Understanding the Working Principle of UV Curing
UV curing may be referred to as a solvent-less, high-speed, and low-temperature photochemical process where photo-reactive substances such as adhesives, coatings, inks, and others are polymerised into instantly fixed-in-place solids by using high-intensity electronic ultraviolet (UV) light. With this technology, it is possible to ensure that the cured substances adhere securely to any substrate where they are applied. UV curing can be categorised into different types such as hand-held curing, flood curing, spot curing, and conveyor curing. A variety of lamps are used by these systems as the UV light sources, including mercury-based arc lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs).
The Process
As briefly mentioned above, curing refers to chemical reactions occurring during the process of polymerisation. Polymerisation processes involve cross linking or bonding of shorter polymer chains and disconnected molecules. This leads to the formation of polymer chains that are much longer, harder, and rigid.
UV curing or UV photopolymerisation is a specific category of polymerisation where cross linking is accomplished within adhesives, coatings, inks, and other UV formulated materials with the help of ultraviolet energy. UV formulations are liquid oligomers and monomers mixed with small amounts of photoinitiators. When exposed to UV energy, these formulations tend to harden or cure instantly. UV curing technology is compatible with a wide spectrum of substrates including plastic, glass, metal, and wood.
With strong molecular structures and long polymer chains, UV curing results in finished products with highly desirable mechanical, physical, and aesthetically pleasing properties. Naturally, this useful technology has gained tremendous grounds in many different industries such as printing, packaging, medical, semiconductors, electronics, coatings, metal decorations, pipeline rehabilitation, etc.
Advantages
Any production process can make significant gains by incorporating UV curing technology, including increased safety; enhanced quality, higher cost efficiency, and improved productivity. Out of its many advantages, the most noteworthy one is its rapid cure speed. This creates a positive ripple effect on any manufacturing process, leading to reduction in labour costs. It also creates improved lead times for customers because of shorter cycle times.
UV curing technology is also preferred because of its simplicity. It requires no ovens or racking, and UV curing dispensing equipment is relatively inexpensive compared to those needed for the heat curing process.
Finally, this curing process is environment-friendly and safer compared to the use of harmful chemicals. Workers need not worry about any potential health risk, and the manufacturers have a significantly lower regulatory and disposal cost.
Application in Pipeline Rehabilitation
Based around the principles of UV curing, cured-in-place piping (CIPP) has now emerged as one of the most preferred options for the repair and rehabilitation of damaged pipes. This process creates a new pipe inside an existing host pipe with leaks or other damage signs.
Some important benefits of UV cured pipeline repair include
- Small construction footprint
- Superfast curing time
- Completely trenchless procedure
- No damage to existing pipes
- Easy inspection
- Minimum impact on the existing sewer capacity
- No health concerns
- Environment-friendly and safe
If you want to find out more about UV cured pipeline repair, please contact our experts at Austeck. Our range of UV curing systems has been used across Australia with excellent results.