{"id":2034,"date":"2015-11-06T02:15:58","date_gmt":"2015-11-06T02:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/permabond.com\/uv-curable-adhesive-cured\/"},"modified":"2025-05-02T19:46:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T19:46:38","slug":"uv-curable-adhesive-cured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/permabond.com\/fr\/uv-curable-adhesive-cured\/","title":{"rendered":"Is my UV curable adhesive cured?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How do I test to see if my cure process is adequate?<\/h2>\n

Most technical data sheets will provide either the total energy required or time and intensity needed for UV cure. However, understanding the many factors that affect the UV cure helps ensure the appropriate process for each unique application is achieved.<\/p>\n

Testing is the best way to verify full cure.\u00a0 There are several ways to test, but if possible, adhesion tests on your actual components produce the most accurate results.\u00a0 If adhesion strength cannot be increased with additional UV cure time you\u2019ll know your process is sufficient.<\/p>\n

Should I add a safety margin of additional UV cure time?<\/h2>\n

Keeping in mind that bulb intensity will drop off with the number of hours used, a safety margin will allow you to use the same bulb for a longer period of time.\u00a0 So if at minimal bulb output, full cure is still achieved \u2013 at maximum output, there is excess cure.<\/p>\n

At minimum bulb output watch for signs of oxygen inhibition which can occur when the intensity of the bulb falls below the threshold intensity needed for that product to achieve a dry surface.\u00a0 At maximum bulb output, watch for signs of heat distortion, scorching or coloration.<\/p>\n

Overexposed UV cure adhesives may become harder than expected with reduced elongation.\u00a0 These properties can affect bond integrity especially in applications that involve bonding substrate with different thermal expansion rates.\u00a0 It may not be apparent whether the symptoms (heat distortion, scorching, coloration) are a result of the light or the heat.\u00a0 Applying a fan to remove the heat is a quick way to be sure.<\/p>\n

To facilitate the longest bulb life, thoroughly test the process to determine the upper and lower UV cure limits.<\/p>\n

Factors Affecting Curing UV Adhesives Are:<\/h2>\n