UV curing for composite materials is a process in which materials consisting of several layers or components - such as resins in combination with fibres - are cured using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV light triggers a photochemical reaction in the resin, which enables fast and efficient curing.
At IST METZ, we are world leaders in the development of UV lamp and LED UV systems. With over 45 years of experience, we are a reliable partner for companies worldwide that rely on state-of-the-art UV and LED technologies. In particular, we set standards in the production of composite components through innovative advances in UV curing technology for polymer matrices. Our UV and LED UV systems optimise the manufacturing process by curing coatings and adhesives quickly and efficiently while ensuring outstanding surface properties. This technology not only shortens production times, but also contributes significantly to energy savings.
UV curing has established itself as a versatile and efficient solution for a wide range of production processes. It is used in wet lay-up techniques, vacuum infusion with UV-transparent membranes, filament development, prepreg processes and continuous flat processes. UV curing is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics where composite materials are used for parts such as structural components, coatings and laminates. Compared to conventional thermal curing methods, UV curing offers impressive advantages: instead of taking hours, the curing process only takes a few minutes, significantly reducing cycle times and lowering energy consumption.
Another decisive advantage of UV formulations is their styrene-free composition. These 1K solutions are characterised by an extended pot life of several months, which eliminates the need for refrigerated storage. They are also free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes them not only environmentally friendly but also compliant with the strictest regulations. By utilising different curing sources tailored to specific applications and curing strategies, we ensure optimal curing results. While the thickness of laminates is limited to approximately one inch (2.54 cm) for efficient UV application, multi-layer build-ups can also be considered, expanding the possibilities for composite designs.
A key advantage of our UV and LED UV systems is the use of customised curing sources that are precisely matched to specific applications and curing strategies. These systems also enable the treatment of multi-layer laminate structures, opening up new possibilities for complex composite designs. The curing mechanism is based on radical polymerisation for acrylate resins or cationic polymerisation for epoxies and vinyl ethers. The cross-linking density - and therefore the mechanical strength of the UV-cured polymer matrix - is significantly influenced by the UV intensity, the irradiation time and the curing temperature.
With our extensive expertise in the development and integration of customised light sources and the combination of LED UV and UV lamp technologies, we meet even the most demanding requirements of the industry. Our UV and LED UV systems are used in a wide range of industries, including electronics, displays, medical, automotive, wood, cosmetics, metal, flooring and energy storage. Thanks to our extensive experience in process development and the use of state-of-the-art ray tracing simulations, we are constantly setting new standards in UV technology. This enables us to offer our customers customised solutions that optimise their production processes and make them more efficient.
