- Light activated resin
Light-activated resins are one-part translucent
polymer s that cure and quickly harden when exposed to specificlight spectrum s. The requiredwavelength for cure is specific to theresin chemistry. The resin remainsliquid (thick, like syrup or honey) under normal indoor lighting which allows the user to work with the material until curing is desired. After curing, light-activated resin is denser than air-cured resins due to its inherent chemistry and because no mixing is required that might introduce air bubbles.Technology
Resin chemistry is tailored by manufacturers to meet specific customer needs. Both
visible light andultraviolet light have been used as curing mechanisms for this technology. Ultraviolet light presents some potential hazards and workers using ultraviolet curing resins generally wear protective equipment.Uses
Dentist s have used visible-light activated resins asadhesive s for decades. Resin cements are utilized in luting castceramic , fullporcelain , and veneer restorations that are thin or translucent to permit visible light penetration and thus polymerize the cement. Light-activated cements may be radiolucent and are usually provided in various shades since they are utilized in esthetically demanding situations. [ [https://decs.nhgl.med.navy.mil/DIS55/sec5.htm DIS55 ] ]Conventional
halogen bulb s,argon laser s andxenon arc light s are currently used in clinical practice. A new technological approach for curing light activated oralbiomaterial s is presented. The new light curing unit (LCU) is based on bluelight-emitting diode s (LED). The main potential benefits of LED LCU technology are: long lifetime of LED LCU (several thousand hours), no filters or cooling fan required, virtually no decrease of light output over lifetime with resulting consistent and high quality of material curing. Simple depth of cure experiments ofdental composite s cured with LED technology show promising results. [ [http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v186/n8/full/4800119a1.html Restorative Dentistry: A new approach for curing light activated oral biomaterials : Article : British Dental Journal ] ]Industrial facilities are utilizing light-activated resin as a sealant for leaks and cracks. Some light-activated resins have unique properties that make it ideal as a pipe repair product. These resins cure rapidly on any surface, wet or dry. [ [http://www.northsearesins.com/resin.html North Sea Resins: Resin ] ]
Light-activated resins recently gained a foothold with fly tiers as a way to create custom flies, in a short period of time, with very little clean up involved. [ [http://www.wetahook.net/page2/page2.html "Tuffleye" Information ] ] Manufacturers also use light curing systems in OEM assembly applications such as specialty electronics or medical device applications. [ [http://www.dymax.com/products/curing_equipment/index.php UV Light Curing Systems - UV Curing Spot Lamps, UV Flood Lamps, UV Focused Beam Lamps, UV Conveyor Systems ] ]
References
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