UV systems speed up curing process

IST Metz GmbH & Co. KG (Nürtingen, Germany and Shorewood, Ill., U.S.) a global company in design and construction of UV Arc and UV LED, is announcing advancements in UV curing technology for polymer matrices in the production of composite components. These technologies are reported to offer significant time and energy savings while maintaining exceptional quality.

UV curing has emerged as a versatile solution, applicable to a wide range of production processes, including wet layup techniques, vacuum infusion with UV-transparent membranes, filament winding, prepreg processes and continuous flat processes. Unlike traditional thermal curing methods, UV curing is said to achieve results in minutes instead of hours, allowing for reduction in cycle time and energy consumption.

The curing mechanism relies on either radical polymerization for acrylate-based resins or cationic polymerization for epoxies and vinyl esters. IST’s latest epoxyacrylates achieve mechanical characteristics on par with epoxies, guaranteeing high performance in composite components.

According to IST Metz, a key benefit of UV formulations is their styrene-free composition. The 1K solutions possess an extended pot time of several months, eliminating the need for cooled storage. Furthermore, they contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them environmentally friendly and compliant with stringent regulations.

Leveraging various radiation sources tailored to specific applications and curing strategies, IST ensures optimal curing results. While the thickness of laminates is limited to approximately one inch for efficient UV application, multilayer buildups can be considered, thus expanding the possibilities for composite designs.

The market provides formulations that enable the curing of glass and carbon fiber composites. These advancements are complemented by the company’s expertise in designing and installing customized light sources, combining UV LED and UV Arc lamps to meet the most demanding requirements efficiently. 

With more than 40 years of industry experience, IST is a trusted global partner. With a dedicated workforce of 550 professionals worldwide, the company specializes in UV and LED systems in various working widths for 2D/3D applications. Its product portfolio also includes hot-air infrared products and Excimer technology for matting, cleaning and surface modification.

In addition, IST offers state-of-the-art lab and rental units for process development, directly assisting customers in its own laboratories and production facilities. The company’s R&D department uses ray tracing simulations to calculate and optimize UV efficiency, radiation homogeneity and distance characteristics, providing support for ongoing technological advancements.