The end-use markets for UV/EB curing have grown dramatically in the two years since RadTech Europe (RTE) held its last conference. With its headline topic “UV/EB: Best in Class!,” RTE Conference and Exhibition 2017 will be held at the Clarion Hotel, Prague, Oct. 17-19.
 
Today, radiation curing is used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from industrial coatings and packaging to electronics, automotive components and 3D printing/additive manufacturing. The event’s agenda has been structured to provide a detailed update on innovations and developments for major materials and equipment suppliers at all levels, as well as for the end users whose needs they serve. 
 
Over the three days, conference chairman Dawn Skinner, process development manager for Heraeus Noblelight Ltd., has assembled more than 60 speakers, who will cover wide-ranging topics of current interest and relevance, centred around new UV/EB and UV-LED technology developments and applications. The program will broadly feature developments in photochemistry, photoinitiators, formulations, coatings, equipment, and printing; innovations in materials and applications, including 3D printing; and legislative issues.
 
The inclusion of parallel conference sessions in the program enables participants to choose their own special-interest topics. With each session chaired by an industry expert, this international event will host speakers – academics, suppliers across the value chain, and end users from around the European continent – and beyond.
 
 
Also featured in the conference program will be the presentation ceremony to the winner of the industry’s prestigious Paul Dufour Award for the best conference paper.
 
The single-floor integration of conference and breakout rooms with the exhibition is a popular feature of the hotel. Following a sell-out of exhibition space in 2015, this year’s bookings already feature more than 20 companies. 
 
The exhibition will include a Business Information Market, featuring product and equipment introductions by RadTech Europe members, and offering a presentation platform for students. 
 
The event will also host a lively social program in the evenings: at an on-site “after-work party” with live music in the hotel, and at a special dinner in the Knights’ Hall restaurant at Prague’s ancient U Flek brewery, which has been brewing beer continuously for the last 500 years.
 
“In an arena where there is so much innovation, and so much market development, this will certainly be an exciting event,” Mark Macaré, RadTech Europe general secretary, said. “We expect to attract around 500 delegates from across the radiation curing value chain, both from Europe and further afield. Our agenda is very wide-ranging and inclusive, and reflects the vibrant nature of the current market for this very well established and well-proven technology.”
 
The RadTech Europe Conference & Exhibition is sponsored by a number of leading companies working within the discipline, including Gold Sponsors Allnex, BASF SE, Rahn AG, IGM Resins, Arkema France – BU Sartomer, Siltech Europe, and BCH Bruehl – Chemikalien Handel GmbH.