Article
UV technology is an innovative paint drying solution guaranteeing shorter drying times and greater energy efficiency. However, one of the main obstacles to the widespread adoption of this technology is the use of photoinitiators, which can be harmful to the environment and to human health. Fortunately, UV technology and sustainability can now be combined by minimising the use of photoinitiators.
UV drying can be made more sustainable by minimising the amount of photoinitiators used, as well as by decreasing energy consumption or reducing the use of mercury (present in UV lamps).
Thanks to UV technology, it is possible to obtain much faster drying times than traditional solvent-based or water-based drying systems, and it is for this reason that this solution is now increasingly popular.
Reducing the use of photoinitiators implies a number of advantages for both the environment and human health. Photoinitiators are chemical compounds that can damage human health if inhaled or in contact with the skin. Additionally, once released into the environment, they can persist for a long time and cause pollution.
By using 100% UV paints with a reduced amount of photoinitiators, the risk of exposure to harmful substances is significantly reduced. This is particularly important for workers in the painting industry, who may be exposed to these substances on a daily basis. Reducing the amount of photoinitiators needed also contributes to preserving the environment, reducing pollution and the potential damage to ecosystems.
A major breakthrough in UV drying: use of nitrogen. Our UV-I oven allows nitrogen to be used to reduce the environmental impact. In this way we can reduce the amount of photoinitiators used, reduce the energy requirements of the cross-linking oven and minimise the impact of mercury by using fewer crosslinking lamps.
In each of the previously listed cases (or combinations of them), while reducing the amount of oxygen inside the oven, we are still able to guarantee perfect (and in some cases even superior) drying of the workpieces.
Sustainable UV drying is a growing trend in the painting industry. Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing their environmental impact and improving the health of their workers. Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly strict, encouraging companies to seek sustainable solutions for their paint-finishing processes.
In conclusion, UV-I drying is a valuable, eco-friendly solution for reducing mercury and photoinitiators requirements, improving environmental sustainability in the painting industry. Thanks to the use of nitrogen, it is possible to protect operators' health and safety with a lower impact on the environment.
Looking to future scenarios, further development of increasingly sustainable and high-quality UV drying technologies and materials is to be expected.
Article
Let's take a detailed look at how to coat cabinet doors (for kitchens or other rooms) if they are raised. Raised panels are often spray-coated. This is because, until recently, roller coating technology was unsuitable for raised doors. However, roller coating has evolved and can now be used on raised panels such as kitchen cupboard doors, or any substrate with a groove shallower than 10 mm.
Smartcoater PRO is a roller machine equipped with a soft rubber applicator roller. This special roller not only performs the intended task: combined with other exclusive features on this next-gen machine, it also guarantees an even result.
Such features include a special stabilising framework for the application head that uses 4 screw jacks. This set-up exerts considerable pressure on the panels passing over the machine and, thanks to the floating pneumatic system (another exclusive feature that can be integrated into Smartcoater PRO), the applicator head follows the irregular contours of the panel; it also compensates for panels that have been insufficiently calibrated.
The raised cabinet door coating steps can be summed up as follows:
In conclusion, coating cabinet doors is a crucial stage of the finishing process as it significantly affects the quality, appearance and durability of the final product.
At Cefla, we’re proud to offer not just machines but complete turnkey solutions, tailored to the specific needs of each customer. Our goal is to provide furniture companies with close support, helping them set up production lines in a way that best matches their processes so they can maximise efficiency and deliver excellent finishes.
Talk to one of our experts to find out how we can help you achieve your goals