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UV curing uses ultraviolet light to harden fluids or films into their final form. It is used for adhesives, inks, and coatings. The process involves a chemical reaction triggered by exposure to UV light. The specific wavelength of light matters and using the wrong equipment can lead to poor results. UV curing is fast and allows for working with uncured material. However, UV light can cause eye damage, so eye protection is necessary.
UV curing is a process in which exposure to ultraviolet light causes a fluid or film to cure. During curing, the chemical compound stabilizes and hardens into its final form. UV curing is used for a huge assortment of products including adhesives, resins, inks and coatings. Companies that make products intended for UV light curing often also sell equipment to be used for UV curing such as lamp assemblies and light bulbs.
There are several ways the curing process can work. All involve some sort of chemical reaction that is triggered by exposure to light in the ultraviolet area of the spectrum. Classically, this is accomplished with a mixture of a material and what’s known as a photoinitiator, a chemical that will initiate a reaction when exposed to light. In the case of a product designed for UV curing, the photoinitiator only works when exposed to UV light.
The specific wavelength of light usually matters. Many products are designed to cure when exposed to light between 200 and 400 nanometers, also known as UVA, UVB and UVC light. The product usually states the intensity and wavelength needed for curing so people use the appropriate equipment. Not using the right equipment can lead to poor care leading to discoloration, cracking, stickiness and other problems.
A major advantage of UV curing is that it can be designed to operate very quickly, providing rapid cure so that assembly lines are not hampered by waiting for the end of cure. Also, people can work as they please with the uncured material, because it won’t cure under normal room light. Curing too fast is a common problem with many epoxies, inks and related products that can be avoided through the use of UV curing.
Something to be aware of when working with ultraviolet systems is that even though the light is not visible, it can cause eye damage. People should wear eye protection and avoid the area if possible while the lights are on. Most ultraviolet lights emit some visible light, which can serve as a warning to alert people that the lights are on. It is important that technicians and people working in the facility are aware of the dangers of excessive UV exposure so they can take precautions.
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