UV LEDs with peak spectral outputs between 365-405 nanometers (nm) are increasingly being used to cure adhesives, but converting a process from mercury to LED may involve more than “turning on” an LED and “turning off” a mercury source. It is important to work with your supplier/formulator to test, evaluate and – if needed – make changes to the formulation. Three parameters A … [Read more...] about LED Measurement Solutions for Adhesive Applications
UV LED
UV LED Curing for Surface Hardcoats
By Jennifer Heathcote, business development manager, GEW, Inc. Optically transparent UV-cured hardcoats, topcoats, overcoats and clearcoats are utilized in numerous plastics decorating processes. As the descriptors suggest, these coatings tend to be clear but also can be tinted or formulated with other visual additives, are applied to the outermost surface of manufactured … [Read more...] about UV LED Curing for Surface Hardcoats
Energy Density Matters…and This is Why
By Mike Higgins, director of sales – Americas, Phoseon Technology Now that UV LED has been established as a viable alternative to traditional curing methods, more converters are researching ways to benefit from this emerging technology. A quick Google search will reveal a ton of information regarding peak irradiance of curing systems. In flexographic printing, peak … [Read more...] about Energy Density Matters…and This is Why
Acrylated Amine Oligomers to Enhance Cure with UV LED Sources
By James E. Goodrich, Miwon North America, Inc. With their distinct advantages, UV LED energy sources continue to move into new applications. And, even with UV LED improvements, there is a distinct need for new and innovative acrylate chemistries to enhance cure while not being detrimental to the overall formulation performance. In this paper, the author will cover the … [Read more...] about Acrylated Amine Oligomers to Enhance Cure with UV LED Sources
Part Two: Interview on LED Technology with Robert Rae and Jennifer Heathcote of GEW (EC) Limited
1. As UV LEDs enter their teenage years, how have they changed, and what can you share about dealing with them? Jennifer: In 2007, when I began working with UV LEDs, there were few practical applications. Early LED systems mainly were used in formulation labs, with R&D efforts focused on spot cure (adhesive structural bonding) and printing (digital inkjet pinning and … [Read more...] about Part Two: Interview on LED Technology with Robert Rae and Jennifer Heathcote of GEW (EC) Limited