Many industries utilize the effects of UV curing. Under the influence of UV light, perfect, durable surfaces and extremely robust bonds are achieved. We provide an overview of the fundamentals, applications, and UV lamps, and explain why applications and UV technologies must be perfectly matched.
Polymerization
UV Light Changes Material Structures
UV light not only accelerates the curing of materials but also alters their molecular structure. This effect is called polymerization. The treated materials become both strong and resistant. In addition to surfaces, adhesive bonds are also irradiated with UV light in industry. This causes adhesives to cure quickly, and the resulting bonds remain permanently stable. In highly efficient manufacturing processes, this allows, for example, electronic components to be perfectly joined.
Industrial Applications for UV Curing
The structure-altering effect of UV light plays a crucial role in industrial manufacturing. UV light sources are often permanently installed in production facilities. The perfect combination of light source, material, and process is determined for each application.
Typical industries and application areas for the technology include:
- Electronics: UV light is essential for the manufacturing of electronic components because it enables ultra-fast curing at lower temperatures.
- Automotive: In the automotive industry, UV radiation is used to cure paints and adhesives quickly and efficiently.
- Fiber Optics: UV-curable coatings are used in the production of fiberglass to protect it during the drawing process.
- Flooring: UV-curable topcoats are used in the production of vinyl and wood flooring for residential and commercial applications.
- Furniture Coating: In furniture manufacturing, UV-curable stains, primers, sealants, and topcoats are used in various applications.
- Glass coating and bonding: UV light is used for glass bonding, creating an invisible bond between glass, metal, or wood.
- ID and credit cards: UV-curable screen printing inks are used for printing on coated or uncoated PVC and PLA films.
- Packaging: UV coatings are a common finishing process in packaging applications and include high-gloss and matte styles.
- Spot varnishing: UV varnishes produce a more vibrant, luxurious, and tactile finish compared to non-UV varnishes.
- 3D coating: Coatings with high mechanical and chemical resistance Durability can be applied to three-dimensional objects and then UV-cured.
UV Technologies and Lamps for UV Curing
Various types of UV lamps are suitable for curing. Each technology offers specific advantages and areas of application.
Mercury Vapor Lamps
Mercury vapor lamps are particularly efficient in curing paints, varnishes, and adhesives. They generate UV radiation through ionized mercury gas and cover a broad spectrum. The ability to modify the radiation with additives allows them to be adapted to various applications.
LED Technologies
UV LEDs are becoming increasingly important. They are characterized by low energy consumption, long lifespan, and instant readiness for use. Furthermore, they contain no harmful substances. Currently, they can be used efficiently in close-range applications, but their power and intensity are still too limited for large-area processes.
Excimer Lamps
Excimer lamps generate short-wave UV light (172 to 308 nanometers) through excited molecules (excimers). These lamps are mercury-free and ideal for gentle, precise surface treatments. They are suitable for both surface cleaning and the curing of excimer UV coatings.
Conclusion: Application and Technology Must Be a Match
As we can see, there are many different industries where UV curing plays a crucial role. For reliable and sustainable solutions, UV technologies must be precisely tailored to the specific application. This is because all three technologies mentioned offer different strengths.
Radium TECH Application Center: Contact Us Now!
Are you a manufacturer of industrial equipment for production or planning a project where UV radiation plays a role? We at Radium TECH have the expertise and project experience to help you. Please feel free to contact our team at the Radium TECH Application Center. The sooner the better! We look forward to speaking with you!