Coating / finishing

Due to the outstanding properties of UV-reactive coatings, for example their resistance to scratching, abrasion and chemicals, they are suitable, in combination with a broad selection of materials including heat-sensitive substrates, for a variety of demanding applications ranging from different films, carrier materials and printed surfaces right through to three-dimensional objects. A user-oriented consultancy service resulting in customised solutions based on long-standing experience in the production of UV dryers is a precondition for configuration of the ideal UV unit for UV curing of coatings / UV drying.

UV-reactive substances such as protective coatings, embossing lacquers, release silicones, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are applied using a wide range of techniques. These include flexo printing, curtain coating, spray, inkjet, silkscreen printing and roller applicators. Curing/drying is performed taking into account the appropriate lamp spectrum and the UV energy (intensity / dosage) required by the process.

In an inert atmosphere (e.g. nitrogen) and with a reduced oxygen content in the UV curing area, better crosslinking results than in conventional UV curing can be achieved with lower photoinitiator levels. In some applications, for example the crosslinking of UV-reactive release silicones, UV curing can only be achieved in inert atmospheric conditions.
A nitrogen atmosphere makes it possible to improve and in some cases even to achieve the curing of a UV-reactive coating, independent of the substrate and the method of application used.
Continuous monitoring and regulation, both of the UV radiation and the residual oxygen content in the UV curing area, guarantee a stable production process and thus consistently high product quality.