UV curing adhesives, also known as light curing adhesive, use UV light or other radiation sources to initiate the curing process. A permanent bond then forms without application of heat by a means of free-radical chemistry.
UV curing adhesives are available in a range of viscosities and several different chemical systems, most of which are polymer based. These include acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes, polyesters and silicones.
UV curing adhesives can bond to a wide range of substrates, even those which are dissimilar, and provide a tough clear bond making them a highly popular choice.
In this blog post, we’ve highlighted 10 of the most popular uses for UV Curing Adhesives and the reasons why they work so well for these applications…
1. GLASS BONDING
With high transparency and excellent stability, UV curing adhesives are well suited to glass bonding since the nature of the adhesive allows it to perform under tough environmental conditions such as humidity and sunlight. This works particularly well for bevel bonding and stained-glass windows.
We recommend: Dymax 429 Lightweld Adhesive
2. ARCHITECTURAL BONDING
Architectural bonding benefits from UV curing adhesive on items such as glass balconies and staircases. The light treated curing resists yellowing, vibration and thermal shock and can be used for large area bonding.
We recommend: Dymax 425 Lightweld Adhesive
3. PLASTIC BONDING
Plastic bonding for point of sale display items or signs is made much easier by using a UV curing adhesive as it allows for full coverage and clear, bubble free bond lines. The highly resilient adhesive gives rapid adhesion to plastic making it a great choice for point of sale signs.
We recommend: Dymax 3099
4. AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY
Light-curing adhesives are particularly effective for large volume manufacturing or assembly processes where fast curing and high quality are required. In the automotive industry, safety critical devices such as headlamps and seat belt monitoring switches are increasingly being treated using this method thanks to these benefits.
We recommend: Dymax Adhesives 3030
5. DISPOSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
Medical device manufacturers worldwide are rapidly seeking the use of light cure technology in their industry, as it offers a rapid cure and a vast product range. Henkel Loctite UV light adhesives meet SO-10993 biocompatibility requirements, the same test standard used in the licensing of medical devices.
We recommend: Henkel Loctite 4305
6. ENCAPSULATION OF PRINTED SURFACE BOARDS
UV curing conformal coatings can be applied over the entire surface area of a printed surface board or in a discreet, shadowed areas to provide full protection from external environments. This quick-curing process means there is no need to dry the board after application, unlike traditional time consuming thermal-cure coatings.
We recommend: Dymax Adhesives 9481-E
7. SHOWER DOORS, HANDLES & CABINETS
Fast and highly durable bonding between glass to acrylic, such as those within bathroom cabinets and doors, can be achieved with the use of UV curing adhesives. The low stress bonder resists yellowing in the sun and can cure through UV blocked and tinted glass or plastic. It also offers a good performance during thermal cycling.
We recommend: Dymax 4-20418
8. FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS, TOUCH SCREENS & LAMINATION
Light-curable optical digital bonding adhesives are specifically formulated for when durable, invisible bonds are required. Their fast, on demand cure and superior workability mean substrates can be repositioned continuously until they are ready to be cured. They are non-yellowing allowing for increased light transmission and optical clarity on touch and LCD screens such as phones or tablets and offer an easy flow for flat panel lamination.
We recommend: Dymax Adhesives 9701
9. MANUFACTURING OF RESPIRATORY SUPPORT DEVICES
As UV curing adhesives work well under testing environmental conditions, it makes them a perfect fit for the bonding of products such as facemasks and breathing circuits. The attributes of the bond allow flexibility and contain no non-reactive solvents. The ability to cure in seconds allows maximum speed and high-quality performance for the assembly of the medical device.
We recommend: Dymax Adhesives 110-MSK
10. SHOP FITTINGS
The bonding of display cases and shelves can be achieve
d almost instantly using a light curing adhesive. Any excess can be removed easily after adjustment, which is aided by the precise and easily dispensed application of the adhesive. The bonds which are formed generally exceed the strength of the substrates.
We recommend: Dymax Adhesives 3094-GEL-REV-A
Shop our full range of UV Curing Adhesives
Additional links:
Want to know more about UV light curing? Check out our ‘Guide to UV Curing Blog‘ which explains the advantages of UV Curing technology and the key UV curing systems and materials you need to know about.
Ellsworth Adhesives supplies an extensive range of UV Curing products – you can view our full UV Curing range here.
Our Glue Doctor is available to answer any technical questions you may have regarding UV curing materials or UV Curing equipment. Simply fill out our enquiry form.