GEW Launches Excimer UV Mattifying System
November 11, 2020GEW has announced the launch of its EXC Excimer UV lamp system. EXC
utilises dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamps to produce quasi-monochromatic
vacuum ultraviolet radiation, typically at 172nm. This radiation is commonly
used for mattification of surface coatings where the elimination of matting
agents can significantly improve stain resistance and durability of the final
product. Gloss levels down to 2 GU can easily be achieved and the extremely
high efficiency lamps only require 5W/cm input power. Instant on/off switching
enables customers to switch between high gloss (80 GU or higher) and matt
finish products in seconds.
Other applications include modification of surface tension for improved
adhesion, or surface cleaning for semiconductor and medical industries.
Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, adds detail: “GEW Excimer
lamps can be produced in widths from 12cm up to 230cm and at up to 30mW/cm2
peak irradiance, the GEW system is one of the most powerful systems available
worldwide. 222nm and 308nm variants are available and lamps can be custom
integrated to the customer’s specific application, including provision for all
required nitrogen inerting and control. They can also be seamlessly integrated
into the wider GEW UV systems which may be required for pre-gelling and
post-cure, so that GEW can provide a turnkey curing or cleaning solution for
any process.”
Rae continues: “Excimer technology for mattification eliminates the need for
coatings to have additive mattifying agents. These agents, often mixed on site,
can introduce significant variability and time to the coating process, which is
completely eliminated with Excimer. In addition, the finished product is
susceptible to “polishing” during further processing and often has poor
physical and chemical durability. Again Excimer coatings, with their 100% solid
content, increase hardness, stain resistance and give preferable haptics (soft
touch). Further, pre-gelling the coatings with a UV LED lamp prior to excimer
exposure allows for some control over the granularity and gloss level of the
result, which gives additional process consistency and flexibility.”
It is imperative to use nitrogen inerting with mattifying Excimer
systems to ensure homogenous irradiance and prevent the generation of excess
ozone. GEW has a long history of producing reliable & efficient inert gas
curing chambers for a wide variety of large-scale industrial applications, and
GEW’s latest generation of inerting systems have been precisely developed to
allow easy access for webbing up and maintenance. Controlled and monitored
through GEW’s touchscreen control, customers can rest assured of a rugged, well
engineered solution.
The new Excimer lamphead is built to GEW’s usual exacting standards, using
state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, for robust performance and
reliability. GEW’s experienced installation engineers also ensure rigorous
adherence to international safety standards, wherever in the world the
installation takes place. Furthermore, GEW deliver a complete integrated UV
curing system including the lampheads, cooling equipment, power supply and user
control systems resulting in the most reliable cost-effective UV solution
available and supported worldwide.