An apparatus and methods for using coatings for metal applications are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an article comprises a cured polymeric film having a first reaction product of a cationic photoinitiator and a compound suitable for cationic polymerization. The article has a second reaction product of a free-radical photoinitiator and a compound suitable for free-radical polymerization; The article has a metal substrate, wherein the cured polymeric film coats the metal substrate.

The disclosure relates to a light irradiation device which can improve curability of photo-curable materials. A light irradiation device includes a first supply section having a porous portion, the first supply section being capable of supplying a gas to a photo-curable material through the porous portion; and an irradiation section disposed in alignment with the porous portion or disposed downstream from the porous portion, the irradiation section being capable of irradiating the photo-curable material with light.

Systems are provided for a frame of an optic element of a lighting system. In one example, a baffle frame including extended exterior sidewalls and inner angled walls extending below a bottom surface of the optic element may reduce light reflecting off a workpiece and escaping outside and interior of the baffle frame.

Examples relate to methods to heat a print agent deposited on a print agent, print an image on a print media and heating systems for a heating a print agent deposited on a print media. A heating system comprises a radiation emitter to irradiate a print agent deposited on a print media, a reflector to reflect a radiation emitted by the radiation emitter back to the radiation emitter, and a displacing member to shift the heating system between a pre-heating position wherein the radiation reflected back to the radiation emitter has a higher magnitude and a heating position wherein the radiation reflected back to the radiation emitter has a lower magnitude.

Systems are provided for a frame of an optic element of a lighting system. In one example, a baffle frame including extended exterior sidewalls and inner angled walls extending below a bottom surface of the optic element may reduce light reflecting off a workpiece and escaping outside and interior of the baffle frame.

A system and method for forming indicia on a substrate. The system includes a feed system for feeding the substrate and a plurality of stations each operable to apply a processing step to the substrate. A first of the plurality of stations applies an energy curable ink to the substrate using a printing process. In some embodiments, this printing process is a gravure cylinder having indicia grooves formed on the gravure cylinder. The indicia grooves on the cylinder retain the energy curable ink until contact with the substrate whereby the energy curable ink is applied to the substrate. A curing unit is disposed downstream of the first of the plurality of stations. The curing unit receives the substrate and outputs an electron beam directed toward the energy curable ink to cure the energy curable ink and form a resultant energy curable layer upon the substrate.

A method for measuring the radiant exposure of energy curable inks or coatings on a printing press. The steps for measuring comprise: a) providing an ink or coating material comprising a fluorescent probe; b) transferring the ink or coating material onto a substrate using a printing process; c) exposing the ink or coating material to actinic radiation capable of initiating cure of the ink or coating material that also alters the luminescence of the probe; d) exposing the ink or coating to a first source of excitation light with wavelength and luminance capable of absorption by the fluorescent probe; and e) measuring the emitted light from the fluorescent probe by a first detector.

Examples relate to methods to heat a print agent deposited on a print agent, print an image on a print media and heating systems for a heating a print agent deposited on a print media. A heating system comprises a radiation emitter to irradiate a print agent deposited on a print media, a reflector to reflect a radiation emitted by the radiation emitter back to the radiation emitter, and a displacing member to shift the heating system between a pre-heating position wherein the radiation reflected back to the radiation emitter has a higher magnitude and a heating position wherein the radiation reflected back to the radiation emitter has a lower magnitude.

A method of manufacturing a pattern on a substrate web includes providing a production tool having a surface relief structure of elevations and depressions. The elevations correspond to a desired pattern. A curable material is applied to the elevations. The material is brought into contact with a substrate web at a first location. The substrate web and surface relief structure are transported together in contact from the first location to a second location spaced from one another along the transport direction of the substrate web. The substrate web is separated from the surface relief structure at the second location whereupon the material forming the pattern is affixed to and carried by the substrate web. The material is cured by exposure to a curing energy source, either between the first and second locations and/or after the substrate web has been separated from the surface relief structure at the second location.

An irradiation system is provided. The irradiation system includes a plurality of LED arrays, each of the LED arrays including a plurality of LED light producing elements. The irradiation system also includes a target area, the target area being adapted to receive light energy from each of the plurality of LED arrays. The plurality of LED arrays are positioned with respect to one another such that they surround the target area of the irradiation system.