New IR–UV–Electron Beam Laboratory Line Commissioned at PPG Industries France
RADSYS has successfully engineered, manufactured and commissioned a new advanced laboratory line for PPG Industries in France, dedicated to the development and validation of radiation-curable coating systems.
This installation represents a significant step in enhancing R&D capabilities in infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies, enabling accurate simulation of industrial processes under controlled laboratory conditions.
A multi-technology platform for advanced curing applications
The laboratory line has been designed as a fully integrated multi-technology system, combining complementary energy sources within a single platform:
- Infrared (IR) for controlled thermal input and pre-heating
- UV Arc (mercury lamps) for broadband UV curing
- UV LED systems for targeted wavelength curing and improved energy efficiency
- Electron Beam (EB) for high-performance, solvent-free curing
This configuration allows direct comparison between curing technologies and supports data-driven process optimization for coatings, inks and adhesives.
Reproducing industrial conditions at laboratory scale
The system has been specifically engineered to replicate real industrial production environments, ensuring reliable process validation and scalability.
Key capabilities include:
- Conveyor-based processing to simulate production lines
- Controlled exposure parameters (irradiance, dose, temperature)
- Evaluation of curing efficiency across multiple technologies
This approach enables:
- Improved process reproducibility
- Accurate definition of process windows
- Reliable transfer from laboratory testing to industrial production
Accelerating coating development and reducing industrial risk
By integrating multiple curing technologies into a single platform, this laboratory line provides significant benefits for coating development:
- Faster formulation screening and validation
- Reduction of costly industrial trials
- Optimization of curing performance across different substrates
This contributes to shorter development cycles and improved efficiency in industrial R&D programs.
RADSYS expertise in IR, UV and Electron Beam engineering
This project highlights RADSYS’ capability to deliver custom-engineered laboratory and industrial systems, combining:
- Process engineering expertise in IR, UV and EB curing technologies
- Integration of advanced equipment and measurement systems
- Full support from feasibility studies to commissioning
With this new installation at PPG Industries France, RADSYS continues to support its customers in the development of high-performance, reliable and scalable radiation curing processes.