What is UV LED Area Curing? A Complete Guide for 2025
Overview of UV LED Area Curing What is UV LED area curing? UV LED curing technology replaces the traditional UV curing method, which uses mercury lamps. UV LED curing is preferred for flat or large components needing broad surface curing since it has no mercury, uses less energy, and generates less heat. How Does UV LED Area Curing Work? Area UV LED curing is based on photopolymerization. A photochemical reaction can be initiated using certain materials, like UV-curable resins and adhesives, which are photoinitiators. It allows a rapid transition from liquid to solid. Some of the basic elements of such systems have been presented in a simplified manner below: • A photoinitiated UV LED module or lamp, • Power Controlled LED Drivers, • Optical systems for uniform light distribution, • Air or water-cooled systems. Most systems operate at 365nm or 395nm UV LEDs, so wavelength (nm) is crucial. • Absorption is improved with shorter wavelengths. • Further out on the spectrum may lead to quicker curing times. The following metrics are important to focus on: • Irradiance: Power output of the UV light measured in mW/cm². • UV Dose: Energy measured over time for a specific duration (mJ/cm²). • Curing ...