| UV & EB Technology Myths |
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While well established in many industries, some are still unfamiliar with UV and EB processing, which may represent a different way of thinking about curing inks, coatings and adhesives-- and may also cause myths and misconceptions about the technology. Addressed below are common misunderstandings about UV and EB. Overall, UV/EB materials are much less toxic than solvent based and some of the ingredients in water-based systems, they replace. UV/EB:
Moreover, UV/EB curing materials are not absorbed through the skin like solvents, and they have very low vapor pressures, making inhalation less likely. Good industrial hygiene practices, knowledge of safe handling procedures and worker training are essential for safe handling of any chemical. When these principles are followed, experience has shown that UV/EB curing technology is safe. Misconception 2: The UV light used in UV curing is a significant hazard The biological effects of exposure to ultraviolet light resemble the typical symptoms of sunburn. We are all familiar with sunburn, so anyone who might be inadvertently exposed to excessive ultraviolet light would be quickly aware of it. The American Council Of Government And Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have established exposure limits for UV light, that are easily met with shielding to minimize escape of ultraviolet light into the workplace. Misconception 3: Energy cure preparations are more expensive then conventional coatings A quick comparison of the cost per gallon is usually the misleading reason that energy cured 100% solids materials are considered higher cost. A more realistic approach is to look at actual applied cost per dry mil (or per item coated or adhered). The following is an actual example: Assumption 1: Transfer efficiency is the same for both coatings (rollcoat application). While this may have been true several years ago, the rapid growth and advancement of the industry (with many chemical companies offering new raw material products) and resulting advances in UV/EB chemistry give the formulator a number of chemical classes from which to choose. With this flexibility, the industry is now able to easily meet customer requirements and develop products that best fit customer applications--including requirements for non-yellowing and resistance to cracking. In fact, on certain poor weathering substrates like extruded vinyl, UV clear coats are used to prevent premature yellowing as well as improve stain and abrasion resistance. In another example, the headlights on your car have a UV coating to prevent scratches, cracks, and yellowing. Misconception 5: UV/EB equipment is too expensive Over the last few years, the prices of capital equipment have come down considerably. In addition, when considering capital equipment costs, one must also look at: Space: A drying oven for a conventional thermal cure may extend for 50 to 100 feet, a space consumption in the neighborhood of 500 to 1000 square feet. At a floor space cost of only $0.50/ft2/month, that costs $3000-6000 per year. The equivalent UV "dryer" would require 50 to 100 square feet. ENERGY CONSUMPTION Productivity: UV/EB users enjoy an increase in up-time and productivity due to the nature of the chemistry (doesn't skin over in applicator, not clean up between shifts/weekends, faster start-ups). Increased productivity means more profit dollars which quickly pay for any initial capital equipment costs. |