looking for advice

[pesch99]

I am looking to cure a water-based UV curable coating onto a machined aluminum surface. I want to completely cover the surface with the coating via spray application, then selectively cure 5mm spots on the surface. I will rinse away the uncured material, leaving only the spots behind. The surface elevations ("Z" height) above the table will vary up to 150mm on each part, and I will need to cure several hundred - up to a thousand - spots. The spots will serve as target guides for subsequent machining operations.

The coating cures at 365nm, min 50mw/sq cm, with roughly a 20 second exposure. I would like to decrease the time to cure dramatically, while accommodating any surface contour.

And, of course, I'm being told to stay n the inexpensive side.

Any lasers out there that can do this? Must be durable enough for use in a tool room/manufacturing environment.

thanks

 

[MacGyverS2000]

A common UV laser wavelength is 355nm... that would likely be perfect for curing.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[pesch99]

can you make a recommendation for under $2500?

 

[MacGyverS2000]

LOL... no. A quality galvo system alone will cost you in the $15-20k range, and that doesn't include a good UV source.

Is there a reason you have to use the coating? An IR galvo fiber laser would directly mark it, and you wouldn't need much power (a 10W system would be sufficient). Figure $25-30k, give or take.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com