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GEW introduces Excimer UV mattifying system

Excimer technology utilises dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamps to produce quasi-monochromatic vacuum ultraviolet radiation.

ExciRay lamphead from GEW UV, with Excimer curing technology.

GEW’s ExciRay lamp systems utilise dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamps to produce quasi-monochromatic vacuum ultraviolet radiation, typically at 172nm. This radiation is commonly used for mattification of surface coatings, modification of surface tension for improved adhesion or surface cleaning for semiconductor and medical industries.

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Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, adds detail: “GEW Excimer lamps can be produced in widths from 12cm up to 255cm and at up to 65mW/cm2 peak irradiance, the GEW system is one of the most powerful systems available worldwide. 222nm and 308nm variants are available and lamps can be custom integrated to the customer’s specific application, including provision for all required nitrogen inerting and control. They can also be seamlessly integrated into the wider GEW UV systems which may be required for pre-gelling and post-cure, so that GEW can provide a turnkey curing or cleaning solution for any process.”

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Excimer technology for mattification eliminates the need for coatings to have additive mattifying agents.

Rae continues: “Excimer technology for mattification eliminates the need for coatings to have additive mattifying agents. These agents, often mixed on-site, can introduce significant variability and time to the coating process, which is completely eliminated with Excimer. In addition, the finished product is susceptible to “polishing” during further processing and often has poor physical and chemical durability. Again Excimer coatings, with their 100% solid content, increase hardness, stain resistance and give preferable haptics (soft touch). Further, pre-gelling the coatings with a UV LED lamp prior to Excimer exposure allows for some control over the granularity and gloss level of the result, which gives additional process consistency and flexibility.” Excimer technology for mattification eliminates the need for coatings to have additive mattifying agents.

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Typical applications include vinyl flooring, finish and wrapping foils, décor paper, plastic films and glass.

It is imperative to use nitrogen inerting with mattifying Excimer systems to ensure homogenous irradiance and prevent the generation of excess ozone. GEW has a long history of producing reliable and efficient inert gas curing chambers for a wide variety of large-scale industrial applications, and GEW’s latest generation of inerting systems have been precisely developed to allow easy access for webbing up and maintenance. Controlled and monitored through GEW’s touchscreen control, customers can rest assured of a rugged, well-engineered solution.

The new ExciRay lamphead is built to GEW’s usual exacting standards, using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, for robust performance and reliability. GEW’s experienced installation engineers also ensure rigorous adherence to international safety standards, wherever in the world the installation takes place. Furthermore, GEW deliver a complete integrated UV curing system including the lampheads, cooling equipment, power supply and user control systems resulting in the most reliable, cost-effective UV solution available and supported worldwide.

For more information on ExciRay, visit: https://www.gewuv.com/products/excimer-systems/exciray/

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