Energy curing technology: A bright future

Industry sources estimated the UV-cured market segment to reach $1.5 billion by 2005. The economic estimate for 2001 is $1.1 billion. A 20% growth in the fiber optics and inkjet sectors was recorded. Web offset, web flexo presses showed increased growth due to better performance characteristics, enhanced resistance properties and brilliant colors. The growth of electron beam technology was slower, amounting to $30-50 million, and nearing 13% of the entire energy curing market. SunBeam introduced Sun Chemical, the first Food and Drug Association (FDA) compliant, low extractable (LE) electron beam coating. Use of volatile organic compounds in curing made UV technology environment friendly and led to their good growth performance.