DirectCure
DirectCure medium pressure lamps produce high radiation between 190 and 220 nm. This stimulates acrylate molecules and directly generates start radicals for the polymerization and crosslinking of acrylate-based printing inks and varnishes.
The use of DirectCure lamps as intermediate or final curing or also for post-curing of prints is the easy way to produce low-migration prints. Suitable curing systems are available.
The migration values achieved with DirectCure are comparable to electronic beam curing.
Advantages:
- Achieving food compatibility (migration)
- Suitable for applications that could previously only be achieved using EBC (electronic beam curing) = great price advantage for the customer
- Simple retrofitting of all existing inert systems
- UV systems without inert can also be retrofitted by adding an inert chamber
Characteristics:
Highest conversion of double bonds through direct stimulation of the acrylates:
- Enhancement of chemical and temperature resistance
- Better light and weathering resistance
- Crosslinking density higher than with electron beam curing
Very low concentrations (<0.5%) of photo initiators required:
- Significant reduction in migration and VOC emissions
- No UV smell
- Limit values for migration from food packaging can be observed
