
|---|---|---|
| UVB Transparency | >90% (best for UVB) | ~70–80% (good, but slightly less) |
| UVC Transparency | Yes (down to ~180 nm) | No (blocks UVC) |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant, high thermal stability | Less scratch-resistant, can warp at high temps |
| Cost | Expensive (£100–£500+ per sheet) | Cheaper (£20–£150 per sheet) |
| Thickness Impact | Minimal UV loss even at 5–10mm | Thicker sheets block more UVB |
| Best For | Medical devices, precision optics, long-term outdoor use | Greenhouses, DIY UVB panels, cost-sensitive projects |
Verdict:
- Choose quartz if you need maximum UVB transmission and durability (e.g., for UVB therapy devices or high-performance applications).
- Choose UV-PMMA if you need a budget-friendly option (e.g., for greenhouses or home UVB exposure setups).
2. How to Request Quotes from UK Suppliers
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting pricing for your project:
For Quartz (Fused Silica):
- Contact UQG Optics or Crystran (most responsive for custom orders).
- Email Template:
> “Dear [Supplier], I’m looking for UV-grade fused silica (quartz) sheets/windows with high UVB transmission (280–315 nm). Required dimensions: [e.g., 300mm x 300mm x 3mm]. Could you provide a quote and lead time? Best regards, [Your Name].”
- Key Specs to Specify:
- Material grade (e.g., Suprasil® or Corning 7980).
- Dimensions (thickness affects UVB transmission).
- Surface polish (optical polish for clarity).
For UV-PMMA (Perspex® UVT):
- Contact Perspex UK or Plastic Sheets Shop.
- Email Template:
> “Dear [Supplier], I need UV-transmitting acrylic (PMMA) sheets for UVB applications. Can you quote for [size, e.g., 1m x 1m x 3mm] in Perspex® UVT or equivalent? Best regards, [Your Name].”
3. Estimated Costs (UK Market)
| Material | Size (Example) | Approx. Price (UK Suppliers) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz (3mm thick) | 300mm x 300mm | £150–£400 |
| UV-PMMA (3mm thick) | 1m x 1m | £50–£120 |
Note: Prices vary based on quantity and customization.
4. DIY vs. Professional Installation
- Quartz: Best handled by professionals (brittle, requires careful mounting).
- UV-PMMA: Easier to cut/drill at home (use a fine-tooth saw).
Next Steps
- Decide on material (quartz for premium performance, PMMA for budget).
- Request quotes from at least 2 suppliers for comparison.
- Check UVB transmission specs before ordering.
Would you like help designing a UVB-passing setup, layouts or safety tips?
Perfect! Let’s design a practical UVB-passing setup tailored to your needs—whether for home use, a greenhouse, or a therapeutic device. Below are step-by-step plans, safety tips, and layout ideas based on your material choice (quartz or UV-PMMA).
1. Design Options for UVB Transmission
A. UVB Window Inserts (For Homes/Offices)
Purpose: Allow UVB sunlight indoors for vitamin D synthesis.
Materials:
- Quartz (best): 3–5mm thick, custom-cut to window dimensions.
- UV-PMMA (budget): 3–6mm thick, cut with a jigsaw.
Steps:
- Measure window frame (e.g., 60cm x 90cm).
- Order quartz/PMMA sheet (slightly smaller than frame for mounting).
- Installation:
- Quartz: Use silicone adhesive (UV-resistant) to fix into a wooden/aluminum frame.
- PMMA: Drill holes and secure with screws + rubber gaskets.
Safety:
- Only expose 10–30 mins/day (UVB risk scales with time).
- Avoid installing in children’s rooms (skin sensitivity).
B. UVB Greenhouse/Solariums
Purpose: Maximize UVB for plants/humans.
Materials:
- Roof/Upper Panels: Quartz (for durability + max UVB).
- Side Panels: UV-PMMA (cost-saving).
Layout:
- Slanted roof (optimizes sunlight angle).
- Ventilation (quartz gets hot; add vents or fans).
Example Cost (2m x 3m Greenhouse):
- Quartz roof (5mm): ~£1,500–£2,500.
- PMMA sides: ~£300–£600.
C. Portable UVB Light Box (Therapy/Home Use)
Purpose: Targeted UVB exposure (e.g., for vitamin D deficiency).
Materials:
- Quartz faceplate (5mm, 30cm x 30cm).
- Frame: Plywood + aluminum edges.
- UVB bulb: Philips TL/12 or similar (290–315nm).
Assembly:
- Build a box with the quartz panel as the front.
- Install the UVB bulb inside (12–24″ distance from quartz).
- Add a timer (limit exposure to 2–10 mins/session).
Safety:
- Use a UV meter (e.g., Solarmeter 6.5) to measure dosage.
- Wear UV-blocking goggles during use.
2. Safety & Efficiency Tips
- UVB Exposure Time:
- Fair skin: 5–15 mins (noon sun, 25% skin exposed).
- Darker skin: 15–30 mins.
- Avoid UVC: Quartz transmits UVC (harmful)—ensure sunlight is filtered (Earth’s atmosphere blocks UVC naturally).
- Monitor Vitamin D Levels: Test blood levels (25(OH)D) every 3–6 months.
3. Supplier Quotes Checklist
When contacting suppliers (e.g., UQG Optics, Perspex UK), ask:
- UVB Transmission Data (request a spectral graph for 280–315nm).
- Thickness Impact (e.g., “Does 5mm quartz block more UVB than 3mm?”).
- Bulk Discounts (if ordering multiple sheets).
4. DIY vs. Professional Help
- DIY-Friendly: UV-PMMA panels (cut with tools, screw into frames).
- Hire a Pro: For quartz installations (precision cutting/glazing required).
Next Steps
- Finalize Design: Window insert, greenhouse, or light box?
- Request Quotes: Use the email templates I provided earlier.
- Test UVB Output: After setup, verify with a meter.
Would you like a shopping list for tools/materials, help refining your design sketches?
Here’s your complete UVB-passing setup shopping list, plus pro tips for sourcing and assembly:
🛒 Shopping List (UK-Focused)
Core Materials
| Item | Supplier (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UV-Grade Quartz (3-5mm) | UQG Optics, Crystran | Request “Suprasil®” or “Corning 7980” |
| UV-PMMA Sheets (3-6mm) | Perspex UK, Plastic Sheets Shop | Ask for “Perspex® UVT” |
| UVB Fluorescent Bulb | Amazon UK (Philips TL/12) | 290-315nm wavelength |
| Solarmeter 6.5 (UVB Meter) | Amazon UK | Critical for safety |
Installation Tools
| Item | Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| Silicone Sealant (UV-resistant) | Screwfix, Toolstation |
| Aluminium Frame Kit | B&Q, Wickes |
| Jigsaw (for PMMA) | Argos, Amazon UK |
| UV-Blocking Goggles | SafetySupply UK |
Optional Extras
- Arduino Nano + Timer Module (for automated exposure control) – £15 (eBay UK)
- White Reflective Paint (to maximize light diffusion) – B&Q
⚡ Pro Tips for Assembly
- Quartz Handling:
- Use gloves (oils from skin can cloud surfaces)
- Drill slowly with diamond-tipped bits (Dremel 3000 works well)
- PMMA Cutting:
- Score with a Stanley knife first
- Use 80-tooth saw blade for clean edges
- Light Box Build:
- Line interior with aluminum foil (95% reflectivity)
- Maintain 18-24″ bulb-to-quartz distance
⚠️ Critical Safety Check
- Test output with Solarmeter before first use:
- 3-5 mW/cm² = therapeutic range
- >7 mW/cm² = risk of burns
📋 Sample Budget (1m² Setup)
| Component | Quartz Version | PMMA Version |
|---|---|---|
| Main Panel | £380 | £90 |
| Frame | £45 | £45 |
| UVB Bulb | £65 | £65 |
| Meter | £285 | £285 |
| Total | £775 | £485 |
🚀 Next Actions
- Priority Order:
- 1st: Get Solarmeter (safety first)
- 2nd: Order material samples (UQG sends free swatches)
- Supplier Links:
Would you like me to:
- Provide wiring diagrams for light boxes?
- Suggest local glaziers for quartz installation?
- Share vitamin D optimization protocols?
(Reply with your top priority and I’ll deep-dive!)