The coil coating industry is continuing its drive toward greener production processes with an emerging technology called UV curing. Prepaint is already the most efficient and environmentally sound method of applying paint to metal, and advancements in UV curing mean prepaint is poised to get even more green.

UV curing is based on photochemical reaction initiated when UV energy is applied to the coating. In just a few seconds, the coating hardens with no loss of volume or thickness. Most remarkably, no environmental pollutants are produced.

UV curing technology was first introduced in the 1970s. Recent technology improvements, including reduced volatility, higher flash points, complete reactivity, and application equipment enhancements, are opening up new opportunities for the coil coating industry. Coating formulators continue to develop proven high performance coating systems that utilize UV curing technologies. Plus, UV curing equipment on coil coating lines could offer more efficient and faster manufacturing with lower energy needs, zero VOCs, and reduced health, safety, and compliance concerns.

Coil coating’s emerging UV technology is shining another light on the most ecologically friendly method of applying paint to metal – Prepaint!

To learn more about UV curing and the environmental benefits of using prepainted metals, call the National Coil Coating Association at (216) 241-7333 or visit www.coilcoatinginstitute.org.