Simulation software for an efficient layout of 3D-UV curing processes

In addition to flat structures, UV curing technology is increasing being used in complex 3D applications. In order to achieve a consistent curing quality for the products, UV irradiation shpuld be as homogenous as possible across the 3D workpiece surface. In the industry, there is a strong demand for helpful tools for efficient planning and optimization of 3D curing processes. A new simulation program, developed in collaboration with a lamp manufacturer, a research institute and a software distributor, will be presented that allows for the modelling of 3D-UV curing processes, i.e., calculation of irradiance and dose for arbitrarily shaped 3D objects with respect to lamp positioning, number of lamps needed, power output, lamp motions, conveying speeds, etc. The program has already been successfully used to simulate automotive UV curing processes and has been implemented in a modular suite of tools to simulate paint relevant processes. It enables the analysis of combined thermal and UV-curing processes for execution by different modules of this software suite. This professional solution is already in use by many automotive companies to analyze different paint relevant processes of full car body structures. A short overview to this state-of-the-art simulation software will be given.