Why use Tantec high-end equipment for corona treatment of plastic?
Improved adhesion on plastic
One of the primary benefits of using corona treatment for plastic is the significant improvement in adhesion. Whether it’s for printing, coating, or bonding, treated plastics exhibit better adhesion properties, ensuring that inks, coatings, and adhesives stick more effectively and last longer.
Enhanced print quality
For industries that rely on printing on plastic surfaces, such as packaging and labeling, corona treatment ensures that prints are sharp, vibrant, and durable. The improved wettability of the treated surface allows for better ink transfer and reduced smudging.
Increased durability
Corona-treated plastics tend to have a longer lifespan in terms of their functional properties. The enhanced adhesion means that coatings and adhesives are less likely to peel or degrade over time, making the products more durable.
Applications of corona treatment in various industries
Packaging
In the packaging industry, corona treatment is widely used to prepare plastic surfaces for printing and labeling. It ensures that the inks adhere properly, resulting in high-quality, durable prints that can withstand handling and transportation. This treatment is particularly crucial for flexible packaging materials like polyethylene and polypropylene films, which are naturally non-polar and resistant to wetting. Corona treatment modifies the surface energy of these plastic materials, allowing for better ink adhesion and print quality. This enhanced printability leads to more vibrant colors, sharper images, and longer-lasting packaging that maintains its visual appeal throughout the product’s shelf life.
Automotive
The automotive industry uses corona treatment to improve the adhesion of coatings and adhesives on plastic parts. This is crucial for components that need to be painted or bonded securely, such as interior trim and exterior panels. Corona treatment enables manufacturers to use lightweight plastic materials in place of heavier alternatives, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle weight. It also enhances the durability of automotive parts by ensuring that paints and protective coatings adhere firmly, leading to increased resistance against weathering, UV radiation, and chemical exposure. This treatment is particularly valuable for parts like bumpers, dashboards, and side mirrors, where both aesthetics and functionality are paramount.
Medical devices
For medical devices made of plastic, corona treatment ensures that any coatings or adhesives used in the manufacturing process adhere reliably. This is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of medical devices. The treatment allows for the creation of biocompatible surfaces on devices such as catheters, syringes, and diagnostic equipment. It enables the application of antimicrobial coatings, hydrophilic layers for improved lubricity, and drug-eluting surfaces for controlled medication release. By enhancing surface properties, the treatment contributes to the overall safety and efficacy of medical devices, reducing the risk of infections and improving patient outcomes.
Electronics
In the electronics industry, corona treatment is used to prepare plastic surfaces for the application of conductive coatings or adhesives. This is important for ensuring the performance and reliability of electronic components. The treatment is particularly valuable in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs), where it improves the adhesion of copper foils to the substrate material. It’s also used in the manufacturing of touchscreens, flexible displays, and wearable electronics, where it enables better bonding of conductive layers to plastic substrates. Corona treatment allows for the miniaturization of electronic components by enabling the use of thinner, more precisely applied coatings and adhesives. This contributes to the development of smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient electronic devices.
Solving your adhesion problems
We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering and manufacturing quality, high-end surface treatment products for any industry.
Tantec has both standard machines, but also custom-designed machines.
Contact us today and get a quote. We are standing by to service you.
Factors affecting the effectiveness of corona treatment
Type of plastic
Different plastics respond differently to corona treatment. For instance, polyethylene and polypropylene are commonly treated plastics because they have low surface energy and benefit significantly from the treatment. Other plastics, such as PVC or PET, may require different treatment parameters.
Treatment parameters
The effectiveness of corona treatment depends on several parameters, including the voltage applied, the speed at which the plastic passes under the electrode, and the distance between the electrode and the plastic surface. Optimizing these parameters is crucial for achieving the desired surface modification.
Environmental conditions
Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the outcome of corona treatment. High humidity can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, while extreme temperatures can impact the stability of the treated surface.
Solving your adhesion problems
We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering and manufacturing quality, high-end surface treatment products for any industry.
Tantec has both standard machines, but also custom-designed machines.
Contact us today and get a quote. We are standing by to service you.
Solving your adhesion problems
We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering and manufacturing quality, high-end surface treatment products for any industry.
Tantec has both standard machines, but also custom-designed machines.
Contact us today and get a quote. We are standing by to service you.
Solving your adhesion problems
We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering and manufacturing quality, high-end surface treatment products for any industry.
Tantec has both standard machines, but also custom-designed machines.
Contact us today and get a quote. We are standing by to service you.
Challenges of treating plastics
Surface degradation
Corona treatment is a powerful technique for improving the surface properties of plastics. Manufacturers can achieve optimal surface activation by carefully controlling the treatment parameters without risking degradation. This process enhances the material’s ability to bond with inks, coatings, and adhesives, leading to superior product performance.
Treatment uniformity
While achieving uniform treatment across complex shapes or large surfaces can be challenging, the Tantec corona treatment equipment offers customizable solutions. Advanced systems feature adjustable electrodes and precise control mechanisms, allowing for tailored treatment of various plastic geometries. This adaptability ensures consistent surface activation, resulting in high-quality products with excellent adhesion properties across the entire treated area.
FAQ
1. How does corona treatment improve adhesion on plastic surfaces?
Corona treatment works by ionizing the air around an electrode to create plasma. This plasma interacts with the plastic surface, breaking molecular bonds and introducing polar groups. These polar groups increase the surface energy, enhancing the material’s wettability and adhesion properties.
2. What types of plastics can be treated with corona treatment?
Corona treatment can be applied to a variety of plastic materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. Its versatility makes it suitable for different applications across various industries.
3. What are the main benefits of using corona treatment on plastics?
- Improved adhesion: Ensures better bonding of inks, coatings, and adhesives.
- Enhanced print quality: Results in sharper, more vibrant, and durable prints.
- Increased durability: Treated plastics have longer-lasting functional properties as coatings and adhesives are less likely to peel or degrade.
4. How long does the effect of corona treatment last on plastic surfaces?
The duration of the corona treatment effect can vary depending on the type of plastic and environmental conditions. Generally, the enhanced adhesion properties can last for several weeks to months, but it is advisable to use the treated plastic as soon as possible for optimal results.
5. Can corona treatment damage the plastic surface?
While corona treatment is generally safe, excessive power levels or prolonged exposure can potentially damage the plastic surface. It is crucial to monitor and control the treatment parameters to avoid over-treatment.
6. Which industries commonly use corona treatment for plastics?
- Packaging: For high-quality, durable prints on plastic packaging and labels.
- Automotive: To improve adhesion of coatings and adhesives on plastic parts.
- Medical devices: Ensures reliable adhesion of coatings and adhesives in medical devices.
- Electronics: Prepares plastic surfaces for conductive coatings or adhesives, ensuring performance and reliability.