Can You Cure Epoxy Resin With UV Light? [Answered Properly]

UV resin belongs to the synthetic resins category. However, there are considerable differences between it and ordinary epoxy resin, particularly in the manner in, which it is manufactured.

Now, can you cure the epoxy resin with UV light?

Yes, it is possible. UV resin should always be cured in a bright window or under a UV light. While the two parts of the resin should be dropped in a position. Here, the pieces may be covered for a few days to keep them dust-free. The curing of non-UV resin is unaffected by UV radiation. 

Some non-UV resins may be discolored or degraded by strong UV. 

So, if you’re fascinated to understand more, start reading-

Is It Possible To Use UV Light To Cure Epoxy Resin?

Yes, with the addition of a hardener, epoxy-based resins cure with UV light. It may appear to be a bland, translucent, viscous liquid but all you have to do is expose any area of it to UV light for a few seconds. By doing this, it’ll transform totally. The new TU Wien-developed unique resin mixture solidifies in seconds.

Regardless of the resin’s prior shape, this effect continues to extend outwards until it is totally solid, which takes seconds or minutes. Frontal polymerization is the term for this process. So, let’s talk about some facts-

• This reaction can begin anywhere on the material and extends outwards on its own. Repair kits for automobile bodywork and aerospace molded components, as well as wind turbines and high-tech electronics, are all viable uses.
• Anaerobic epoxies, resins, and glues make up the majority of genuine epoxies, resins, and glues. This means they don’t require or rely on air to heal. To achieve a completely cured condition, they require the use of a catalyst. Which is frequently a separate, smaller bottle of liquid simply labeled ‘Catalyst’ in the kit you’re using. 
• Following the directions, if UV light is indicated, however, heat is often a natural response of such catalytic or chemical transformations. While it may be tempting to encourage curing with more heat or light. Avoiding this should be a good decision unless the product’s recommendations specifically state so. 

If processes are wildly ignored or discarded. Attempts to speed up the engineered curing process with additional heat, light, or by changing the prescribed. The catalyst to resin ratio can result in a project never curing properly, haziness, bubbling, visual distortions, and even other unwelcome outcomes such as combustion.

How to Use UV Light to Cure Epoxy Resin?

UV resin dries faster than 2-part resin, but it necessitates the application of numerous thin layers, each of which must be cured under UV light or sunlight before the next layer can be applied.

As a result, we recommend using it to fill shallow bezels. The 2-part epoxy is more flexible. It may be formed into deeper bezels or shapes. It is also stained with colors and inks. But it takes up to three days to cure completely.

The following is the procedure:

1. UV resin must be cured under a UV light or in a bright window, whereas 2-part resin should be poured in a location where the pieces may be covered for a few days to keep them dust-free. 
2. Once either sort of resin has been poured, you shouldn’t move it very much, but if you do, having your work set up on a piece of cardboard can assist keep your components level as you move them.
3. Then you have to pay great attention to the dimensions of the two components. When dealing with the 2-part epoxy resin. The resin will not set and cure completely If the ratios are incorrect. Only the rubbery bits or a cast that never dries. 
4. Adding pigments may cause the ratio to be skewed, therefore only a few drops will suffice. Because the chemical reaction takes at least that much, never mix less than 1/2 oz. The reason is the mixed 2-part resin cannot be stored. So, having many projects ready to pour at the same time is a smart idea.
5. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended safety precautions. When working with resin, make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated location and that you’re wearing gloves to protect your skin.
6. Maintain a temperature of 78°F during pouring and curing. If you want the greatest results, then don’t work with resin while the humidity is too high. You should put the bottles in a warm basin of water before merging. If your resin was stored in a chilly environment. If the temperature becomes much lower, then your resin may get cloudy as well as fogy.
7. Use a mold release spray when using a mold. This makes removing your cured resin casting from the mold much easier.

You may start working with poured 2-part resin components after about 24 hours. Though it will take three days to be fully cured. Each layer of UV resin cures in 15-20 minutes under a UV lamp. And many hours in direct sunshine. After the resin has hardened, it may be sanded, filled, and drilled.

FAQs

Final Words

At the end after the curing process, you will find that the finished product is of the greatest possible quality. In terms of thermal and mechanical qualities, it outperforms previous materials. 

Curing resin with a difficult geometric form, such as coatings on electronic components that cannot be irradiated from all sides, would also be achievable. So, I can assure you that you have got the answer to your question – can you cure epoxy resin with UV light?