HLC™ Adhesives Cure in Light & Darkness

Dymax hybrid light-curable is a patented adhesive platform that combines the best qualities of anionic and free radical chemistries. This next-generation UVCA technology enables curing in light and darkness with either UV/Visible light or a combination of UV/Visible light and contact/moisture.

HLC™ adhesives that utilize this platform exhibit the exceptional physical and performance properties of Dymax light-curable adhesives and the rapid moisture/contact cure of anionics. The contact curing feature allows bonding to a broad range of substrates, including opaque and light-blocking materials, and in shadow areas not reachable by light.

The primary advantages of HLC materials include fast cure, low-to-no blooming after proper light cure, better aesthetics, humidity resistance, and more flexible joints than ordinary CAs. Substrates don't need to be translucent, and exposure to light curing increases the integrity of the bonds.

HLC adhesives provide an alternative to existing chemistry types on the market, including 1- and 2-part epoxies, cyanoacrylates, hotmelts, mechanical fasteners, RTV silicones, PSAs, and UV acrylics. Although these various joining methods are suitable options for component assembly, they also present challenges that hybrid light-curable adhesives can overcome, such as blooming and aesthetics, slow cure, low impact resistance, and limited long-term moisture exposure. 

These one-component materials also help solve many pain points that manufacturers cite, including:

• Messy assembly lines
• In-process inventory
• Environmental concerns
• Dispensing and automation challenges

Additional potential advantages include less heat generation during cure, reduced stress cracking, and high gap-filling properties. The products also exhibit low-to-no surface tack and are safer to use, contributing to productivity improvements and cost reductions in the assembly process.

Dymax has designed dispensing systems for these materials to follow best dispensation practices.

HLC adhesives are an excellent choice for companies seeking to optimize manufacturing systems and eliminate the need for multiple chemistries and additional steps associated with traditional bonding methods. Dymax light-curable materials have no solvents added, are low VOC, one-component, and RoHS compliant, making them desirable to manufacturers seeking a green, eco-friendly alternative to other products.