How does the type of ink affect the selection of UV curing system?
In UV curing technology, the type of ink determines which UV curing system to choose. Different inks have different absorption of ultraviolet rays, curing speed, temperature control, etc., and the appropriate UV light source must be selected according to the formula of the ink.
This article will discuss in detail the type of ink, the requirements of the curing process, and their impact on UV curing systems.
Types of UV curable inks
UV curable inks are generally divided into the following categories, and each type of ink has different requirements and reactions during the curing process:
UV Ink：UV curable ink is an ink that is cured by ultraviolet radiation. It is widely used in printing, coating, electronics and packaging. Due to its fast curing speed, both traditional mercury lamp UV systems and high-power LED UV systems can provide sufficient radiation intensity.
Water-based UV Ink：Water-based UV inks are more environmentally friendly, but due to their solvent matrix, stronger ultraviolet radiation is required during curing to ensure adequate curing.
UV LED Ink (LED UV Ink)：UV LED ink’s chemical formula is optimized for fast curing at lower UV light intensity.
Relationship between ink type and UV curing system selection
Different types of inks use different photo initiators, which directly affects the selection of appropriate UV light sources.
Mercury lamp UV systemproduces a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light, covering UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C bands, suitable for various photo initiators. As a result, traditional UV curing systems are typically compatible with a variety of ink types, including UV photosensitive inks and water-based UV inks.
LED UV system from LED light sources mainly emit light in the UV-A band, especially ultraviolet rays with wavelengths of 365nm or 395nm. Therefore, LED UV inks must be specially designed to contain photo initiators that react at these wavelengths. LED UV systems are generally more suitable for LED UV inks and certain UV-sensitive inks with specific formulations.
LED UV generally have lower temperatures and higher efficiency on curing. Suitable for temperature-sensitive substrates (such as plastic films, paper, etc.). Therefore, the LED UV system can not only provide efficient drying, but also reduce the impact of heat on materials, making them suitable for application scenarios with more stringent temperature requirements.
In addition, compared with the traditional mercury lamp UV system, the LED UV system consumes less energy and does not produce harmful ultraviolet radiation. The lifespan of LED lamps is much higher than that of mercury lamps, which reduces the frequency and cost of equipment replacement.
With the maturity and popularization of LED UV technology, it has become the mainstream trend of UV curing technology in the future. However, in the transition period, the Hybrid UV is still a flexible option, especially for those companies facing the need of upgrade for business competitive.
