Sichtlichtgehärteten

Sichtlichtgehärteten, meaning visible light cured in German, refers to a process where a material hardens or polymerizes when exposed to light in the visible spectrum. This is distinct from UV curing, which uses ultraviolet light. Many materials, including certain resins, adhesives, and coatings, are formulated to be sensitive to specific wavelengths of visible light. When this light strikes the material, it initiates a chemical reaction, causing the molecules to cross-link and form a solid, hardened structure.

The curing process is typically rapid and can be controlled by the intensity and duration of light exposure. This offers advantages such as on-demand hardening, minimal heat generation, and the ability to cure in areas where UV light may not penetrate effectively. Common applications for visible light curing include dental fillings, where the dentist can precisely control the hardening time, and in specialized manufacturing processes for optical components and electronics. The specific color and wavelength of the visible light used are critical to the success of the curing process, as different photoinitiators are activated by different wavelengths. This technology is an important alternative or complement to other curing methods, offering unique benefits in various fields.