Epolin Support Center
This page is designed to provide answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and offer support or guidance to users or customers. This is a resource to help customers find solutions to common issues or queries.
About Epolin
- Epolin is a leader in providing cutting-edge dye solutions across various industries. These dyes are used to modify the optical properties of materials, provide color, UV protection, and more. Our innovative dyes are used in applications such as eyewear, laser protection, and more. Epolin also creates new formulations to serve the growing markets of Autonomous Vehicles, Augmented Reality, and Machine Vision. Our R&D team can create the Right Stuff for your demanding application.
Why choose Epolin?
- Epolin has 40 years of experience developing and producing UV, Visible and NIR dyes. Epolin can take a project from concept to production and handle all the engineering and production for the light management solution. Epolin is one of the few companies that can provide dyes compounded into thermoplastics.
How can I get in touch with Epolin for inquiries or support?
- You can reach out to our dedicated customer support team by
- Visiting our Contact Us Page
- Calling us at 973-465-9495
Where is Epolin Located
- Epolin’s headquarters and manufacturing are in Newark, NJ USA. Epolin products ship around the world and have been used in over 45 countries.
How long has Epolin been in business?
- Epolin has been in business since 1984 providing UV, Visible, and NIR Dyes for Light Management, Eye Protection, and other applications.
Product Information
What types of products does Epolin offer?
- Epolin offers a diverse range of UV, Visible, and NIR absorbing dyes, Ready to Mold thermoplastic Pellets, Inks, and film solutions.
What is the difference between a dye and a pigment?
- The easiest way to think about dyes and pigments is to think of pigments like sand in water. It is a physical particle that you can stir up, but it will always remain as a grain of sand. Dyes behave more like Sugar in water. The Dye will dissolve down to the molecular level and become part of the solution.
- The easiest way to think about dyes and pigments is to think of pigments like sand in water. It is a physical particle that you can stir up, but it will always remain as a grain of sand. Dyes behave more like Sugar in water. The Dye will dissolve down to the molecular level and become part of the solution.
What is the solubility limit of the dye.
- Different dyes have different solubility levels. Thinking back to sugar and water, there becomes a point where the water has absorbed so much sugar that it can’t absorb any more. At that point the sugar will pile up at the bottom. Dyes behave in a similar fashion. The dyes will dissolve into the solvent or thermoplastic to a point. After that point of saturation, they will start to behave like a pigment that no longer dissolves.
What is the Particle size of the dye?
- Epolin dyes will dissolve down to the molecular level, so particle sizes are not a concern like they are with Pigments
What range of the Spectrum do Epolin dyes cover?
- Epolin has dyes that absorb from 200nm in the Ultraviolet range out to ~3000nm in the Infrared.
Which Polymers can the dye go into?
- Epolin dyes are soluble in Amorphous thermoplastics. Crystalline or semi-Crystalline plastics will often cause the dyes to migrate.
Will the dyes work with “X” solvent or thermoplastic?
- Epolin traditionally puts dyes into Solvent Coatings, Polycarbonate, or PMMA. We recommend testing the dyes in your application or particular substrate or solution.
What is the shelf life on the dye
- Epolin typically certifies our dyes for 2 years. At that point Epolin could retest and recertify a small sample from your inventory.
What is VLT
- VLT typically refers to Visible Light transmission. This is the measurement of the amount of light transmitting in the visible spectrum from approximately 380-780nm This is measured with a Spectrophotometer.
What is OD
- Optical Density refers to the attenuation of light or energy through the dyes. The higher the OD value the more the energy will be reduced. You can use Epolin’s Absorbance Calculator to convert absorbance and transmittance.
What is an Epolight?
- Epolight is the brand name for Epolin’s dyes and dye formulations.
What is a Luminate?
- Luminate is the brand name for Epolin’s ready to mold thermoplastic pellet.
Applications
- What types of applications are Epolin products used for?
Epolin products are used to control light across the spectrum in applications including:
– Laser Eye Protection
– Arc Flash Protection
– Welding and Cutting protection
– Machine Vision
– Automotive Lidar and Driver Monitoring systems
– Consumer Electronics
– A/R and V/R applications
– Printing, Security, and anti-counterfeiting
– Industrial scanning and detection
– Sports lenses and sunglasses
– Laser Welding of materials
– Medical Phantoms
– Medical Device filtering
Visit our Application and Product pages to learn more.
Can I get a free sample?
- Epolin does not provide free samples, but we do offer product quotes down to 1 gram for ease of testing.
Can I request a custom dye formulation to meet my specific needs?
- Absolutely! Epolin specializes in tailoring dye formulations to suit your unique requirements. To discuss your specific needs, please reach out to our sales team to discuss your Custom Formulation requirement. Epolin can computer model a solution and show you expected results prior to any initial production.
–Advice for those requesting a dye from Epolin, here are the key details you should include:
Is the application going to use a solvent coating or a thermoplastic?
- Please specify the solvent you intend to use, as this can impact the dye’s compatibility and solubility.
- If the solution is using a thermoplastic, please provide the thickness of the part at the eye or sensor center.
Let us know the absorbance range you need to achieve for your application.
- Specify if you need the dye to absorb multiple wavelengths or if you have specific absorption peaks.
- If there are Optical Density or Transmission targets, please let us know
Does your application involve high working temperatures or operate in an outdoor environment?
- Share any stability requirements, such as resistance to heat, light, or other environmental factors, that the dye should meet.
- Is fluorescence acceptable or not for your application?
- Is there a desired color to meet your application’s aesthetic or functional needs?
How much Dye should I add to my application?
- Epolin can help to provide recommendations on dye loading.
- Generally, we need to know the thickness of the part or the coating,
- Any optical density or transmission targets
- The dyes are very strong and only a small amount of dye is needed to hit most optical targets.
What should I worry about with the Dyes?
- Epolin dyes can be fragile in some situations. Typically, there are concerns about using them in situations where they will be exposed to sunlight. Chemical exposure to strong acids or bases can also cause the dyes to degrade. Finally, excessively high temperatures can cause dye degradation.
What happens when the dye degrades?
- Typically, degradation of the dye will result in the dye molecule breaking down. Often this will result in the dye absorbing in the visible portion of the spectrum which can be seen as a dark brown or black color. Measuring the dye will show that its absorbance no longer matches that on the datasheet.
Can you help us measure the performance of your dye in our product?
- Epolin has a wide range of analytical capabilities, and we are happy to help you ensure the dye is performing to specification in your application. Often sending Epolin a sample of the finished part with the dye will allow us to measure and compare the performance of the dye to its original analysis.
- Epolin has a wide range of analytical capabilities, and we are happy to help you ensure the dye is performing to specification in your application. Often sending Epolin a sample of the finished part with the dye will allow us to measure and compare the performance of the dye to its original analysis.
Customer Support Information
Shipping and Delivery
- We offer a variety of shipping options.
- Epolin can ship using your shipping account.
- Epolin can ship with our account and add the total to the invoice.
- Delivery times may vary based on your location and the products you’ve ordered.
Can I get Tracking information for my order?
- Please Contact our customer service group via our Contact us form or at 973-465-9495
- Please Contact our customer service group via our Contact us form or at 973-465-9495
Can you ship the product to my country?
- Yes, Epolin ships products worldwide and can assist with getting the product to you. Please contact us for more information.
If I order a product can I have it shipped to another company
- Yes, Epolin can coordinate separate shipping and billing addresses to facilitate your business.
How can I pay for these products.
- Epolin can accept wire transfer, check, or credit card for payment.
Technical Support
I need a Safety Data Sheet
- Please Contact our customer service group via our Contact us form or at 973-465-9495
If I require technical assistance with an Epolin product. How can I obtain help?
- For technical support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced technical team through the Contact Us Page. To expedite the resolution process, provide as much detail as possible about your issue.
Business Inquiries
- Does Epolin consider partnership or distributorship opportunities?
- Yes, Epolin is open to exploring partnership opportunities.
- If you’re interested, please reach out to our team: Contact Us