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RadGuard™

Sherwin-Williams has a proven history in radiation cure technology. RadGuard^TM is a global product line that incorporates Ultraviolet (UV) and Electron Beam (EB) radiation cure technologies.

What is RadGuard?

A new innovation in the coil coatings industry, radiation curing technology changes the way a coating is cured. Traditionally, the coating is cured with a thermal oven while radiation curing uses energy instead of heat to solidify the liquid coating. Used primarily in printing applications, this technology utilizes either Ultraviolet (UV energy) or Electron Beam (EB) to form a coating.

Electron Beam (EB) Radiation Curing

Electron beam curing utilizes accelerated electrons to directly cause the cross-linking of inks and coatings. This allows for a high degree of conversion from oligomer to polymer to take place.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Curing

Ultraviolet Radiation curing works by utilizing high-intensity ultraviolet energy to instantaneously cure the coating. A chemical photoinitiator is used to absorb the UV energy and cross-link the polymers.

Why Choose RadGuard?

Sherwin-Williams, a global industry leader in innovation, offers radiation cure technologies that provide a variety of benefits including:

Reduction in Floor Space due to dramatically smaller footprint based upon speed of cure and less equipment

Lower Capital Cost by eliminating expenses associated with multi-stage oven, thermo-oxidizer and other equipment

No Additional Permitting since radiation cure technology is 100% solids, meaning no need for emission permits

Sustainability benefits are an important aspect to radiation curing

Energy Savings through utilization of radiation cure technology that can be more efficient than traditional thermal cure coatings

Driving Sustainability through an Innovative Curing Process

RadGuard is a urethane resin system that boasts long-lasting performance. It can be used in a broad range of applications inlcuding gutters, fascia and more. Radiation cure technologies are rapidly advancing in terms of coating performance and equipment capabilities. We are on the forefront of this technology. Sustainability benefits of radiation curing include:

Lower fire or explosion hazard

Formulated with 100% solids

Produces no VOCs (solvent-free)

Can be retrofitted to an existing line

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Harnessing the power of Radiation Curing

RadGuard is available in formulations to align with their application method. The formulations offer similar performance to conventional polyester technologies (durability, color retention, film integrity). However, these products offer greatly reduced capital investment, while consuming less energy, which ultimately benefits your bottom line.

RadGuard^TM EB/UV Clearcoat - applied to protect an existing thermal topcoat.

RadGuard^TM UV Primer - replaces existing thermally cured solvent primer.

RadGuard^TM EB Color Topcoat - applied as a colored topcoat to replace an existing thermal topcoat.

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Let’s Connect

Sherwin-Williams is committed to partnering with you to best meet your needs. Together, we can work to create a radiation cure solution tailored to your unique application.