Ultraviolet Curing System - Brief Article

Automotive Finishing, Winter, 2000

The UV-MAC 10 microwave-powered ultraviolet (UV) curing system reduces heat-generating infrared energy and increases focus accuracy due to proprietary, reflector technology. Applications for the system include curing coatings, sealants and adhesives in fiber optics, lens bonding and hardcoats, optoelectronics, CD/DVD coatings and other applications.

The system features a low thermal expansion glass reflector with a dichroic coating that prevents heat-generating infrared light waves from reflecting back to the substrate, resulting in a more controlled and cooler operation. In addition, the glass reflector provides a more geometrically accurate field of focus that allows for a variety of precise focal lengths and flood distributions for curing UV materials. Also, because a glass reflector is harder and more scratch-resistant than a metal reflector, cracking of the coating is minimized, providing a longer service life. The glass reflector is combined with positive air cooling to reduce the maintenance associated with overheated components.