15 questions about Super-LumiNova and a Portuguese surprise!

The Swiss watch industry is widely recognised for its precision and innovation. Among its less publicised but equally fascinating aspects is the use of luminescent materials such as Swiss Super-LumiNova (SLN), an innovation that has literally revolutionised the way watches are seen. This article explores the development of SLN, its manufacturing process and its many applications.

1. What is Swiss Super-LumiNova?

SLN is an aluminium-based ceramic compound capable of absorbing sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light and giving off luminescence in the dark. It works like a "light storage battery": photons of UV light are absorbed, raising electrons to a higher energy state. When these electrons return to their normal state, they release energy, which means the emission of photons (light). This is how the luminescent effect is created. The process can be repeated countless times without losing its effectiveness.

2. How is it spelt?

Despite the frequent variations, this is the correct way to refer to this famous luminescent material.

3. How important is it to the watch industry?

SLN found fertile ground in the Swiss watch industry, where it is widely used to give luminescent properties to dials, bezels, hands and other watch components. Its diamond-like hardness and its non-toxic, non-radioactive characteristics make it ideal for this use.

4. What range of colours and applications is there?

This opens up a range of possibilities for designers and manufacturers, allowing them to create watches with unique styles and features.

5. What is its recent history?

The story begins with Kenzo Nemoto, a Japanese man who in 1941 started a luminous paint business. During the Second World War his paints were used on Japanese military aircraft and submarines. After the war, demand for these services fell, and Nemoto began applying his luminous paint to watches, giving rise to Nemoto & Co. In 1993 this technology was introduced to the watch industry as LumiNova, but licensed production of SLN pigments only began in 2007. The invention was patented by Nemoto and licensed to other watch brands and manufacturers.

6. Is it a Swiss or a Japanese product?

If the name begins with "Super", it refers to the 100% Swiss version. RC Tritec AG, founded in 1993, is a Swiss company that holds the licence rights to produce and distribute LumiNova under the registered name Super-LumiNova.

7. Is Super-LumiNova radioactive?

No. The modern Super-LumiNova formula is based on strontium aluminate,

This was a major step forward compared with earlier luminescent materials, which were made of radium or tritium and were highly radioactive.

8. How does the manufacturing process work?

Manufacturing SLN is a meticulous and highly technical process. It begins with the preparation of the raw materials, which are then placed in a kiln at 1,500 degrees Celsius. Once fired, the materials acquire luminescent properties and are then ground into powder. This powder passes through several sieves to separate the different grain sizes and remove impurities. Every stage demands precision and care. The handcrafted nature of the process deserves special mention.

9. How does the light emission work?

Super-LumiNova is charged by light, whether sunlight or artificial light. Many claim that natural sunlight gives the best results. When light energy strikes the material, the electrons become excited and begin to release energy rapidly, creating a phosphorescent glow.

10. How are quality control and grading carried out?

After production, the SLN powder undergoes rigorous quality control and is graded into more than 25 types of luminescent pigment. This grading is based on criteria such as afterglow intensity in the dark, emission colours and grain sizes.

11. What is the final product and what are its variations?

SLN can be produced in almost any Pantone colour, with different levels of luminescent efficiency. The variety of colours and intensities offers customers a wide choice, meeting each one's specific needs.

Swiss Super-LumiNova is now available in any custom emission colour to suit your needs: for example, three different shades of pink. These new afterglow colours complement the existing basic emission colours below and open up countless additional possibilities in the development of your new products:

BL (Blue Line, emission at 485 nm)

GL (Green Line, emission at 515 nm)

VL (Violet Line, emission at 440 nm)

WL (White Line, complete white emission)

YL (Yellow Line, yellow emission)

OL (Orange Line, orange emission)

PL (Pink Line, pink emission)

UL (Ultramarine Line, ultramarine blue emission)

12. Why do some watches glow brighter?

The level of brightness depends on the colour of the lume, but there are also different formulas or grades of Super-LumiNova, such as Standard, Grade A and Grade X1, the last being the most recent and the brightest.

13. What are the future developments and applications?

Beyond the watch industry, SLN has potential applications in many other fields, such as children's toys, vehicle safety accessories and even clothing and fashion accessories. Its versatility and safety broaden the possible uses of this innovative material.

14. How is it applied?

Super-LumiNova is produced and sold as a powder, which is mixed with varnish and thinner. It can be applied in several ways, including hand painting, screen printing and pad printing.

As well as being used on watch hands and dials, Super-LumiNova can also be found in jewellery, signage, printed goods and other instruments.

For more information see: https://www.rctritec.com