UV-curable PSA coating for high-performance narrow web applications
Acrylic adhesives come in various types: water-based, solvent-based or in the form of a hotmelt. One such hotmelt is the UV hotmelt. The name says it all; this is cured using UV radiation. This option gives you greater control over the properties of the adhesive bond. However, please note that a UV hotmelt is not a standard solution. It is used where higher performance requirements apply and where conventional hotmelts or water-based and solvent-based acrylics reach their limits. This makes them ideally suited for specialised label and tape applications.
How does UV hotmelt coating work?
In UV hotmelt coating, UV radiation causes the hotmelt to cure. Through cross-linking (a chemical process in which polymer chains are bonded together), a strong, chemically stable and heat-resistant adhesive layer is formed, which is ideal for: temperature- and chemical-resistant labelling solutions, transparent film applications (clear-to-clear), QSR labels, medical and automotive tapes, and technical and specialist tapes.
The benefits
UV hotmelt is not a direct replacement for more conventional technologies, but rather an extension of the range of adhesives available. However, UV-curable PSAs and their application do indeed offer various advantages that also make a difference to the bottom line. For example, compared to water-based adhesives:
- It has a lower carbon footprint;
- Large dryers or ovens are no longer required;
- The process requires less energy;
- And involves a lower initial investment;
- The process is simpler compared to drying;
- The durability and stability of the adhesive layer ensure a long shelf life and robust transport and storage options;
And UV hotmelt coating can be set up with far less infrastructure than alternative systems.
When is UV hotmelt relevant?
UV hotmelt coating is interesting when:
- Temperature, water or chemical resistance is critical
- Transparent applications are required
- You develop specialty or technical tapes
- You want to enter high-performance hotmelt markets
From innovation to stable production
The performance of UV-curable hot-melt adhesives is improving, whilst energy prices are rising. This makes UV hot-melt an attractive option if you operate in high-performance market segments. However, UV hot-melt is not a ‘plug-and-play’ technology. It requires engineering. We manage to make it manageable.
So, do you need help with:
- Technical feasibility analysis;
- Integration of UV into existing narrow-web lines;
- Design of new coating configurations;
- Ensuring process stability?
Our engineers would be delighted to work with you on these projects.
About Maan Engineering
At Maan Engineering, we develop coating equipment that adds value to your production process. We do this by prioritising efficiency, manageability and sustainability. Our systems are ‘built to last’ and designed to deliver consistent performance. In addition, our equipment comes fitted with Remote Access as standard. This allows our engineers to log in to the control system remotely and provide immediate assistance whenever necessary. We do everything we can to help you get the most out of your production!
Tell us about your coating aspirations
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