Ultraviolet (UV) coatings

UV coatings are often selected because of how quickly they cure. Thanks to their custom formulation, RDC’s UV coatings solidify in seconds, supporting extremely fast production cycles. This is a significant advantage over traditional coatings that require hours — or days — to cure through evaporation and/or the application of heat. This rapid curing dramatically speeds up production and enhances efficiency by cutting the amount of time products must spend on the manufacturing line. By enabling higher throughput, manufacturers can also optimize facility space usage, as they no longer need to allocate square footage for drying or curing areas. The faster curing speed of UV coatings also shortens lead times and minimizes the risk of defects caused by dust or debris settling on the coating before it hardens.

Custom UV curable coatings from RDC are an environmentally friendly, sustainable option, primarily because they contain low to zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are harmful chemicals that can evaporate into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and posing health risks to workers. By eliminating VOC emissions, RDC’s UV-curable coatings help companies meet stringent environmental regulations and improve workplace safety. Additionally, the UV curing process does not require the high temperatures associated with traditional thermal curing, leading to significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Because the UV curing process creates a highly cross-linked polymer network, UV curable coatings offer exceptional durability and resistance to damage and wear. RDC’s tough, resilient UV coatings are formulated to be impervious to scratches, abrasions, scuffs, or chemicals. This durability is particularly beneficial in applications where product surfaces are exposed to harsh conditions, such as in residential and commercial flooring, cabinetry, millwork, hardwood plywood, furniture, and many others. The superior performance of UV-curable coatings can extend a product’s lifespan while reducing maintenance costs and the need to recoat.

RDC can adjust your UV coating’s properties — such as hardness, flexibility, gloss, and adhesion — to meet the needs of different substrates and applications. This customization is especially valuable for finishing a diverse range of substrates, including plastics, metals, wood, vinyl, and specialty materials. This versatility makes them suitable for various applications, from flooring and cabinetry to plastics and millwork. RDC’s custom UV curable coatings adhere to different materials without compromising the integrity of either the coating or the substrate.

Although the initial investment in UV curing equipment is not insignificant, the long-term cost savings can be substantial. The durability of RDC’s UV curable coatings reduces the need for reapplication, reducing both maintenance and material costs. The rapid UV curing process also cuts a manufacturer’s labor costs while increasing production output, making it a cost-effective solution for high-volume manufacturing environments. Additionally, the energy efficiency of UV curing — along with the elimination of VOC-related regulatory costs — contributes to overall cost savings.