Dymax BlueWave QX4 vs SkyBeam
The BlueWave QX4 and SkyBeam are both UV LED spot-curing systems in which a single controller drives up to four independently programmable emitters, so this is an LED-to-LED comparison rather than arc versus LED. The practical differences are wavelength coverage (the QX4 offers 365, 385, and 405 nm with one fixed wavelength per head, while SkyBeam runs four independent channels and adds a 395 nm option), Dymax's documented very high peak irradiance, and how each is purchased. SkyBeam lists a single US price and ships from stock, whereas the QX4 is quoted as configured modules through distributors.
BlueWave QX4 (V2.0) vs SkyBeam, side by side
| Spec | BlueWave QX4 (V2.0) | SkyBeam (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Source type | Multi-head UV LED spot-curing system | 4-channel UV LED spot-curing system |
| Wavelengths | 365, 385, 405 nm (one fixed wavelength per LED head; no 395 nm option) | 365 / 385 / 395 / 405 nm (model-dependent) |
| Peak intensity | Up to 22.9 W/cm2 peak. Dymax-published max with 3 mm lens at 5 mm: 16.9 W/cm2 at 365 nm, 22.9 W/cm2 at 385 nm, 22.0 W/cm2 at 405 nm | Model-dependent (confirm figure for your model) |
| Channels / heads | One controller drives up to 4 independently programmable LED heads; wavelengths and 3/5/8 mm focusing lenses can be mixed across heads | 4 independent channels |
| Control | Touch-screen controller storing up to 20 programs; per-head 0.1 to 999 s and intensity in 1% steps; footswitch and PLC interface | Per-channel programmable timers, RS-232 and PLC control, instant on/off |
| Price | No published US list price; configured as separate controller, head, and lens modules via distributor quote | $2,900 (part UV3979) |
| Warranty / lead time | See manufacturer datasheet | 2-year OEM warranty, US stock, ships 24-48 hrs |
The BlueWave QX4 is the stronger choice when your process is validated to a documented, very high peak irradiance at a tight spot, up to about 22.9 W/cm2 at 385 nm with the 3 mm lens at 5 mm working distance, and when you need to mix wavelengths and interchangeable 3, 5, and 8 mm focusing lenses across as many as four heads for multi-point fixturing. Its touch-screen controller stores up to 20 program configurations with 0.1 to 999 s timing and 1% intensity resolution, and the footswitch plus PLC interface suit a validated, automated production line. It is also the natural fit if you are already standardized on Dymax RediCure, PrimeCure, and VisiCure chemistries and prefer buying adhesive and curing equipment from one well-established global supplier.
- Very high peak irradiance for an LED spot source, up to about 22.9 W/cm2 (385 nm PrimeCure head, 3 mm lens at 5 mm distance)
- One controller drives up to four LED heads, each independently programmable, with wavelengths and 3/5/8 mm focusing lenses that can be mixed across heads for multi-point curing
- Three wavelength options (365, 385, 405 nm) matched to Dymax's RediCure, PrimeCure, and VisiCure adhesive chemistries
- Touch-screen controller stores up to 20 program configurations with fine control: exposure time 0.1 to 999 s and intensity in 1% increments
- Compact, lightweight LED heads with footswitch activation and a PLC interface for integration into automated lines
- Backed by Dymax's large, well-established light-cure adhesive ecosystem and global distribution network
SkyBeam fits when you want a single published US price ($2,900, part UV3979) rather than assembling a configured quote from separate controller, head, and lens modules, and when you need hardware on the bench quickly: it ships from US stock in 24 to 48 hours with a 2-year OEM warranty. It runs four fully independent channels and adds a 395 nm option that the QX4 does not offer, which matters if your resin or adhesive is tuned to 395 nm. Control is via per-channel programmable timers with RS-232 and PLC and instant on/off, so it integrates into automated or lab setups. One honest caveat: SkyBeam intensity is model-dependent, so if your line is validated to a specific irradiance, confirm the figure for your exact model against the QX4's published peak before deciding.
- Small-area spot curing: with 3 to 8 mm focusing lenses it targets small, localized spots rather than large-area or flood curing
- Each LED head emits a single fixed wavelength (365, 385, or 405 nm); changing wavelength requires swapping heads, and 395 nm is not offered
- Dymax does not publish a US list price; pricing is obtained through distributor quotes
- Heads and lenses are separately purchased modules, so a full multi-head, multi-wavelength system is a configured cost rather than a single published price
Questions
Is the SkyBeam a drop-in replacement for the Dymax BlueWave QX4?
Not a mechanical drop-in. Both are four-output UV LED spot-curing systems with PLC integration, but head form factor, mounting, focusing optics, and connectors differ, and stored Dymax programs do not transfer. Treat SkyBeam as an equivalent-class system to re-fixture and re-validate, not a plug-compatible swap.
Will SkyBeam cure my adhesive the same as the QX4?
We do not guarantee identical cure. Cure depends on wavelength match, delivered irradiance, working distance, and total dose. SkyBeam covers 365, 385, 395, and 405 nm (model-dependent) and the QX4 covers 365, 385, and 405 nm with documented peak up to about 22.9 W/cm2. Because SkyBeam intensity is model-dependent, validate your specific model against your resin's specification before switching.
How do price and lead time compare?
SkyBeam has a published US price of $2,900 (UV3979), a 2-year OEM warranty, and ships from US stock in 24 to 48 hours. Dymax does not publish a US list price for the QX4; it is quoted as configured modules, with the controller, heads, and lenses purchased separately through distributors, so total cost and lead time depend on your configuration.
BlueWave QX4 (V2.0) and Dymax are trademarks of their respective owners. UV Spot Shop is an independent supplier and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Dymax. Comparison figures are from public manufacturer literature as of 2026-07-18 and may change, confirm against the current datasheet. Spec match, not a cure guarantee, validate on your parts.
