Rad-Cure Raw Materials and Equipment

The overall market for UV-cured coatings is growing faster than the general coatings market itself, at the expense of older technologies.

After the last two years of raw material and product supply shortages, the market is back to a relatively balanced position, according to Paul Elias, business director of specialty products, Sartomer Company. "Now that the raw material shortages have diminished, customers are back to looking for lower and better performance," he said. "As a result, we continue to seek and develop opportunities for growth into application areas that are not currently utilizing this technology. In addition, RadTech continues to promote the use of UV/EB into emerging markets, highlighting its economic and performance benefits."

If trade shows are any indication of how well a market is faring, there was good news this spring in Chicago, when a record number of attendees showed up for RadTech's e|5 exposition. By the end of the first day, e|5 already reached the attendance figures from the 2004 showcase in Charlotte, NC.

"With rising energy costs, increasing international competition and continuing enviormental concerns, m