How to Choose the Right UV Curing Machine for Your Production Line

When using adhesives, coatings, and inks, one has to use drying methods that are quick and efficient. Since these chemical bonds require UV rays, one has to use artificial ways of generating UV rays. This is where the UV curing machine provides optimum results. Mass production that needs consistent results is incomplete in label, glue, and paint curing without UV curing machines. Production lines need these machines to offer instant results without any chance of error. Applying adhesives to mass components and also curing them is only possible through these machines. Whether it is metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or any other material, the curing machines have different types for each application.

Some even have extreme disinfecting functions that make them essential machines for the healthcare sector. If you are trying to choose this machine for your production line, here are some protocols you need to know. The correct wavelength and exposure size have to match the requirements of your desired product. Not doing that can harm the product and also the customer base. The target market needs consistent quality in products that can only come from consistent performance from such machines. Follow these two steps to choose the right UV curing machine for your production line.

Step 1: Wavelength Selection  

The wavelength selection is the first thing you should do. This is the factor that will matter the most. The wrong selection of wavelengths will lead to lots of problems. No one wants to make this blunder in UV curing machine selection. Businesses have to precisely choose the correct wavelength range or sometimes specific ones for precise results.

Sine wavelengths can penetrate differently depending on the size; the results can vary. Some can penetrate only thin objects, and some can penetrate even the thick ones. UVA, UVB, and UVC are the three types of UV rays industries use in UV curing operations. When choosing a curing system for production, you need to know about these rays. UVA has the highest wavelength, and UVC has the lowest. The lowest wavelength means the penetration will be very high. Here is further explanation for

Choose UVA (320 - 400 nm) for Basic Curing  

This range is for basic curing on metal, wooden, or plastic items in industrial production. The intensity of UVA can create a strong bond between components and adhesives applied to them. Printing and packaging industries use this UV range for quick operations. They need UV wavelengths that can bind inks and protective coatings with solid components. Mostly, electronic components and PCBs get 365 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, and 405 nm UV curing for this purpose.

Choose UVB (280 - 320 nm) for Medium Cuing

Then you have medium curing operations where many objects need a higher intensity of UV rays. For instance, glass objects need this range to make bonds with inks and adhesives. Many industries apply coatings on products that need quick bonding. Specific UV wavelengths like 285 nm, 300 nm, and 310 nm are the standard choice for precise results. Even many products need basic germ elimination, and this range can provide the desired results.

Choose UVC (100 - 280 nm) for Food, Beverage, and Medical Goods

If you want UV curing, especially for extreme disinfection and germ extermination, here is the range. Choose UVC with wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. They are smaller wavelengths with more impact and penetration for antibacterial results. Food and beverage companies use them in UV curing operations when disinfecting the material. Even water disinfecting operations need this wavelength for optimum results. Similarly, the medical sector uses UV curing machines to disinfect its instruments.

Step 2: Curing Type Selection

Then comes the next step, which is the selection of the curing type. Besides wavelengths, you also have to select how you are going to cure the objects. Some objects need a few seconds of curing, and some need much longer than that. Also, some need targeted treatment, and some need full exposure. So, you will have to choose a UV curing machine that meets your requirements. Here are three types that you can find in the industry for your production line.

Conveyor-Curing UV Machine

This one will probably be a suitable type for your production line, but you will need an introduction to all three types. A conveyor-curing UV machine is common for a quick and basic curing process. Mass production requires fast operations for ink, adhesive, and coating bonding. When manufacturing components in bulk, companies use this type for auto parts, electronics, toys, packaging, etc. This type is compatible with plastic, metal, wooden, and composite goods for bulk curing. Traditional machines had mercury UV lamps, but modern ones have LED UV bulbs.

These UV curing machines are suitable for spot curing on production lines and handheld devices. Their UV-emitting source has a small area to target a specific spot without affecting other parts. Some products are sensitive, and spot-curing UV machines are suitable for their targeted treatment. Some specific paints, glues, and coatings need quick curing on targeted spots. For instance, labels on sensitive products need spot curing for quick bonding, and this one is suitable for them.

Flood-Curing UV Machine

Then the third type is a flood-curing UV machine that is suitable for high-intensity and full-exposure curing. Usually, the medical sector uses this one to disinfect medical instruments. If you are choosing a UV curing machine on the production line for floor curing, it is a better option. Its higher exposure and smaller UV wavelength can exterminate germs. Food, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries need this type.

Although the flood-curing type is not suitable for sensitive products, usually, metal, wood, and some fabric objects can survive it. Even if you want to use it on plastic goods, make sure you do spot testing to inspect for any material damage.

Conclusion

Do the analysis by reading the above information, and decide what suits you the best. Some products need flood curing, some need spot curing, and some need conveyor curing. Not using the right one will cause damage to the products you want to cure. Also, not using the right wavelength can be ineffective where you need a specific one. So, decide well for the desired results.