UV (ultraviolet) and EB (electron beam) represent technologies
that instantly “cure” or dry specially formulated inks,
coatings, and adhesives. UV/EB technology offers increased
production speeds, improved physical properties, and generates
almost no air pollution compared with traditional methods.
|Metal halide UV curing lamps from Primarc Technology.| The
equipment used to produce a cure in the previously mentioned
applications may fall into one of several categories depending
upon available space, cure speed and other considerations.
Curing systems typically consist of a high voltage power supply,
a control panel and a curing head, which contains the components
necessary to deliver the UV energy to the coating or ink that is
on the media passing above or below it. According to Bade, a
curing head typically contains the UV curing lamp (UV source), a
reflector system for focusing the UV energy on the printing
media, and a cooling system to maintain proper operating
temperatures of the UV lamp. |Honle UV ACM