Drying, Curing & UV Electron beam technology is worth a look
Although it is not new, electron beam technology, or ebeam, has been used to cure coatings, inks and lamination, or crosslink substrates like thin film for over 40 years – but ebeam Technologies says that it should be looked at again and that it makes an attractive technology for curing
F
or many years ebeam curing was almost exclusively utilised with
offset press printing, as the paste inks utilised for web offset printing are well suited for the wet trapping of each colour, followed by ebeam curing at the end of the press. In recent years, however, advancements in ebeam-friendly ink, coating and adhesives formulations have allowed this type of curing to be used effectively on flexographic presses and with digital inkjet printing. This has introduced an exciting array of new opportunities in converting. With ebeam, electrons alter the
molecular state of inks, coatings and adhesives by causing them to form into longer-length polymers - instantly changing their chemical composition from a wet state into a dry, solid state. This has the effect of instantly curing at fast line speeds and delivering extremely precise processing with a stable energy output that does not drift over time. Curing with ebeam provides
higher conversion, more consistent output, and more eficient energy usage than other technologies, and has become a growing alternative to both thermal drying, and UV curing for a number of reasons.
BENEFITS WHEN COMPARED TO THERMAL DRYING:
- Ovens require an enormous amount of energy, and are expensive to operate and maintain. Studies have shown that in some cases an ebeam system requires up to 95 per cent less energy than the oven systems it replaces. - Ovens can in some cases be
hundreds of cubic feet in size; ebeam systems take up much less space than ovens, therefore converters that have replaced their ovens with an ebeam system find they have freed up enough floor space to put in a new line. - As ebeam systems generate
very little heat in the substrate being targeted, it is a superior choice for coaters and converters over thermal and UV curing, and sometimes is the only option if heat-sensitive materials (like thin films) are involved. - Finally, ebeam systems help
contribute to workplace safety and comfort. With no need to remove solvents from inks and coatings, ebeam curing eliminates the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are associated with thermal drying.
BENEFITS WHEN COMPARED TO UV CURING: - By definition, UV curing requires photoinitiators to complete the curing process. Photoinitiators are toxic, and run a real risk of migrating into food. Curing with ebeam means the inks do not need
photoinitiators to work and therefore poses no potential for migration. This makes ebeam extremely popular among coaters and converters associated with food package printing. - Unlike UV bulbs, where power
declines over time, ebeam curing offers extremely precise processing, with a stable energy output that does not drift over time. - Curing with ebeam has proven
more effective and more powerful than UV curing, and does a particularly better job of curing thick, opaque and/or high density ink and coating layers. - Like thermal drying, UV curing
produces a significant amount of heat. In certain cases ebeam curing has been shown to require up to 80 per cent less energy than UV curing. - Curing with ebeam also offers
the benefit of higher gloss finishes with superior scratch resistance.
PACKAGE DECORATION In addition to these benefits, the ‘crosslinking’ effect of ebeam
technology generates a tougher, superior scratch-resistant surface, offering tear, puncture and fading resistance. This feature adds to a package of decoration applications including the ability to deliver a higher gloss finish as well as laminating, coating, cold foil and Cast and Cure holographic decoration. Innovative use within
flexographic and digital printing, metal coating, and package decoration have caught the attention of printers and package converters seeking competitive advantage in the marketplace. Converters embracing ebeam
technology can expect to see their operations save money, improve production techniques and increase the quality and appearance of their packaging. As new applications for the technology continue to be uncovered, they will also benefit from the introduction of new and differentiated products.
uwww.comet-ebeam.com
16
October 2016
www.convertermag.co.uk
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