UV-curable adhesives are used in many industries from medical to automotive to electronics. These adhesives can be cured instantly and are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed and ease of use. Over the years, these adhesives have undergone many innovations that have improved their use and expanded their applications. Let’s explore them.
Drivers Behind UV Curable Adhesives Growth Over the Years
Dual Cured Systems
Dual cured adhesive systems are cured using two different methods. Typically, they cure upon exposure to UV light and heat. These systems are typically used to gain dual application properties in one adhesive system. An example of this includes the PSA to structural adhesives. This facilitates prepreg lay-up and upon curing, their properties change to that of a structural adhesive, providing users with a strong, permanent bond.
New Binder Systems for Sustainability
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor among consumers, many companies are turning to more sustainable options whenever they can. Luckily, one of the innovations in UV-curable adhesives has been strides toward sustainability. There are a few sustainable options for UV-curable adhesives now including oligomers with low residual monomer, Safer Solvent Systems for viscosity control, and grafted initiators for in-body medical applications.
UV LED Curing Technology
Innovations have also allowed for the use of LED lights on UV-cured adhesives. Currently, this technology is used for thin film applications, however, it significantly lowers the operating costs of these projects compared to the conventional UV curing process. Additionally, the use of LED lights contributes to energy savings, fewer consumable parts, lower maintenance costs, and 30-70% less energy consumption than traditional UV curing.
Uses of UV-Curable Adhesives
Automotive
UV-cured adhesives are commonly used in the automotive industry for a wide range of applications. Since these adhesives are compatible with metals, polymers, composites, and glass, they can be used in nearly any part of the vehicle. Typically, these applications include interior component assembly and under-hood components.
Floor Coatings
Many stores, schools, warehouses, or other commercial buildings have started to use UV-curable adhesives to coat their floors. These adhesives are durable and can be cured in just a single night, making it a popular choice for high traffic areas.
Medical
UV-curable adhesives are also used in the medical industry for a range of applications. Not only are they commonly used in the dental industry for fillings, but they are also used to bond, seal, mark, or coat a variety of medical products including syringes, catheters, hearing aids, dialysis machines, and more.
Electronics
These adhesives are used for many critical applications in the electronics industry as well. They are used as coatings for printed circuit boards (PCBs), cable and assembly marking, and wire tacking, die, and pin attachments.
Access the Innovations in UV-Curable Adhesives with National Polymer
At National Polymer, we are your partners for formulating UV adhesives and coatings. We take into consideration the application, performance, and budget to design, develop, and produce the UV-curable adhesives you need.
We will dial in on the properties you desire in your UV adhesives and make sure the solution we come up with for you meets your every need. Whether you need hard adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, or any other property you are interested in, we can make it happen.
Contact our team today to see what we can create for you.
