UV Drying (= UV curing)

The UV curing process uses UV energy and light from the visible light spectrum in wavelengths from 200 to 480 nm. UV energy "cures" inks and varnishes in a fraction of a second. A UV system consists essentially of the following components: UV lamps, reflectors, lamp housings, a cooling system and an electronic operating and control system. A range of additional options can then be added as required. We manufacture to the highest quality standards with precise production of individual components, meticulous calibration of the UV units and the seamless integration of the UV system into the production process.

Comparison: conventional drying vs. UV drying

Physical drying with heat

The drying effect is based on evaporisation of volatile components. The required energy is supplied via IR-radiation and/or hot air.
A loss in the dried coating thickness will appear depending on the share of the evaporized components. The volatile components must be removed by an extraction.

Chemical drying with UV (= UV curing)

The drying effect is based on polymerization, i.e. on cross-linking of long molecular chains. The energy required for cross-linking is supplied via UV radiation.
For 100 % solid body systems the thickness of the dry coating corresponds to the thickness of the wet coating. There are no losses.

Physical drying with heat

Chemical drying with UV (= UV curing)

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