BALTIMORE – The radiation-cure market expanded by more than 10% in 1999 and will grow at an annual rate of 8%-10% over the next five years, a study conducted for RadTech International North America concludes.

The report, Status of UV/EB Curing in North America, says total sales volume of UV/EB-cure adhesives, coatings and inks rose from approximately 45,000 metric tons in 1995 to 70,000 metric tons in 1999. The study was conducted by Kenneth Lawson, DSM Coating Resins.

Wood finishing and graphic arts constitute the technology’s biggest market segments, while some smaller segments, such as fiber optics and computerized solid modeling, have recorded growth rates of 25% per year or more. Other growth areas are optical and pressure sensitive adhesives, automotive parts and UV-curable powders.