Edging out the Competition

Unlike UV curing, EB involves electrically heating tungsten filaments to generate a cloud of electrons that accelerate at high speeds through a foil window to penetrate the material. The electrons cause molecular changes in the product to strengthen polymers; cure inks, coatings, and adhesives; increase scratch, scuff, and abrasion resistance; increase chemical resistance; or create memory for shrink film, according to Energy Sciences Inc. “For EB systems, substrates being over- or under-cured isn’t an issue,” says Rick Sanders, marketing and sales executive, Energy Sciences Inc. “EB simply changes the applied chemistry (ink, coating, adhesive) from a liquid state to a solid state instantly without heat or light.” He recommends making sure that the EB dose and voltage settings are appropriate for the chemistry being processed.