At the 49th Munich Adhesives and Finishing Symposium 2024, Henkel, Düsseldorf, Germany, introduced ICAD® Technology as a key component for enhancing precision and efficiency in UV hotmelt processes. ICAD® Technology ensures continuous inline monitoring and control of UV exposure, establishing a shared “UV language” between manufacturers and customers, that enhances process stability and production efficiency.
Recognizing the critical role of precise UV exposure in achieving optimal performance for UV hotmelts, Henkel has incorporated ICAD Technology into their development processes, both in the laboratory and on their pilot line at its headquarters. This real-time monitoring solution defines UV requirements with unparalleled accuracy, offering both absolute radiometry and continuous process control to maintain consistent quality.
Traditional UV measuring devices have been widely used for defining dose and irradiance. However, these are impossible to pass through a roll-to-roll process, and therefore UV exposure has been a guess work in these applications, with production challenges as a result. Now, ICAD Technology helps Henkel monitor and define the UV output inline. Having this information at Henkel enables them to guide users of hotmelt products to mirror these settings and thereby increase production yield and quality.
This development is particularly significant for Henkel’s Specialty Tapes and Labels segment, targeting industries such as industrial tapes, medical applications and other focus sectors that the company aims to attract and develop with the help of the EFSEN curing equipment. The investment accelerates Henkel’s ability to deliver tailored solutions, enhancing speed and performance for their customers.
A critical component of this advancement is the ICAD Test Bench at Henkel’s Inspiration Center Düsseldorf, which simulates real production conditions to refine UV hotmelt curing processes. This facility includes an IR station before the UV or UV-LED system from Excelitas Technologies, allowing UV hotmelt adhesives to reach production-like temperatures. Additionally, an integrated high-speed conveyor system supports laboratory testing at speeds of up to 250 m/min, enabling production setup – already in the R&D phase.
“By integrating ICAD Technology into our development processes, we are enhancing our ability to ensure precise and consistent UV exposure in hotmelt/psa applications,” said Dr. Stefan Mundt, global technical lead UV Hotmelt-PSA at Henkel. “The collaboration with ICAD Technologies enables us to further refine our adhesive solutions and provide customers with superior performance and reliability.”
“We are proud to see ICAD Technology being embraced by an industry leader like Henkel,” said Thomas Efsen, CEO of ICAD Technology. “Our technology’s ability to provide real-time UV monitoring and control, ensures reliable production and consistent quality, helping Henkel and their customers to the optimal adhesive production and use.
ICAD Technology, developed by EFSEN, is a cutting-edge solution for improving UV technology quality in production. By sampling different wavelengths in real time, ICAD detects variances in light output, ensuring consistent quality on substrates. Its applications range from process control to R&D, offering unmatched precision and reliability for UV and UV-LED systems.
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values.
For more information, visit www.icad-technology.com.