Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of medium to high power (greater than or equal to 1 kW) and medium to high energy (greater than or equal to 1 MeV) electron beam or X-ray to cure coatings in thick complex three dimensional automotive bodies. The medium to high power, medium to high energy has sufficient throughput and penetration to permit curing through multiple layers of steel and, therefore, is able to penetrate shadows caused by the bends, folds and curves in automotive bodies. In addition, the medium to high power, medium to high energy beam has sufficient throughput and penetration to cure the thicker coatings that accumulate in surface cracks and crevices. The invention permits the use of electron beam curable coatings and, thereby, reduces the fire hazard, hazardous air pollutant, and volatile organic problems associated with the non-reactive solvents used in the solvent based paints conventionally employed in the automotive industry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of medium to high power (greater than or equal to 1 kW) and medium to high energy (greater than or equal to 1 MeV) electron beam or X-ray to cure coatings in thick complex three dimensional automotive bodies. The medium to high power, medium to high energy has sufficient throughput and penetration to permit curing through multiple layers of steel and, therefore, is able to penetrate shadows caused by the bends, folds and curves in automotive bodies. In addition, the medium to high power, medium to high energy beam has sufficient throughput and penetration to cure the thicker coatings that accumulate in surface cracks and crevices. The invention permits the use of electron beam curable coatings and, thereby, reduces the fire hazard, hazardous air pollutant, and volatile organic problems associated with the non-reactive solvents used in the solvent based paints conventionally employed in the automotive industry.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for wide angle beam scanning to internally irradiate hollow objects with a beam of charged particles utilizes a scanning deflection device to scan the beam within the object to be irradiated through an angle of deflection greater than 90.degree. from the axis along which the beam is received by the scanning deflection device. The object to be irradiated can be rotated about the scanning deflection device or the scanning deflection device can be rotated to circumferentially irradiate the object, and the object is translated relative to the scanning deflection device to irradiate an entire object, such as a tube, a container having a closed end or an object having a toroidal configuration, such as a pneumatic tire.