Ultraviolet (UV) technologies have long been leveraged for a variety of commercial and industrial uses, ranging from irradiating bacteria, playing Blue-Ray DVDs, curing surface coatings, to protecting surfaces from scratches or corrosion. UV curing is undergoing an important shift, with UV LED technology emerging as an appealing alternative to more traditional light sources, like mercury lamps, in both industrial and commercial procedures.
In contrast to mercury lamps, which emit a broad spectrum of UV photons, the promise of UV LED technology lies in its long lifetime and higher efficiency. With cost savings and manufacturing throughput concerns dictating purchasing decisions, more manufacturers are acknow-ledging the benefits of this upstart technology. This article explores the current state of UV LEDs and the advantages of UV LEDs for curing processes.