UV cure processes can vary greatly from one customer to the next, which makes it difficult to judge how effective each individual UV cure process is. Depending on the intensity of the UV light, the type and age of the bulb, the distance between the lamp and substrate, the thickness of the adhesive applied, and other similar factors, cure time can vary.

Fortunately the technical data sheets provided for these products will provide the total energy required, or give you the time and intensity needed to achieve a successful UV cure.

Testing your cure process comes down to testing your UV cure. There are several methods you can use, but the preferred method is a simple adhesion test. For the adhesion test, all you need to do is add some additional cure time. If that additional UV cure time does not increase the adhesion strength, then your initial UV cure process is successful.

Many people mistakenly think that adding more cure time ensures that their UV curable adhesive is complete. Be warned however, that if you extend your cure time too much, it can be detrimental to the adhesive and begin to degrade both the plastic and adhesive. Stick to the technical data sheets and if you run into issues, be sure to reach out to our expert adhesive team here at Chemical Concepts and we’ll be more than happy to help!