Sustainable Technologies
Manufacturers must continue to implement sustainable technologies, but success depends on the economic return/financial return to their operations. UV technology can offer a definitive sustainable roadmap and delivers true economic savings
Using UV technology, a manufacturer may be able to run their process at a higher line speed, which offers more production capability without additional allocated capital. In addition, the manufacturer can benefit from a cure time that is less than two seconds allowing for immediate handling and reduced costs. UV coatings can be 100% solids, so there is no evaporation or solvent content, which allows the manufacturer to utilize all of their coating—100% optimization.
From a production standpoint, UV offers the ability to implement a process that uses less floor space, mainly by eliminating conventional heat ovens and conveyors. With the elimination of the ovens and additional conveyors, the result will be greatly reduced energy costs. Smaller capital equipment costs will also be significant due to less actual equipment required, typically in the range of 50 to 60 percent. Quality costs will be minimized due to the coat, cure and pack philosophy of UV technology, which allows for immediate inspection after cure.
For many manufacturers, UV/EB has potential by being a…
Faster process:
- Line speed
- Cure time
- Coating optimization
Requiring less:
- Floor space
- Work-in-process
- Energy consumption*
- Maintenance costs*
- Capital equipment cost*
- Quality costs
As a cleaner technology with:
- No/low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)
- Reduced reporting
- Improved health and safety
COST SAVINGS
The Economics of Sustainable UV Technology
2009. Michael Kelly. RadTech Report, April/May/June
UV is not only a “sustainable” technology; it is also—and more importantly—an economic solution. This article discusses how UV technology provides manufacturers the “Economics of Sustainability” and offers a process that is faster, smaller and cleaner; and delivers economic cost savings to the customer.
Development in Low-Voltage EB Curing for High Product Throughput Applications
2014. Im Ragwalla. RadTech Report, Issue 3.
This article reports on recent developments in EB-curing equipment which provide the required dose to cure at the highest product speeds and at lowest input power. These developments have resulted in further reduction of both equipment size and cost.
Value, Savings & Profit in UV/EB Printing
Value, Savings & Profit in UV/EB Printing
2011. Don Duncan. RadTech Report, Summer.
This article is a discussion of economic survival in UV/EB printing.
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
UV Light-Curing Adhesives for Increased Productivity
2012. John Herold & Martin Kluke. RadTech Report, Issue. 3.
Fast processes are preferred in nearly every industrial production process. This paper explores the advantages of UV-light curing systems.
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