Ultraviolet Curing Technology in Precision Optics: Hoenle UV Adhesives

The optics sector relies on UV technology and adhesives to create strong, optically clear bonds that last. From lenses to LiDAR systems and fibre optics, UV cure adhesives are ideal for critical areas where precision optics elements must be joined with extreme accuracy. UV systems also effectively handle curved and irregular optical surfaces, and can be conformed to complex geometries, ensuring a uniform cure.

Hoenle UV Adhesives

TECHSiL are proud to partner with Hoenle to supply high performance UV curing systems and UV/LED technology across industries.

Hoenle are UV specialists, being one of the leading suppliers of industrial UV technologies worldwide. Their range of adhesives (previously Panacol Adhesives) include special-purpose adhesives for use in industrial applications, ranging from structural adhesives to conductive and medical grade adhesives. Hoenle also distributes the innovative UV and UV-LED curing systems which are precisely matched to these UV adhesives.

Where are UV Adhesives Used for Optics?

Fibre Optics

To secure fibre-optic cables, fibre arrays and waveguides, special adhesives have been developed which allow an unimpeded transmission of light at optical interfaces.  They are non-yellowing, do not readily absorb moisture and feature a high glass transition (Tg) point and low thermal expansion. Due to being UV curing, these adhesives can be cured within seconds of adjusting fibreglass cables, bonding small surfaces quickly.

UV cure adhesives are suitable for joining, reinforcing and sealing fibre cables, fibre-chip interfaces and fibre arrays.

Lens Bonding

Lens bonding requires optically clear adhesives so as not to impair their optical quality. These adhesives must also offer low shrinkage to avoid stresses, often achieved by adding special fillers in the nanoscale size range. Systems consisting of several lenses or prisms can also be joined using adhesives which are highly transparent and have a specific refractive index.

Additionally, optical components need to be fixed quickly after precise adjustment, making fast cure UV adhesives ideal. Light cure adhesives for lens bonding of both glass and plastic lenses are available.

UV cure adhesives can be used for bonding and securing camera lenses, microscope lenses, prisms in optical devices such as lasers and joining rod lenses in endoscopes.

Camera Modules

Adhesives are not only used for lens bonding in cameras, but as camera modules become ever smaller, they are vital for the bonding of individual components. They are suitable for large scale productions and will cure quickly at low temperatures.

Light cure adhesives can be used for sensors, fixing the camera chip to the circuit board, chip underfill, and bonding low pass filters.

Benefits of UV Adhesives in Optical Applications:

• High adhesion to glass and widely used plastic substrates
• Do not impair optical properties
• Low shrinkage
• Optically transparent and non-yellowing
• Reliable impact resistance
• Extremely resistant to temperature, moisture and chemicals

For more information about the best UV system for your optical application, contact our Technical Team.

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