As ammunition demand grows across defense, law enforcement, commercial, and training markets, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to produce more rounds in less time—without compromising reliability. But many facilities still rely on traditional sealants and curing methods that limit both throughput and consistency.
Conventional heat-curing or ambient-curing sealants come with several well-known challenges:
- Slow cure times that create downstream bottlenecks
- Higher defect rates due to inconsistent heat distribution or incomplete curing
- Energy-intensive equipment that drives up operational costs
- Longer handling times, making sealed rounds more vulnerable to smearing or damage
In a world where speed and reliability determine who wins the next contract, these inefficiencies add up fast.
To overcome these challenges, ammunition manufacturers are turning to a new standard: UV-curing sealants. These fast-curing formulations are engineered specifically for case mouth sealing, primer sealing, and other critical ammunition applications—solving the bottlenecks traditional sealants can’t.
The Science Behind UV-Curing — How It Works and Why It Matters
UV-curing sealants are formulated with special photoinitiators that react instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. Instead of relying on heat or time, the sealant undergoes a rapid polymerization process when struck by UV energy.
Here’s what happens inside a UV-curable sealant:
1. Photoinitiators absorb UV light.
2. Cross-linking begins within milliseconds, forming a durable, moisture-resistant seal.
3. Full cure is achieved almost instantly, allowing the round to move directly to the next stage of production.
This controlled curing process results in:
- Extremely predictable bond strength
- Uniform distribution
- Reliable moisture barriers
- Higher precision compared to thermal or solvent-based systems
For ammunition sealing—where consistency is non-negotiable—this predictability is transformative.
Advantages of UV-Curing Sealants in Ammunition Manufacturing
The move toward UV curing in ammunition production is driven by three core advantages: speed, consistency, and energy efficiency. Each of these translates directly into operational gains that manufacturers can see on the line.
Faster Throughput — Cure Rounds in Seconds, Not Minutes
The most immediate benefit of UV-curing sealants is speed. Traditional sealants may take minutes or even hours to fully cure, limiting how quickly sealed rounds can be packaged or further processed.
UV-curing sealants, on the other hand:
- Cure almost instantly under UV light
- Eliminate wait times before handling
- Remove the need for lengthy thermal cycles
- Keep production lines flowing at maximum velocity
High-speed ammunition sealing machines that incorporate UV curing—like Hernon’s Autosealer series—allow manufacturers to achieve throughput rates that simply aren’t possible with traditional curing methods.
When every second counts, UV curing unlocks a substantial competitive advantage.
Consistent, Repeatable Seals Every Time
Ammunition reliability depends heavily on the integrity of each seal. Traditional sealants introduce risk due to:
- Non-uniform heat exposure
- Variable ambient curing conditions
- Longer cure windows that allow for smearing or movement
UV-curing sealants solve these issues by producing precise, repeatable results under controlled conditions. Because the curing reaction begins and ends within a tightly defined UV exposure window, every round receives identical treatment.
This results in:
- Perfect case mouth sealing
- Consistent primer protection
- Strong moisture resistance
- Reduced risk of seal failure
- Fewer quality escapes
For manufacturers supplying defense or aerospace customers—where even a single defective round can jeopardize a contract—UV-curing delivers the level of repeatability modern quality programs demand.
Lower Energy Use and Reduced Production Costs
Traditional heat-curing methods require ovens, drying tunnels, or elevated-temperature environments that consume significant energy. In high-volume facilities, these systems can be a major cost driver.
UV light curing dramatically reduces energy consumption because:
- UV LEDs require far less power than thermal ovens
- Curing cycles are shorter
- Less handling and rework reduces overall labor cost
- Equipment footprint is smaller
By switching to UV-curing sealants, plants often see a noticeable reduction in utility costs, especially in facilities running multiple sealing lines or continuous production.
Why UV Will Dominate Next-Generation Ammunition Sealing
The ammunition industry is evolving quickly, and production lines must keep up with new performance expectations. UV-curing sealants are uniquely positioned to become the dominant sealing technology for several reasons:
1. Contract Requirements Will Increasingly Emphasize Automation
High-speed sealing machines with integrated UV curing will become the standard for competitive bids.
2. Reliability Expectations Continue to Rise
Defense and aerospace customers demand zero-defect ammunition. UV curing provides the consistency needed to meet these expectations.
3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Are Now Competitive Advantages
Manufacturers must demonstrate greener, more efficient processes. UV curing aligns perfectly with energy-reduction initiatives.
4. Global Standardization Is Moving Toward UV
As more nations modernize their ammunition plants, UV curing is emerging as the baseline technology for sealing automation.
For manufacturers preparing for future contract cycles, adopting UV-curing sealants today is a strategic move that builds long-term competitiveness.
Explore Hernon’s UV-Curing Sealant Portfolio
Hernon Manufacturing offers a full line of UV-curable sealants specifically engineered for ammunition sealing, including:
- Case mouth sealants
- Primer sealants
- High-strength moisture-resistant formulations
- Fast-curing sealants for high-speed automated lines
Our sealants are trusted by leading defense, aerospace, and commercial ammunition manufacturers across the globe.
Discover how UV-curing sealants can transform your sealing process, improve reliability, and increase throughput. Contact Hernon to request samples, technical data, or a consultation with our engineering team.
