How to use a UV adhesion promoter for bonding

What is a UV adhesion promoter ?

Like a conventional adhesion primer (or promoter), a UV primer is a coating that improves the performance of an adhesive tape or glue on a surface, especially during difficult assembly (low surface energy substrates). It is applied prior to the application of your adhesive solution.

UV primers have a fluorescent indicator that make them visible under ultraviolet light. This allows you to easily check that the primer has been properly applied with a UV lamp. This improves quality control in the industry.

How to apply a UV adhesion primer ?

First of all, your surface must be cleaned, degreased and dry with apppropriate cleaners and degreasers for industry.

Next steps :

• 1. Shake the bottle of primer.
• 2. Apply the primer to the surface: apply the minimum amount that will cover the entire surface.
• 3. Check the distribution of the product with a UV lamp, using UV protection goggles and other protective accessories if necessary.
• 4. Wait for the UV primer to evaporate completely (30 to 90 seconds depending on the ambient temperature)
• 5. Optional : If two applications are required for an even distribution (e.g. porous surfaces), wait for the first coat to dry before applying the next one.
• 6. Apply your industrial adhesive tape or glue to complete your assembly.

When is a UV primer useful ?

A UV adhesion primer is generally designed to be used on a wide range of surfaces. For this reason, it is less colored, or even completely transparent, than most conventional primers that are colored, but often intended for a more limited number of applications.

Its integrated UV indicator allows for effective control of the primer's application. This improves productivity and quality control :

• For companies that outsource primer application
• For in-house production departments
• When checking primed surfaces several days or weeks after application

You can use a UV primer to strengthen your bond on polypropylene, ABS, PET/PBT and many low-adhesion substrates.

Always read the data sheet of the UV primer you are using to check exactly what materials it is compatible with.

Equipment required

• Lint-free cloth, brush, applicator pad, pressure gun, roller or other applicator tool
• UV flashlight
• Gloves, UV goggles and possibly a respirator
• Other protective accessories for prolonged exposure to UV radiation

Safety and precautions for use

• The use of the UV lamp does not participate in the polymerization of the primer. The purpose of this action is only to check the application of the product.
• The UV primer can be removed with acetone (do a test to make sure it will not damage the surface).
• Use the UV primer away from flames and heat sources.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
• Wear protective gloves.

UV exposure :

For a UV product emitting 10mW/cm², the legal limit of daily exposure is 2 minutes for the eyes and 12 minutes for the skin.

Beyond that time, you should use UV protection adapted to your exposure to ultraviolet rays : glasses, mask, gloves, suit...