UV Catalyst +
Soltek UV Catalyst+ is specifically designed and chemically formulated for the surfboard manufacturing industry. Using Soltek UV Catalyst+ offers exceptional advantages over competitors who use traditional room temperature curing hardeners such as MEKP. Comparable in cost, many of the world's top surfboard manufacturers have realised that UV curing is the next step in surfboard materials technology. Soltek UV Catalyst+ offers not only better performance and quality, but massive increases in productivity and cost savings.
Soltek UV Catalyst+ offers the following advantages:
- Cure is effected in a matter of minutes reducing the time taken to manufacture a board by well over a half. This allows for greater factory capacity with minimal to no additional capital investment.
- Maximum resin strength is achieved within minutes. Tests show that a Soltek UV Catalyst+ cured board is over 3 times stronger and 2.5 times stiffer than a board cured using MEKP. These traditional room temperature cured boards require weeks to reach maximum strength and stiffness and never reach the performance properties of Soltek UV Catalyst+ cured boards.
- Resin transparency is increased as UV cured boards resist the yellow/ brown discoloration which affects MEKP cured boards.
- Curing is temperature independent meaning that the same cure is achieved within minutes regardless of ambient temperature and humidity conditions.
- Harmful styrene emissions are reduced to only a quarter of the emissions resulting from MEKP curing meaning UV curing is more environmentally friendly.
- Indefinite pot life which means you can work the resin and perfect board application until you are ready to cure. This increase in cure control results in higher quality glassing and a reduced need for sanding.
- Resin waste is eliminated as you can collect excess resin and reuse it on subsequent boards or put it aside for repair jobs.
- Ding Repair and fin attachment is fast with Soltek UV Catalyst+ increasing productivity and ensuring maximum strength is achieved immediately.
A large proportion of surfboards are damaged when they are still relatively new. This is primarily because the boards are surfed too soon after being made, meaning the resin has not yet had sufficient time to cure properly. This problem is avoided when using Soltek UV Catalyst+. Since the resin has reached maximum strength and stiffness you can be sure that your boards offer the highest possible performance and quality even before you sell or ship them.
The plus (+) symbol is your assurance of the highest quality surfboard finish. Soltek UV Catalyst+ has been chemically formulated to resist resin discoloration (yellowing or browning) longer than any other UV catalyst+ on the market today. This means that your boards will maintain their clear and transparent finishes for longer.
Using Soltek UV Catalyst+ is simple - just continue to glass your board as you do now. Simply add Soltek UV Catalyst+ to your polyester resin instead of the room temperature hardener (MEKP), then your ready to cure. If you do not have an artificial source of UV light, simply place your board out in the sun. Within minutes your board will be cured to maximum strength and stiffness ready for sanding. If you intend on glassing a large proportion of your boards using Soltek UV Catalyst+, Soltek recommends you use an artificial light source or construct your own Lightbox.
Glassers currently use UV curing technology to glass the entire board (including finish coat). To find out how this done or to view additional information and tips on glassing with Soltek UV Catalyst+, see our FAQ section. If you would like further information or to discuss your specific requirements, please email or contact us. Soltek UV Catalyst+ is available through selected distributors in two sizes (to catalyse 20kg and 4kg of resin). If we currently do not have a distributor in your area please email or contact us directly and we will arrange shipment.
Soltek UV Catalyst+ is the way of the future. Your customers will demand it and your competitors will profit from it. Can you afford to be left behind?
