Focus On: Dual Curing Adhesives

What are Dual Curing Adhesives?

Dual curing adhesives are a unique type of adhesive which can cure through two methods. Offering the benefits of both a cyanoacrylate and UV cure, they are being increasingly used across industries such as automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.

UV cure adhesives are dependent on the presence of UV light and transparent substrates, while standalone cyanoacrylates will often 'bloom' when cured. By having a secondary cure mechanism, dual cure adhesives offer the benefits of light cure systems, without compromising on reliability or bond strength, and can cure even in shadow areas or opaque substrates.

What are Shadow Areas?

Simply, shadow areas are spaces where light is blocked by an object. If UV light cannot penetrate, or reach a high enough intensity, the adhesive will not cure. This can occur on printed circuit boards where components overshadow others, irregular shapes,and where there is a weak UV light source.

When the adhesive cannot cure, a weak bond is created, this can also cause corrosion when the adhesive remains liquid, or in terms of optical bonding, can cause issues with the light path.

Dual Cure Adhesive Applications:

Electronic displays
Camera modules
Opto-electronics
Electric motors
Thread locking

Jewellery
Small gap filling
Automotive interiors
Needle bonding
Any application where light cannot fully penetrate the substrates

Dual Cure Adhesives to Consider:

Permabond 130UV - Light Cure Cyanoacrylate

130UV is a low viscosity, solvent free, light cure cyanoacrylate adhesive, that fluoresces under UV light. This dual cure adhesive offers good adhesion to metals and plastics, reduced odour and bloom, and excellent environmental resistance, while also curing in shadow areas.

Permabond UV7141 - UV/Anaerobic Adhesive

UV7141 is a UV curing adhesive with a secondary anaerobic cure, ideal for bonding materials where UV light cannot penetrate such as mirror or ceramic coated glass. Key benefits include the ability to cure in shadow areas, high shear strength, excellent environmental resistance, and adhesion to metals and plastics.

For more information reach out to our Team today!