Company Profile
UV Technology - A market geared for the future
Like visible light, UV light is electromagnetic radiation. UV radiation is subdivided into four wavebands, which we use for a wide range of applications. These four subgroups within the UV spectrum are located in the 100nm - 380nm waveband:
- UVA (380-315nm), is used for curing UV adhesives and plastics. It is also used for fluorescent inspection purposes
- UVB (315-280nm), is the most energetic region of natural sunlight and is used in conjunction with UVA light for artificial accelerated aging of materials
- UVC (280-200nm), is used for rapid drying of UV inks and lacquers. It is also used for sterilization of surfaces, air and water
- VUV (vacuum-UV, 200-100nm) can only be used in a vacuum and is therefore of minor importance.
Our systems produce UV light using specially developed gas discharge lamps. We can generate the required spectrum by adjusting the composition of the gas used to fill the lamps. In addition, glass filters are integrated within our UV equipment to specifically filter out certain wavebands. This enables our systems to emit the exact waveband our customers need for their individual applications.
Conventional material drying primarily uses thermal processes such as hot air, infrared (R) or near infrared (NIR) drying. The coated material is heated using a considerable amount of energy; the mass heats up, allowing solvents and water to evaporate. This type of process generally releases harmful hydrocarbon compounds. In contrast, the electromagnetic waves generated by our UV systems react directly with the photoinitiators in the coated layer, producing a "cold" photochemical reaction and curing the material in a fraction of the time compared with the conventional drying processes. The photoinitiators absorb the high-energy UV rays, and breakdown into various components, which in turn activate the reactive molecules in the adhesive agent. In this way, the UV light creates a three dimensional network of polymers. This process results in immediate and complete "drying" which means that the product is ready for further processing instantaneously.