Edging out the Competition

With UV/EB technology increasing momentum, converters must know how to effectively use their systems to produce packages that hold up in a competitive market. packagePRINTING spoke to UV/EB suppliers, who shared tips on operating and maintaining the systems.

Finding the right cure

UV/EB curing uses an ultraviolet (UV) or electron beam (EB) light to polymerize monomers and oligomers onto a substrate, solidifying UV and EB materials into inks, coatings, or adhesives. When a UV lamp output is much higher or lower than what is needed, inks will not be accurately cured. “Overcured ink becomes brittle and cracks; undercured ink does not adhere and smears,” says Dave Douglas, vice president of business development for PRI Technologies. “If the ink is cured properly, it should pass an aggressive scratch test, a tape pull test, or an MEK rub test.”