Guide to UV Measurement
Significance of Surface Temperature
Surface temperature can be affected by (1) the surface temperature of the substrate before coating or decorating, (2) the exotherm form the coating or ink itself, and (3) the response to infrared exposure from the lamp.
Temperature is important to process design and control because it can lower viscosity, improving (or altering) gloss, improving surface wetting, cause “dot gain” in process printing or ink-jet printing. It can enhance the curing reaction. Excess heating can cause volatilization of monomers or additives in the ink or coating.
Consequently, identifying and measuring the temperature range in which the result is beneficial is one of the important measurements for process design.
For additional information on measuring surface temperature, see “Temperature Measurements Under UV Lamps”.