Page 15 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 24th May 2021

down the adhesive choice first, and then pair your deliver a good ROI, although it is difficult to quantify
material with a curing lamp with the correct the confidence and subsequent reputation gained by
spectral output, intensity and size. A robust process both you and your customers when you consistently
also requires comprehensive testing to prove deliver high-quality products.
process capability and ensure that the parts of the
system work optimally together. Reducing costs
There are several factors governing the ROI of a The ability to achieve a near-instant light cure
UV curing investment, including financial, means manufacturers can increase their production
environmental, materials, resources, quality and rates and reduce labour costs. Compared with that
process considerations. UV curing equipment may of a two-part material, the process can be simpler.
be a larger upfront investment than other available For two-part products, the extended cure time will
technology, so it is important to understand the require more fixtures and space in the factory. A
process and how you may be able to achieve thermal cure may be required to speed up the
financial savings over time. process and reduce WIP, with the extra energy of an
oven and load/unload overhead. The working life of
Enhancing quality and minimising risk the mixed two-part product needs to be managed to
UV curing materials offer good toughness, prevent excess waste or application equipment
durability, shock and moisture resistance and blockage.
structural integrity. As well as the properties of the UV curing adhesives may present inherent
adhesive, potential quality benefits can come from material savings when the process and waste is
the UV curing process, which has characteristics taken into consideration. For example, leading
that enable manufacturers to reduce chances of adhesive-manufacturer Dymax compared the cost of
defects due to improper dispense or cure. Firstly, UV a UV curing adhesive with a two-part, urethane
curable materials cure on demand in seconds. adhesive that had a lower cost per gram. Once the
Manufacturers can therefore control the process so higher material usage, as a result of purging,
that cure is only initiated when the substrates are improper mixing and general waste in the mixing
correctly positioned. system, was considered, the material cost benefit
UV curing materials can easily be combined for the two-part material vanished.
with technology that makes in line inspection easy, UV curing adhesives are 100% solids, include
such as See-Cure technology, which changes colour no solvent carrier and produce no volatile fumes;
once the material has cured, building a visible usually, there is no requirement for special venting
safety factor into the assembly process. This can be in the facility.
further combined with Ultra Red fluorescence
technology to streamline post-cure bondline Improving efficiency and productivity
inspection. This technology means the adhesive UV curing adhesives provide fast cure times that
remains clear until exposed to low-intensity black enable shorter cycle times and reduced work in
light, at which point it fluoresces bright red, progress. Their small process footprint means space
particularly useful when bonding plastics that can be freed up for other tasks — there is no racking
naturally fluoresce blue. or heating required, saving time and floor space.
The potential improvement in yield and ability to UV curing processes are well suited to
identify and remove defective products can help automation, meaning the manufacturer can benefit

May 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p15