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Improving Surface Cure with UVC LEDs
UV LED solutions have emerged as a cost-effective alternative to Traditional mercury lamp solutions in various curing applications. These solutions offer advantages such as longer lifespan, lower power consumption, higher reliability, and reduced substrate heat transfer. However, challenges remain that hinder the widespread adoption of UV LED curing.
A particular challenge arises when using free radical formulations is that the surface of the cured material remains sticky due to oxygen suppression, even when the bottom layer is fully cured.
One approach to overcoming this problem is to provide sufficient UVC energy in the 200 to 280nm range. Traditional mercury lamp systems emit a broad spectrum of light for curing, ranging from approximately 250nm (UVC) to over 700nm in the infrared. This wide spectrum ensures complete curing of the entire formulation and provides enough UVC wavelength to achieve hard surface curing. In contrast, commercial UV LED curing lamps are currently limited to wavelengths of 365nm and above.
Over the past five years, the efficiency and lifespan of UVC LEDs have improved significantly. Multiple LED suppliers have devoted resources to research and development of UVC LED technology, resulting in breakthroughs. The practical use of UVC LED systems for surface curing is becoming more feasible. The advancements in UVC LED technology have successfully overcome the surface curing challenges that have hindered the adoption of full UV LED curing solutions. When combined with UVA LED systems, providing a small amount of UVC exposure for post cure not only results in a non-stick surface but also reduces the dose required. Implementing feasible UVC solutions in conjunction with formulation advancements can further decrease the required dosage while still achieving hard surface curing.
The continued advancement of UVC LED technology will continue to benefit the UV curing industry as LED-based curing systems offer superior surface curing for adhesives and coating formulations. Although UVC curing systems are currently more expensive than traditional mercury lamp-based systems, the cost-saving advantages of LED technology in ongoing operations will help overcome the initial equipment costs.
Post time: Apr-17-2024
