UV curing

UV curing relies on a precise photochemical reaction; even trace amounts of oxygen can disrupt it. With Pneumatech's all-in-one PPNG DX skid, you can produce your own high-purity nitrogen to create an inert atmosphere, eliminate oxygen inhibition, and ensure complete, consistent curing results.

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Expert on-site nitrogen solutions for UV curing

UV curing requires high-purity nitrogen. That’s because even trace amounts of oxygen react with the photoinitiators in UV-curable inks, adhesives, and coatings. Flooding the curing zone with high-purity nitrogen eliminates oxygen, allowing the reaction to occur as intended. Generating your own nitrogen with Pneumatech’s all-in-one PPNG DX skid is your smart and cost-efficient solution.

What role does nitrogen play in UV curing?

In UV curing, nitrogen creates an inert atmosphere inside the curing chamber or zone. By displacing oxygen, it removes the primary cause of oxygen inhibition, the reaction between oxygen and the photoinitiators in UV-curable materials that prevents full polymerisation. Without an inert atmosphere, the result is incomplete cure, tacky surfaces, and subpar product quality. This applies equally to UV printing inks, adhesives, and precision coatings.

Nitrogen requirements of UV curing

Nitrogen for UV curing must check a number of boxes:

  • High purity: Residual oxygen can cause incomplete cure, surface defects, and product rejection. Hence the need for high-purity nitrogen, up to 99.999% for sensitive applications such as contact lens curing and precision coatings.

  • Reliability: A nitrogen supply interruption stops production and can compromise partially cured material. A stable and reliable nitrogen supply is key.

  • Gas quality: UV curing requires high-quality nitrogen, as contaminants can affect process and output quality.

  • Lower operating costs: Nitrogen is an important operating cost in UV curing. A highly efficient on-site generation solution can reduce operational costs significantly.

  • Sustainable production: Sustainability has become a key condition that nitrogen solutions must also meet.

On-site generation of nitrogen for UV curing – the preferred solution

Many UV curing operations still rely on purchasing nitrogen, but generating it on-site offers clear advantages. It is far more cost-efficient, helping you save money while also reducing your environmental footprint by eliminating the need for bottled or liquid nitrogen deliveries. By producing your own supply, you gain greater control and independence, while also avoiding the hassle and complications of external supply logistics.

Take your UV curing to the next level with the PPNG DX skid

The Pneumatech PPNG DX skid gives UV curing operations the high-purity nitrogen they need with double-digit energy savings, the convenience of an all-in-one solution, as well as the benefits of producing your own nitrogen. It comes with a VSD compressor, our premium PPNG HE nitrogen generator, a PPNG DX nitrogen purification system, a refrigerant dryer, high-efficiency filtration, condensate treatment, air and nitrogen buffer tanks, and an easy-to-use PLC controller.

  • All-in-one system: With all components pre-assembled, integrated, and tested.

  • Guaranteed 99.999% N₂ purity: Enjoy maximum nitrogen purity and meet the most demanding application specifications.

  • Nitrogen quality: Several layers of filtration are built in to remove any contamination.

  • Up to 30% less energy consumption: Two-stage generation offers double-digit energy savings compared to single-stage high-purity generation.

  • Plug-and-play installation: With just one power input, one H₂ input, and one N₂ output. 

  • Compact footprint: The PPNG DX skid is typically half the size of a traditional on-site system without a nitrogen purification system.

  • Flexibility: A 300-bar model is available for high-pressure nitrogen or cylinder storage.

  • Sustainability: Producing nitrogen on-site eliminates delivery transportation emissions. The energy savings you enjoy also contribute to meeting your energy efficiency goals.
PPNG DX SKID 4 HP Pack Rear L new

The benefits of two-stage nitrogen generation

The PPNG DX skid’s two-stage generation is the most energy-efficient way to produce high-purity nitrogen. The PPNG HE generator first produces nitrogen at 99.9% purity, then the PPNG DX purification system removes the remaining oxygen using a small amount of hydrogen. This two-stage process requires up to 30% less feed air than a conventional single-stage system.

Need only a generator?

If you don’t need an all-in-one gas generation system, but just want a nitrogen generator, the Penumatech PPNG HE is your ideal solution. Pneumatech’s premium PSA nitrogen generator gives PCB production facilities top nitrogen purity and quality, reliability, and cost savings.

More than just a superior product

Pneumatech offers you more than “just” the best nitrogen generation system on the market. We can also provide oxygen generators and all your air and gas treatment equipment.

UV curing application brochure

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Pneumatech_PPNG_DX_App_leaflet_UV_Curving_ENG_6999901270_LR.pdf
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Get in touch

Contact us with the details of your application and its requirements, such as your nitrogen usage or the size of generator you need. Our experts will put together the best on-site solution for you. If you don’t have that information or need help, they are ready to help you through the specification process.

Contact our nitrogen experts