ACRI-BOND UV3232

UV Adhesives for Plastics

ACRI-BOND range of UV curable adhesives represents a new dimension in light curing technology. The UV adhesives are solvent free, containing only reactive components. A highly cross-linked polymeric matrix results on curing without evaporation or the elimination of volatiles. All UV adhesives are 100% reactive systems and were developed to sharpen and maintain the end-user's competitive edge through cost effective parts processing.

Product information

1. Bonding: plastic (ABS, PMMA, PVC, PC, PET) to itself or glass
2. Feature: High toughness. Not degumming and cracking after cycle test of high or low temperature.
3. Appearance: clear
4. Application: plastic fabrications, furniture and plastic crafts

Crystal clear, bubble free joint cures best after exposure to about 15-20 sec of high intensity UV light (see our UV equipment page). It will cure on natural sun light after about 30 sec too.

      

ATA Pty Ltd selected 3 products (Low, Medium and High viscosity) that will cater for most applications in Plastics Fabrications industry.

ACRI-BOND UV1035 - UV LIGHT CURING ADHESIVE LOW VISCOSITY: 25±5 (CPS@25℃)

ACRI-BOND UV2046 - UV LIGHT CURING ADHESIVE MED VISCOSITY: 60±10 (CPS@25℃)

ACRI-BOND UV3232 - UV LIGHT CURING ADHESIVE HIGH VISCOSITY: 900±100 (CPS@25℃)

So, you may apply it with capillary effect (Low and Medium) with needle or directly from black tubes. ATA UV adhesives (Medium to High viscosity) are with good gap filling properties so it can be used on saw cut acrylic as well.

It is safe for use over laser cut or diamond polished surfaces as it will not craze.

Please test properties and curing speed before use.

UV CURING TECHNOLOGY

Why UV Curing?

One part adhesives that cure using ultraviolet light provide an extremely convenient method of curing on demand, unlike two part adhesives that need to be mixed and used within a certain time frame. Not only is this more convenient for the user, it also eliminates many potential sources of process variability.

What is UV Light?

Ultraviolet light is a particular portion of the light spectrum, typically considered to be in the wavelength range from 200 nm (nanometers) to 400 nm. The most significant property of UV light is its intensity. The intensity of light, which can be measured by a radiometer, is designated by milli-watts per square centimeter (mW/cm²) or Watts per square centimeter (w/cm2). The key to UV curing is matching the wavelength range of the spectrum to a photo-initiator in an adhesive.

Every high performance adhesive has at least two components to it. An obvious example is the two-part, room temperature curing material already mentioned. A less obvious example would be contact cement, where only a single material is handled. For this kind of adhesive to work, a solvent must evaporate from the product, leaving the actual bonding resin behind. So, the resin is one part and the solvent is the second part.

In an ultraviolet-curing adhesive, there are also two components. One part is the adhesive itself and the second part is the photo-initiator which will not react with the resin by itself. The photo-initiator must absorb the ultraviolet light before curing takes place. When the UV light is delivered, the photo-initiator will undergo a chemical reaction and cause the adhesive to harden.

Why Use UV Adhesives?

• No two part mixing required
• Cure on demand
• Environmentally friendly
• Faster, stronger cures
• Minimizes adhesive shrinkage
• Decreases moisture absorption
• Increases humidity resistance
• Decreases out gassing
• Reduces defects while increasing yield
• Reduces cost

SAFETY

While "black lights" do produce light in the UV range, their spectrum is confined to the long-wave UVA region.

UV hand held devices supplied by ATA Pty Ltd are selected to provide UVA light at 365 nm required for our adhesives cure process.

UVA is considered the safest of the three spectra of UV light.

It is the higher energy (short-wave) light in the UVB and UVC range that is responsible for the DNA damage that leads to skin cancer.

UVA light is much lower in energy and does not cause sunburn.

UVA is capable of causing damage to collagen fibers, so it does have the potential to accelerate skin aging and cause wrinkles.

UVA can also destroy vitamin A in the skin.

UVA light can cause DNA damage, but not directly like UVB and UVC.
Due to its longer wavelength, it is absorbed less and reaches deeper skin layers (the leather skin), where it produces reactive chemical intermediates, such as hydroxyl and oxygen radicals, which in turn can damage DNA and result in a high risk of melanoma.

The weak output of black lights, though, should not cause DNA damage or cellular mutations the way sunlight can, although there are reports stating that the type of UV radiation used for suntan (UVA) can cause DNA damage, photo-aging (damage to the skin from chronic exposure to sunlight) and skin cancer as well as toughening of the skin, suppression of the immune system, and cataract formation after overexposure.

Acrylic Technologies Australia Pty is nevertheless proposing compulsory use of protective equipment when working with UV light we supply:

Protective clothing - preventing prolonged skin exposure

Protective UV glasses - preventing prolonged eye exposure

Protective shoes - preventing electrical shocks if working with 240V equipment