UV-LED curing refers to a technique that utilizes energy output from the LEDs in the UV spectrum to treat inks, coatings, adhesives, and other UV-curable materials. The energy generated by the UV light triggers a chain reaction resulting in polymerization of the material, thus hardening or curing the material
Advantage
It is an accepted fact for many industries that LED lamps provide many advantages including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller form factor, and faster on/off switching. Those advantages are also important in curing applications.
1. The benefits of UV LED curing are numerous and significant. UV LEDs can last up to 20,000 hours and beyond if they are maintained at a proper operating temperature.
2. UV LEDs are a cool source compared to traditional lamps, largely due to no output in the infrared range. This reduced heat eliminates complicated cooling mechanisms such as chill rolls and external shutters, and enables applications on heat-sensitive substrates.
3. The electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency of UV LEDs is much better, saving about 50-75% on electricity. In addition, UV LEDs are more environmentally friendly because they do not generate ozone and contain no mercury.
Application area
Curing is a broad market with many application niches. But the main application areas are as follows：
1. Printing: The UV curing process has been in use in the printing industry for more than thirty years. LED curing technology for UV printers is rapidly replacing older technology with compelling advantages of better economics, system capabilities, and environmental benefits. UV-LED curing technology is ideal for the UV curing of inks in digital inkjet, screen, flexographic, and other printing processes.
2. Coatings: A significant number of coatings are cured worldwide today with UV-LED sources in applications ranging from traditional materials such as flooring and cabinetry to advanced electronics. Material development and long-term performance testing will further open markets in the areas of automotive, electronics, residential, and commercial construction materials.
3. Adhesives: UV adhesives are a great tool in modern assembly and manufacturing processes with UV-LED electronic control and stability, ensuring excellent results in a wide variety of UV-LED adhesive applications from medical devices to the most advanced consumer electronics. Undoubtedly, additional applications will emerge as the UV-LED ecosystem advances.
Post time: Jul-18-2018