There have been technological advancements over some time now. Talking of which UV curing is one such fine example that has earned popularity for quite a long period. This is a process of irradiation of the ultraviolet rays in the ultraviolet curing resin. This way it is possible to cure the resin quickly and without any hassle. There are still many experiments being confused on how it can help in different applications. But those who don’t know how it can be helpful certainly are on the right page. Since it uses Ultraviolet light, it has been named after the same.
How does it work?
From the above overview, it is obvious to wonder how it works. There is no complex or hard rule of UV curing working. But certainly, there are some of the basics that a person needs to be aware of. UV curable resin is made from the composition of oligomers, monomers, photopolymerization initiators, along some other additives. Right after it gets exposed to the UV light which is also known as ultraviolet light the effect can be seen.
Once the exposure to the UV light occurs, the photoinitiator goes through a chemical reaction. It then results in the bonding of the independent monomers and oligomers that results in more of the complex chain. This chain is then called the polymer. The whole process of bonding is known as a photopolymerization reaction. This is the method that ensures the resin is taken from its liquid state and converted into the solid.
With the reaction that happens due to the photopolymerization bonding process, it is possible to dry, paint, and even bond the materials and objects with UV curing. That is why, it is also popular for its UV binding, UV drying, and UV coating.
What is UV light?
As stated earlier UV curing is named after UV light. This light is the ray that comes with a wavelength of around 400m. If the wavelength is short the energy will be high. This means the scope of distractive power can be quite a lot to the living being. It is also categorized into A, B, and C as per the length of this wavelength.
- UV-A: UV 320-400nm is the long wavelength
- UV-B: UV 280-320nm is the medium wavelength
- UV-C: UV 100-280nm is the short wavelength UV
The irradiators of the UV led are carried out by many companies to perform the ranges from UV-A to UV-B.
Primary applications:
Since this type of option can be used for many things, some of the primary applications are given below:
Printing:
UV curing technology can be used in the printing industry. It can help in the production line either for offset, digital, litho, or letterpress type of printing. It offers advantages like better durability, flexibility, and instant cure.
Plastic Packaging:
This is another popular platform where UV curing can be used for Lessing the migration ink to be done on the plastic. The apprentice plastic can be used for packing the different products be it the shampoo bottle or the confectionery packaging. It can increase production and offer better output.
Metal Decorating:
This is another fine option where the UV coating can be helpful. It ensures a durable surface is created so the rim can be used for riding through some of the crucial operations. The UV rim coating offers the filling efficiency while providing better profits too.
Another common application is:
- Drying Examples – Drying ink, drying DVD label, electronic components printing
- Adhesion Examples – Optical parts Adhesion, precision electronic parts Adhesion, medical equipment Adhesion, Adhesion of injection needle
- Painting Examples – Furniture, coating, and drying molded, and floor materials
Real-world products using UV technologies:
- Curing UV urethane applied to cars
- UV curing of the cable protection film
- UV-hardened gaskets on waterproof camera parts
- Laminating UV curing for OLED manufacturing
- UV adhesive curing of electronic substrates
- Waterproof UV silicone curing for tablet PC cases
- Curing UV epoxy paint for woodwork
- UV for photocatalyst
Conclusion
UV light doesn’t just offer to cure. Rather it can offer better results beyond curing such as its primary role in manufacturing and research It also works as an inspection tool. The Fluorescent penetrant inspection process is a part of it in which the fluorescent dye is applied to the surface and later it is seen under the light of UV. It can then detect the production flaws or material errors if there are any.
