BASF Says New Process Enhances Cure in Three-Dimensional Coating Processes
MOUNT OLIVE, NJ - BASF announced the introduction of the "Larolux" curing system for ultraviolet (UV)-cure coatings, which the company said employs low-energy UV light in a carbon-dioxide atmosphere to rapidly cure coatings applied to three-dimensional metal, plastic or wood objects.
The company said the system uses coatings cured in an oven in the presence of a carbon-dioxide atmosphere. When the oxygen content in the gas surrounding the parts is low, the UV-light dose can be reduced and reflectors can illuminate three-dimensional objects. Under these conditions, complete cure is achieved independent of the parts' geometry, the company said. The coatings are formulated using curing agents developed by BASF.