What Are UV Pens Made Of?

UV pens can be found as cheap as $1.

Ultraviolet (UV) pens check for counterfeit money and secret messages. The ink appears to be invisible, but illuminates when held under ultraviolet light. UV pens are made with a unique compound instead of traditional ink.

Plastic

The outside of the UV pen is plastic. You can find some UV pens made of bio-disposable plastic, which are more environmentally friendly.

UV Ink

Depending on the type of UV pen, the ink can be opaque, semi-opaque or translucent. The UV ink consists mainly of acrylic monomers. The monomers contain a diluent to participate in the curing reaction and a photoinitiator to respond to the ultraviolet radiation and initiate the reaction. Photoinitiators in the ink absorb UV emission when exposed to UV light. The ink is also composed of waxes and pigment.

Cost

UV pens come in several types. Some can be found in child art and craft sets or games. Some detect counterfeit items or reveal secret messages. The prices vary depending on the quality. Some UV pens are available for around $1. More expensive brands come with additional features, such as LED lights. These cost around $10 to $20.

References

• Flexo Exchaneg: Stork Sheds Light on UV Inks

Resources

• Combination UV Light and UV Penhomas Investigative Publications: