Ultraviolet (UV) Curable Inks and Coatings
Johansson, Ann-Sofie (2015)
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015112718203
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015112718203
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to widen the knowledge of ultraviolet (UV) curable inks and coatings for Huntsman Pigments Oy, a leading manufacturer of high quality white pigments and functional additives and the sponsor of this thesis.
This thesis was meant to be a literature work and the gathered information would contribute to the knowledge foundation for Huntsman Pigments Oy to conduct further research in the subject. The aim is that the information would help lead to improvements in laboratory work, product development as well as in customer service.
The methods used to achieve information included searching for information in data-bases, libraries, on the internet as well as contacting suppliers of UV resin.
UV-curing is a method where ultraviolet radiation is used in order to cure inks and coatings. The change in state from liquid (wet) to solid (dry) is nearly instant as UV-curable material is being passed through an UV curing system, without releasing volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) into the atmosphere, compared to traditional curing methods. The technology is therefore considered “green”, as it confines to environmental restrictions. The rapid curing allows for high production speed and allows for immediate handling of the cured goods and savings in form of low energy consumption and reduced space requirements of UV unit as no drying ovens are needed.
UV curing was introduced in the 1960’s and has increased its popularity the past 20 years, making it the fastest growing technology in the inks and coatings industry, continuously gaining market share with an annual growth of approximately 10%.
This thesis was meant to be a literature work and the gathered information would contribute to the knowledge foundation for Huntsman Pigments Oy to conduct further research in the subject. The aim is that the information would help lead to improvements in laboratory work, product development as well as in customer service.
The methods used to achieve information included searching for information in data-bases, libraries, on the internet as well as contacting suppliers of UV resin.
UV-curing is a method where ultraviolet radiation is used in order to cure inks and coatings. The change in state from liquid (wet) to solid (dry) is nearly instant as UV-curable material is being passed through an UV curing system, without releasing volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) into the atmosphere, compared to traditional curing methods. The technology is therefore considered “green”, as it confines to environmental restrictions. The rapid curing allows for high production speed and allows for immediate handling of the cured goods and savings in form of low energy consumption and reduced space requirements of UV unit as no drying ovens are needed.
UV curing was introduced in the 1960’s and has increased its popularity the past 20 years, making it the fastest growing technology in the inks and coatings industry, continuously gaining market share with an annual growth of approximately 10%.