Continuous Monitoring of Process Parameters in UV Curing Processes

Most of the functional properties of UV-cured coatings strongly depend on the conversion. However, the degree of the conversion, which is achieved by UV irradiation, is influenced by numerous variables. The most important one is the applied irradiation dose, which is determined by irradiance and line speed. Other parameters, which may have an effect on the conversion, are the composition of the lacquer formulation as well as the ambient conditions during irradiation such as temperature, inert atmosphere, humidity, and others. Only some of these influences can be easily controlled. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the conversion during the coating process would be of great importance.