GEW has announced the launch of its EXC Excimer UV lamp system. EXC utilises 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 where the elimination of matting agents can significantly improve stain resistance and durability of the final product. Gloss levels down to 2 GU can easily be achieved and the extremely high efficiency lamps only require 5W/cm input power. Instant on/off switching enables customers to switch between high gloss (80 GU or higher) and matt finish products in seconds.

Other applications include modification of surface tension for improved adhesion, or surface cleaning for semiconductor and medical industries.

Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, adds detail: “GEW Excimer lamps can be produced in widths from 12cm up to 230cm and at up to 30mW/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.”

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.”

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 & 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 Excimer 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 Excimer, visit: https://www.gewuv.com/products/excimer-systems/exc-system/

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