Print this page Light-Cure Adhesives
Robert P. Jackson, P.E.
Course Outline
The course on Light-Cure Adhesives will introduce the student to a method of obtaining extremely rapid cure times for adhesive materials. These materials react to UV and visible light in a fashion that can provide a permanent “set” in less than a minute. Curing in the presents of UV light has been usable technology for quite some time but the development of materials that will cure when subjected to visible light are fairly new to the adhesive industry. These materials react differently than other adhesives material classifications. We will explore the chemical mechanism by which this is possible as well as 1.) Mechanical characteristics, 2.) Material categories, 3.) Equipment necessary to project light on the substrates, 4.) Applications, 5.) Benefits and 6.) Safety aspects of the light cure process. We also will take a quick look at those vendors selling into the marketplace and specialty materials available for difficult jobs. When completed, the student will have a working knowledge of light cure adhesives and will be able to talk intelligently with vendors and professionals in the adhesive field.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
The learning objectives for this course are as follows:
- To understand the fundamentals of light-cure adhesive materials and the mechanism by which curing is accomplished;
- To have an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and the various wavelengths that affect a cure;
- To have a “feel” for the vendors selling into the market and the various products and product categories they offer;
- To have an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the process;
- To ascertain the difference between the types of light application possible; i.e. spot, flood and focused beam;
- To understand the equipment needs for 1.) Spot cures, 2.) Flood cures and 3.) Focused beam cures;
- Typical product applications currently being produced for commercial uses;
- How to maintain the process and application of materials;
- To understand what minimal safety measures are necessary relative to the various curing processes;
- To develop an understanding of relative costs; and
- To understand a “typical” light-cure specification sheet and how those specifications may apply to real life needs.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for those people eager to obtain a basic understanding of the rapidly growing field of light-cure technology. The processes are very dynamic and have made possible the assembly of devices previously very difficult to produce; i.e. syringes, respirator masks, eye glass frames, traffic lights, etc. Those taking this course will gain knowledge of a technology that is making possible a variety of products which would have existed in different designs a decade ago.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendees will gain a working knowledge relative to the materials available, typical applications and the manufacturing processes used for the assembly of products. The process of light curing is fascinating and involves the use of very special equipment not entirely common to standard assembly techniques. We will also discuss, in depth, the safety aspects and handling of materials used in this fast moving industry.
Course Introduction
Light-cure adhesive technology offers a new approach to bonding substrates, by using either UV light or visible light. Depth of cure, extremely rapid cure time and very easy dispensing of material are all direct benefits when using these materials and associated methods of application. This all equates to lower costs of assembly, added freedoms when designing products and components and the saving of valuable production time. This method of adhesion is extremely valuable when bonding thin films, needing fewer safety risks to eyes and skin and bonding heat sensitive materials. Also, this process can lessen or eliminate the need for costly and harmful chemicals from the workplace. In addition, the use of light cure adhesives can result in a very clean and “friendly” worker environment with no significant material disposal costs.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.Course Summary
This course consists of the following major items:
- History of light cure adhesives
- Companies providing materials and equipment
- Typical applications including and example of the products in use
- Benefits and disadvantages
- Features and fundamentals
- Mechanical properties of bonds
- Equipment needed
- Safety
We have also provided graphs, charts and tables that will help explain the points mentioned in the text material.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
