One of the specialized adhesives that is widely used in the jewelry and mobile industries is UV adhesive. We will discuss the features of this adhesive and what types of materials it is suitable for, so stay with us at “Ana Chemistry Araz.”
Adhesives are among the most commonly used items in industrial, workshop, and even home activities. Using adhesives is not limited to a specific industry; we all need various adhesives throughout the day in our homes or workplaces, whether it’s simple adhesives like book glue or more specialized ones like aquarium glue. The lack of adhesion and slow drying times of various adhesives has led us to constantly seek higher quality models that adhere easily and save time.
However, adhesives come in a wide variety and are designed for specific types of work and materials. For example, some materials that have high value and are more sensitive to adhesives or other chemicals require unique adhesives to bond them, as not every type of material can be used.
For instance, gold and mobile devices fall into this category, requiring a unique and specific adhesive for bonding. Precious and sensitive materials like gold need a unique adhesive to achieve a stable and durable bond.
What is UV Adhesive?
UV adhesives are a type of adhesive that cure through ultraviolet (UV) light. After curing, this adhesive remains transparent and leaves no residue, which is why it is used in sensitive industries like jewelry making, electronic printing, and other applications. UV adhesives are also used on a large scale in commercial products such as food, cosmetics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals
You can even use uniform sunlight to cure these adhesives, though the drying time will increase. Besides adhesion, UV adhesives are also used for sealing and filling various surfaces.
In general, UV adhesive consists of two polymer layers, and its mechanism of action is such that in its solid state, the two layers do not bond. However, when pressure, heat, and UV light are applied, the polymer layers come close and connect, creating a bonding layer between the two surfaces.
When this heat and pressure is fully applied for a sufficient duration, the polymer layers form strong chemical bonds, resulting in very strong adhesion. Additionally, it leaves no trace or residue behind.
Applications of UV Adhesive
The versatility of UV-curing adhesives is one of their biggest advantages. Not only can you bond different materials together, but you can also use UV adhesive for reconstructing materials, filling gaps, and protecting delicate surfaces. Below are some of the key applications of UV adhesives:
- Given the unique properties of UV adhesive, it is used in jewelry making and the creation of decorative items.
- In the electronics and mobile industry, UV adhesives are used for connecting electronic components, strengthening electrical connections, and repairing electronic boards.
- These adhesives can also be used to bond plastic parts inside and outside vehicles. For example, in repairing and connecting various parts of a car cabin, UV adhesive can be utilized instead of traditional methods such as screws and bolts. Waterproofing vehicle parts is another application of UV adhesives. Overall, they are used in the automotive industry for repairs, connections, and stabilizing different components.
- UV adhesives can also be used in the construction and repair of wooden products and furniture. These adhesives create strong and durable connections between different wooden parts. Using these adhesives, wooden pieces can be connected in various ways, creating beautiful joints without the need for screws and bolts.
- The use of UV adhesive in the medical industry has gained attention due to its specific characteristics, such as speed, accuracy, and strong adhesion, making it very useful for precise and efficient operations. One of the most important applications of UV adhesive in medicine is for repairing small damage to teeth. Additionally, UV adhesive is used for connecting medical components like tubes, glasses, plastic sheets, and metals.
- In the glass industry, UV adhesives are used to repair damaged glass and to bond glass to other materials such as metals, plastics, and wood. They can also be used to reinforce and repair the edges of glass. By using this method, the edges of glass that have cracks, scratches, or weaknesses can be repaired and made more durable.
Features of UV Adhesive
Now that we have examined what UV adhesive is and its applications, let’s explore its features and the reasons for its high usage in various industries:
- High Flexibility: Various UV adhesives are formulated to solidify when exposed to ultraviolet light. This means that if UV adhesive is not exposed to UV light, it remains in liquid form, allowing you to spread it over different surfaces or clean it up. This property helps those who are not professionals in their work to correct their application after using the adhesive. This characteristic distinguishes UV adhesive from other models that stick as soon as they are exposed to air.
- Quick Adhesion Capability: The application of UV adhesive, particularly in industries that require instant adhesion, is more prevalent. These adhesives cure within seconds under a UV lamp. It’s worth noting that the drying time can vary based on the amount of adhesive used. If you operate in an industry that needs UV adhesives to dry faster, more UV lamps should be used.
- Works in Humid Conditions: A common issue with many adhesives is inadequate functionality and adhesion in humid conditions; however, UV adhesive does not have this problem. Due to the UV light and the interactions that occur within the adhesive itself, it can demonstrate ideal adhesion even in moist conditions. Therefore, UV adhesive can be used underwater, which makes it very useful in shipbuilding or underwater activities.
- High Resistance to Heat: One of the main reasons to use UV adhesive is its high resistance to heat application. It performs well even at very high temperatures. This adhesive is used in activities such as glass melting, jewelry making, and electronics.
- No Visible Residue: One of the principal reasons for using UV adhesive in specialized industries such as jewelry making and crystal production is its lack of impact on the appearance of objects. This product creates a very strong bond after curing and leaves no visible traces. UV adhesive is colorless and transparent, and due to the materials used, it does not become discolored or yellow over time, nor does it change when exposed to color solvents.
- No Physical Harm: A downside of adhesives requiring solvents is the emission of gases and chemical odors that can be harmful to health, necessitating their use in well-ventilated spaces. However, UV adhesive does not have these issues, allowing it to be used in closed environments. Additionally, using UV adhesive poses no risks to human health and does not cause problems like skin issues, respiratory problems, or damage to equipment and clothing.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we reviewed UV adhesive, its applications, and its features. UV adhesives have high adhesive strength, using ultraviolet light to cure. Their quick drying speed and excellent adhesion have led to their use in various industries, including woodworking, plastics, ceramics, and glass.
Besides quick drying and strong adhesion, UV adhesives also possess great flexibility, allowing correction or spreading on more surfaces before exposure to UV light. This feature makes UV adhesives easy for beginners to use. Thank you for being with us at “Ana Chemistry Araz.”