UV Curing of Materials.
UV light curing is environmentally friendly and contributes significantly to worldwide reduction in VOC's. It is considered the most effective way to transform a solvent free liquid resin into a solid polymer almost instantly at ambient temperature.
In recent years UV light curing of materials has experienced rapid growth and figures amongst the most exciting and versatile material technologies. UV light applications often represent cutting edge technology, providing innovative new product and process developments, thus enabling companies to exploit new business opportunities.
Types of UV light curing materials
- UV structural adhesives for bonding glass, ceramics, ferrites, plastics and metals
- UV hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives
- UV glob tops, chip coats and conformal coatings
- UV potting compounds and encapsulants
- UV paints, inks and coatings
- UV hardening resin/glassfibre composite materials
General benefits of UV light curing
- Enhanced material properties
- On demand cure – only cures on exposure to UV light
- Rapid curing times – in some cases instantaneous, allowing immediate further processing
- No solvents, 100% solids – no environmental pollution due to solvent evaporation
- Single component – ready to use systems – no mixing, no waste, no disposal of waste, no cleaning of mixing containers, no problems with pot life of mixed materials
- Minimal space requirements and relatively low capital expenditure for UV light equipment
- Automated handling, dispensing and UV curing can be employed to improve production efficiency
- Saving of raw materials and energy – no wasted solvent or energy required to produce evaporation of solvent. UV lamps are more efficient than thermal ovens
- No heat required – thus low thermal stressing of substrate materials
- Readily adapted into existing processes