The world’s largest event dedicated to the educational, technical, and scientific advancement of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM :: Monday, May 20

Short Courses
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
IUVA Program
Exhibit Theater
Monday, May 20, 2024
7:00 – 7:45 AM

Introduction to the Basics of UV/EB Curing*

Dr. Mike J. Idacavage, Radical Curing, LLC

*Open to all attendees

8:00 – 10:00 AM

1A: Chemistry

Amines and amine acrylates as effective synergists for improved surface cure in Type I and II systems.
Lizeth Mendez, IGM Resins
Neodecanoate esters as highly branched building blocks for radiation-curable reactive diluents and oligomers
Christophe Steinbrecher, Hexion Research Belgium SA
Performance Comparison of Bifunctional Poly (Urethane Acrylate) Based on Polycaprolactone, Polycarbonate, and Polyether Diols
Willy Du, Guangzhou Wraio Chemicals Co., Ltd.

1B: Measurement & Analytical

How to be a laser jock: Raman spectroscopy for UV and EB systems
Julie Jessop, Mississippi State University
Inline dose control of Hotmelt applications
Thomas Efsen, EFSEN UV & EB TECHNOLOGY
Characterization of UV-Curing Process by Hyphenated Techniques of Photo-DSC and UV-DMA
Yanxi Zhang, NETZSCH INSTRUMENTS NORTH AMERICA

1C: Applications

Matte and Super-Matte Surface Trends Surge Demand for Excimer UV Curing
Jennifer Heathcote, GEW, Inc.
UV curable silicone conformal coatings
Junying Liu, Dow
UV Coating Process - The Stages & Methodology to implement a successful UV coating project from Start to Finish.
Michael Kelly, Allied UV
PFA-free Sharpie Marker and Stain Resistance for UV-cured Wood Floor Coatings
Nicholas Penrose, BYK USA, Inc.
10:00 – 12:00 PM – BREAK & EXHIBITS GRAND OPENING
12:00 – 1:00 PM

2A: Adhesives for Wearables

Low Extractable Biocompatible UV Adhesives for Wearable Devices
Samantha Leap, Chemence

IBOA Free Medical LCA Adhesive for Wearable Technology
Shuhua Jin, Henkel

2B: Process

Using Temperature to Simulate Thixotropy in 100% Solids UV/EB Coatings
Michael Bonner, Saint Clair Systems Inc
How the thickness influences the formulation for LED-curable coatings?
Stephanie Vanslambrouck, EMCO-Inortech

2C: Wood Coatings

Innovative Amine-free Waterborne UV Curable Polyurethane Dispersions for Wood and Plastic Coatings
Laurie Morris, Alberdingk Boley, Inc.
Improving Manufacture Efficiency through the use of Waterbased UV Curable Polyurethanes in Wood Coatings
Mike Jeffries, Covestro
12:00 – 1:00 PM

What is the Next Killer App for 3D Printing?

This panel brings together a unique blend of investors, material suppliers, and thought leaders from the photopolymer community to discuss the next killer application for photopolymer additive manufacturing.

Panelists:

  • Danny Piper, NewCap Partners, Inc.
  • Jeffrey W. Stansbury, University of Colorado – Anschutz
  • Dianne Poster, National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • Marlon Walker, National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • Dave VanOosten, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

UV 3D Printing Lunch and Learn (Intro-Level)*

Faculty: Amelia Davenport, Arkema

This short lunch course is designed to be an introduction to resin 3D printing. Terminology and general information will be covered to empower participants to ask relevant questions of machine and material suppliers. The course will cover general UV fundamentals that are used in 3D printing. The course will review different types of resin 3D printing technologies, the characteristics of each type, and how each might be best suited to various applications. An overview of example workflows will be shown to get familiar with additional considerations.

*Additional Fee Required to Attend

1:00 – 3:00 PM – LUNCHEON
1:00 – 2:00 PM

The Future of Sustainability in UV/EB Packaging

1:00 – 2:00 PM

  • Todd Fayne, PepsiCo
  • Allison Christy, CC Industries
  • Rich Cohen, Elevate Packaging, Inc.
  • Bill White, The Meyer’s Printing Companies
2:00 – 3:00 PM

New Product Debut 1

UV Composite Repair and No Bake Automotive UV Sealants
Dave Whitinger, Applied Molecules

Renewable Water base UV
George Wang, Alberdingk Boley, Inc.

Next-Generation Binder Resin for UV-Curable Lithographic Inks
Jason Ghaderi, Power Dream America, Inc.

High Power UVB/UVC LEDs
Saya Han, Violumas, Inc.

3:00 – 4:00 PM

New Product Debut 2

New Products to Enable UV/EB Curing Applications
James Goodrich, Miwon North America

From Problem to Solution Quicker: Using Miltec’s UV Application & Analytical Lab Capabilities
Gary Sigel, Miltec UV

IGM Resins – For a Better Future
Youyuan Wu, IGM Resins

3:00 – 5:00 PM

3A: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

Formulating Urethane Arylate Oligomers for Tough 3D Printing Materials
Brian Dillman, IGM Resins

Tough materials for 3D printing
Tong Wang, Allnex

Exploring Various Post-Cure Methods to Enhance Cure Quality in Vat Photopolymerization
Troy Becker, RAHN USA

3B: Packaging

Latest Recyclability and Total Energy Consumption Update on Making Sustainable Packaging with Electron Beam Processing
Im Rangwalla, Energy Sciences Inc.
Enhancing Flexible Packaging with EB Finishing Techniques
Karl Swanson, PCT Ebeam and Integration and Sharon Beeman, S-One
The Future of UV Inks in the Packaging Industry: A Technological Renaissance
Prashant Atre, TOYO INK ARETS INDIA PVT LTD
Advancements in flexible Ultra-Low Odor and Low Extractable Coatings for Greenpack Applications towards Sustainable and Versatile Solutions
Todd Griffin, Greenpack Inks and Coatings

3C: Materials

A More Sustainable Process for Dispersing Core Shell Impact Modifiers in Hydrophobic Acrylic Monomers
Christopher MacNeill, Arkema
Low Viscosity Materials to meet the needs of new markets
Jennifer McClung, allnex, USA
EpoxyAcrylate (EA) Resins and EA POSS
Joe Lichtenhan, Hybrid Plastics Inc.
Developing Hydrophobic UV-Curable Clearcoats for Plastic Substrates Using Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Technology
Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri, Eastern Michigan University
4:00 – 5:00 PM

New Product Debut 3

6-foot-long+ UV LED systems? Unfathomable!
Ryan Turner, GEW, Inc.

Innovations in 3D Printing Custom Formulations for Electronics and Transportation
Neil Cramer, Arkema

Near-Field Infection Protection, powered by UVC
Richard Rasansky, XCMR Inc.

Integrated Excimer Option for Omnia EB
Tyler Matlick, PCT Ebeam and Integration, LLC

Amines and amine acrylates as effective synergists for improved surface cure in Type I and II systems.

Lizeth Mendez, IGM Resins

LED lamps are becoming more established as a low energy UV-light source for inks and coatings. Due to the lower number of radicals generated at the surface with UV-A light, oxygen inhibition is becoming a more critical issue. With the upcoming new German legislation, the choice of the synergists will also be strictly regulated for food packaging applications. This presentation will provide guidance on the use of aromatic amines as well as aliphatic amine acrylates to obtain a better surface reactivity/yellowing balance in both Type I and Type II photoinitiator systems for sensitive and other applications.

Neodecanoate esters as highly branched building blocks for radiation-curable reactive diluents and oligomers

Christophe Steinbrecher, Hexion Research Belgium SA

Esters of neodecanoic acid are highly branched structures that can impart specific properties and processabilities to the design of reactive diluents and oligomers used in radiation-curable systems. By way of example glycidyl neodecanoate can advantageously be combined with unsaturated building blocks like acrylic acid or more sustainable itaconate derivates in a low temperature solvent-free and catalyst-free process without generating water by-product to process a variety of hydroxyesters suitable for high-performance radiation-curable systems.

Performance Comparison of Bifunctional Poly (Urethane Acrylate) Based on Polycaprolactone, Polycarbonate, and Polyether Diols

Willy Du, Guangzhou Wraio Chemicals Co., Ltd.

The structure and molecular weight of the diol oligomers exhibit a decisive influence on the performance of poly(uretane acrylate)(PUA). In this study, we compared the mechanical properties of PUAs obtained from a series of diol oligomers and their application to formulations, in an attempt to explore their application rules. It was found that the PUA based on caprolactone diols presented good tensile strength and excellent application performance in UV-curing adhesives. When used in coatings, PUA based on polycarbonate diols showed good adhesion and yellowing resistance to polycarbonate substrates. PUA based on polyether diols, on the other hand, performed well in RCA abrasion wear testing.

How to be a laser jock: Raman spectroscopy for UV and EB systems

Julie Jessop, Mississippi State University

Raman spectroscopy offers flexibility and resolution needed for in-situ and real-time monitoring of radiation-cured systems, as well as characterization of polymers resulting from these inherently fast and energy-efficient reactions. However, implementation of Raman spectroscopy and microscopy in these systems can be challenging. Practical tips and examples are provided to expedite their successful implementation in a wide variety of radiation-cured systems.

Inline dose control of Hotmelt applications

Thomas Efsen, EFSEN UV & EB TECHNOLOGY

Consistently maintaining the required curing parameters is critical for any curing process. While this has traditionally been done manually utilizing radiometers, automatization has long been in high demand. This paper highlights the new developments for inline monitoring of UV and UV-LED sources, untilizing ICAD sensor technology to now not only monitor the dose and peak, but also featuring a closed loop feedback system, ensuring that the UV source meets the output requirements at all times.

Characterization of UV-Curing Process by Hyphenated Techniques of Photo-DSC and UV-DMA

Yanxi Zhang, NETZSCH INSTRUMENTS NORTH AMERICA

Ultraviolet (UV) light-curing is a technique being applied increasingly in the fields of coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, etc. The main advantage of light-curing systems are their fast reaction time and environment-friendly because monomer solutions are mostly free of solvents. DSC and DMA with the extension of a UV light source are powerful tools to study UV-initiated cure behavior and optimize the cure process by measuring heat released and changes in mechanical properties, respectively.

Matte and Super-Matte Surface Trends Surge Demand for Excimer UV Curing

Jennifer Heathcote, GEW, Inc.

Whether it’s flooring, home décor, appliances, or packaging, consumers increasingly prefer matte finishes. For some, it’s about function: anti-fingerprint, anti-glare, stain resistance, and easiness-to-clean. For others, matte finishes evoke naturalness, environmental friendliness, and luxuriousness. A surface that is both matte and glossy offers the illusion of depth and increases the likelihood that shoppers will handle and purchase the item. This paper explains excimer UV and how it is used in combination with LED, mercury vapor, and electron beam to mattify surfaces.

UV curable silicone conformal coatings

Junying Liu, Dow

Conformal coatings increase the life span of printed circuit boards (PCB) by providing a 50-300um layer of protection from moisture, contaminants, short circuits and corrosion of conductors and solder joints.
Advances in silicone technology have enabled viable UV cure technologies. The combination of UV and moisture cure technology has also been developed to provide fast UV cure while providing shadow cure in conformal coating application. In this presentation, the cure profile and properties of dual cured UV and moisture cured silicone conformal coatings are evaluated against the widely available thermal and moisture curing systems.

UV Coating Process – The Stages & Methodology to implement a successful UV coating project from Start to Finish.

Michael Kelly, Allied UV

In order to successfully implement a success UV Coatings Project, you have to look at UV as a PROCESS. – There are
three main components:

  1. Customer
  2. UV Equipment Integrator
  3. Coatings Technology Partner.

Specific Stages of implementation need to be followed to be successful

PFA-free Sharpie Marker and Stain Resistance for UV-cured Wood Floor Coatings

Nicholas Penrose, BYK USA, Inc.

With fluorinated products becoming an increasing concern regarding regulatory and environmental regulations, there is a market need for materials that do not contain Per fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). In response to this imperative, a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken into the impact of fluorinated surface-active agents in UV-curable Wood Coatings. Through research and development efforts, viable materials, and techniques, there have been solutions identified to replace these products and facilitate a smooth transition within the market.

The focus of this study revolves around addressing the challenges posed by the absence of Fluoro-surfactant, particularly in terms of black and blue Sharpie Marker resistance and the overall cleanability of the Wood-coating surfaces within the industry. The aim is to demonstrate the exemplary performance of the additives in replacing these fluorinated products. The commitment to sustainability, coupled with the dedication to maintaining high product quality and functionality is the driving force behind these innovative solutions.

Low Extractable Biocompatible UV Adhesives for Wearable Devices

Samantha Leap, Chemence

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are quickly gaining popularity with an estimated 2 million patients due to their ease of use. This two-week wear device allows patients to automatically check glucose levels via their phone without the need to prick their fingers multiple times a day. While this technology has been revolutionary for diabetes patients, the new device doesn’t come without issue. Skin irritation issues have been reported by patients wearing such devices caused from the UV adhesive used within the components of these devices. In fact, this issue is not seen in just CGM devices, but rather encompasses a much broader range of UV adhesives utilized in a variety of wearable devices. These wearable devices can be smart watches, headphones, GCMs, or even electronic cigarettes. Developing safer, more biocompatible, less hazardous UV adhesives will immensely help users of all wearable devices. This research dives into the development of safer, less hazardous UV adhesives by utilizing safer monomers and oligomers when formulating and ultimately ensuring these adhesives have less extractable and leachable unreacted materials. This discussion comprises formulating strategies of both traditional acrylate adhesives and the benefits of adding in a thiol-ene as a reactive diluent, adhesive requirements and their appropriate test methods, biocompatibility and NAMSA results, and the future uses of low extractable UV adhesives.

IBOA Free Medical LCA Adhesive for Wearable Technology

Shuhua Jin, Henkel

Most traditional medical light cure acrylate adhesives (LCA) contain Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) which has been reported causing severe skin-sensitization in patients. To meet the increasing wearable market demands, more sustainable and skin friendly LCA products are required. The development LCA resins are formulated to contain non-hazardous or non-skin sensitizing monomers. Special features and performance properties will be presented.

Using Temperature to Simulate Thixotropy in 100% Solids UV/EB Coatings

Michael Bonner, Saint Clair Systems Inc

Thixotropy is used to control the flow out in modern coating formulations. This is usually achieved with rheology modifiers. But temperature can be used to simulate thixotropy in 100% solids coatings.
In this presentation we:

  • define thixotropic behavior.
  • introduce the “temperature hierarchy”.
  • identify the behaviors of 100% solid coatings that allow temperature to generate “thixotropic-like behavior”.
  • contrast leveling times in conventional and 100% solid coatings with the shortened cure cycle.

How the thickness influences the formulation for LED-curable coatings?

Stephanie Vanslambrouck, EMCO-Inortech

LED-curable coatings gain traction in various industries due to their numerous benefits over UV curing systems, such as lower energy consumption, reduced heat generation and absence of ozone emissions. Depending on the application requirements, the coating thickness can vary and this variation has an impact on the formulation composition. Therefore, our work focuses on the formulation composition to achieve different coating thicknesses, by carefully selecting and adjusting the photo-initiators and by incorporating a special component.

Innovative Amine-free Waterborne UV Curable Polyurethane Dispersions for Wood and Plastic Coatings

Laurie Morris, Alberdingk Boley, Inc.

Waterborne UV curable polyurethane dispersions (UV PUDs) are widely used in industrial coatings. These coatings have optimal properties including chemical and stain resistance, scratch and mar resistance, flexibility and resistance to blocking. PUDs have traditionally been stabilized with Triethyl amine (TEA). This organic amine has come under scrutiny because it is flammable, toxic to the skin and eyes and it is a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). Many furniture manufacturers have restricted the use of this amine and “greener” PUDs are desired. Several new amine-free UV PUDs have been developed and evaluated for use in wood and plastic coatings. A study will be presented which investigates the performance of these products as compared to their traditional counterparts. Coating properties, test methods and formulation robustness will be discussed.

Improving Manufacture Efficiency through the use of Waterbased UV Curable Polyurethanes in Wood Coatings

Mike Jeffries, Covestro

New developments in waterbased UV curable polyurethanes offer resins which address desired end user attributes of increasing line speed, fast water release, improved block resistance, and solvent resistance off the line. These improve white pore defects and improved speed for stacking and packing operations. These will also improve off the line damage which sometimes occurs. This paper will also discuss improvements demonstrated in stain, chemical, burnish and metal marking resistance important to installers and owners.

Formulating Urethane Arylate Oligomers for Tough 3D Printing Materials

Brian Dillman, IGM Resins

The shift from rapid prototyping to durable good manufacture via 3D printing has steadily increased the performance demands of the resins used the manufacturing process. Herein experimental data for the cured properties of formulations based on urethane acrylate oligomers is shown. Tensile mechanical properties, glass transition temperature, and cure-induced shrinkage properties are related back to the urethane acrylate structure, diluent level, and diluent type used in the test formula.

Tough materials for 3D printing

Tong Wang, Allnex

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is a practice of making three dimensional objects through layer by layer process. As an emerging technology, 3D printing has been used to fabricate complex and high-precision objects for many areas. Among these technologies, vat photopolymerization is the earliest and most mature one. In vat photopolymerization, ultra violet light is deployed onto a thin layer of photopolymer resins to initiate the reaction, crosslink and solidify. Though the vat photopolymerization technology is capable of reaching high resolution and shape accuracy, brittleness and poor impact resistance are their drawbacks. Photopolymers as thermoset are intrinsically brittle due to their inhomogeneous network and high crosslink density. The brittleness of photopolymers cannot meet performance requirements which limits the broad applications of vat photopolymerization. To solve this challenge, we develop several products with improved toughness. They have the combination of high strength and high elongation at break. They are suitable for various vat photopolymerization techniques. We will report their mechanical and thermal properties. Their application in 3D printing is also explored.

Exploring Various Post-Cure Methods to Enhance Cure Quality in Vat Photopolymerization

Troy Becker, RAHN USA

This study of vat photopolymerization explores nine different post-cure methods to enhance cure quality across three different formulations: a strong formulation, a tough formulation, and an elastomeric formulation. Tensile mechanical properties and HDT data acquired with DMA are analyzed and discussed to evaluate suitability for the intended end uses for each tested formulation.

Latest Recyclability and Total Energy Consumption Update on Making Sustainable Packaging with Electron Beam Processing

Im Rangwalla, Energy Sciences Inc.

Sustainability and specifically recyclability of packaging materials are being mandated globally by end users. These mandates have a specific timeline. Packaging in particular flexible packaging though very sustainable compared to rigid packaging options is not recyclable in its current use. The main issue is multi layers of materials making recyclability very difficult. To achieve this target multinationals from raw material suppliers, ink and chemistry suppliers to converters and printers are trying to develop mono material packaging options at the same time reducing the carbon footprint during printing operations. This presentation will discuss the latest updates on recyclability of mono material packaging. Also, total energy consumption for each of the packaging options for each operation step of converting over a long run will be presented.

Enhancing Flexible Packaging with EB Finishing Techniques

Karl Swanson, PCT Ebeam and Integration and Sharon Beeman, S-One

Differentiation is a key factor to producing eye-catching flexible packaging. Digital print contributes to a stand-out look, but the right finish can drive it home. Learn about the different EB finishing techniques, including spot embellishment and excimer, that can enhance the appearance of your flexible packaging.

The Future of UV Inks in the Packaging Industry: A Technological Renaissance

Prashant Atre, TOYO INK ARETS INDIA PVT LTD

The packaging industry is amid a technological renaissance, and UV inks are at its forefront. Their speed, quality, versatility, and sustainability make them an indispensable tool for modern packaging manufacturers. As we look to the future, UV inks will continue to evolve, driven by technological advancements and the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Whether through digital printing, special effects, or improved material compatibility, UV inks will remain key in shaping the packaging industry’s future landscape. By harnessing the power of UV inks, manufacturers can meet the demands of a rapidly changing market while reducing their environmental footprint, ultimately securing their place in the vanguard of packaging excellence.

Advancements in flexible Ultra-Low Odor and Low Extractable Coatings for Greenpack Applications towards Sustainable and Versatile Solutions

Todd Griffin, Greenpack Inks and Coatings

This paper presents the latest developments in the field of ultra-low odor and low extractable coatings, aimed at addressing the growing demand for sustainable and versatile packaging materials. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, our research focuses on creating novel coatings that exhibit exceptional flexibility, enabling the elimination of unnecessary layers while utilizing recyclable materials. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) knowledge base, expanding the understanding of environmentally friendly coating systems and their applications in the packaging industry.

A More Sustainable Process for Dispersing Core Shell Impact Modifiers in Hydrophobic Acrylic Monomers

Christopher MacNeill, Arkema

Core-shell impact modifiers are utilized in many thermoset applications. Typically, they are provided as a spray-dried powder that has to be dispersed in a (meth)acrylate monomer resin. This requires specialized equipment that can be costly and can require a lot of energy. Herein, we report a masterbatch containing core-shell particles dispersed in hydrophobic (meth)acrylate monomer made via a more sustainable manufacturing process. Performance properties of these masterbatches will be compared and presented.

Low Viscosity Materials to meet the needs of new markets

Jennifer McClung, allnex, USA

As photopolymers branch out into newer applications the needs of the resin system continue to change, especially for inkjet and 3D printing applications. Typical materials used in this industry are of a higher molecular weight, which lends itself to a higher viscosity. In order to be able to succeed in markets with a need for lower viscosity materials a different approach is necessary. This paper will detail the materials that can be used for lower viscosity applications and the new developments that have been made.

EpoxyAcrylate (EA) Resins and EA POSS

Joe Lichtenhan, Hybrid Plastics Inc.

Epoxy acrylate (EA) resins are extensively used in fast-cure UV coatings and benifit from the outstanding mechanical, solvent and chemical resistance of this resin platform. A draw back for EA resins is they exhibit significantly higher viscosity than their all-epoxy parents. A potential solution to this is the formulation of EA resins with POSS additives. The rheological and mechanical properties of EA’s formulated with POSS cages containing epoxy, methacrylate and peg arms will be presented.

Developing Hydrophobic UV-Curable Clearcoats for Plastic Substrates Using Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Technology

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri, Eastern Michigan University

Plastics such as TPO, ABS, VYNIL, POLYCARBONATE, etc., find extensive utility across diverse industries. However, these plastic substrates require coatings to enhance their properties and performance. One of the primary challenges associated with plastic substrates is their susceptibility to heat, coupled with inherently low surface tension, which gives rise to issues like diminished gloss appearance and feeble adhesion.
In response to these challenges, UV-curable coatings have been developed, significantly mitigating heat sensitivity for most substrates. Nevertheless, conventional UV-curable systems, which typically rely on free radical polymerization, are burdened with challenges encompassing inadequate adhesion, shrinkage, and susceptibility to oxygen inhibition.
We have innovatively developed a coating system rooted in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid technology to address these limitations and pioneer a clearcoat solution for heat-sensitive substrates. This advanced system harnesses the advantages of sol-gel reactions and strategically utilizes ambient moisture for comprehensive curing. This groundbreaking approach offers superior hydrophobic properties and eliminates the need for a primer to facilitate adhesion.
This presentation will delve into synthesizing novel oligomers meticulously designed for hydrophobic clearcoat applications, the underlying sol-gel cure mechanism, and preliminary findings on the clearcoat’s fundamental properties.