Industrial Surface Treatment Solutions

Corona treatment is a surface activation process that uses high-frequency
electrical discharge to increase the surface energy of low-energy materials
such as polyolefin films (PE, PP, PET). The discharge modifies the molecular
structure of the material surface, improving wettability and enabling reliable
ink adhesion, coating and lamination. Corona treatment is typically applied
inline on continuous web processes at high production speeds.

Atmospheric plasma treatment is a surface activation technology that generates
a controlled plasma discharge at ambient pressure. Unlike corona treatment,
plasma systems can be applied to complex geometries, three-dimensional parts
and localized areas with high precision. The process removes surface
contamination and increases surface energy, enabling reliable adhesion of
inks, coatings and adhesives on technically demanding materials such as
engineering plastics and automotive components.

Corona treatment is designed for continuous web materials such as films,
foils and laminates at high production speeds. Plasma treatment is used
for complex geometries, three-dimensional parts and applications requiring
localized or selective surface activation. Corona systems are generally
more cost-effective for high-speed flat material processing, while plasma
systems offer greater precision and flexibility for technical components
and demanding industrial applications. The choice between the two depends
on the material type, geometry and production requirements.

Corona treatment is commonly applied to polyolefin films such as PE, PP
and PET, as well as foils, laminates and coated materials used in flexible
packaging and label printing. Plasma treatment covers a wider range of
materials including engineering plastics, polyamide, polycarbonate, ABS,
PEEK and metal surfaces. Both technologies are effective on low surface
energy materials that present adhesion challenges in printing, coating
and bonding processes.

The most common indicators are ink adhesion failures, coating defects,
delamination or inconsistent print quality on plastic films or components.
If your materials are polyolefins or engineering plastics, they typically
have low surface energy — usually below 36 dyn/cm — and require surface
activation before printing, coating or bonding. A simple wettability test
using dyne test inks can confirm whether your material surface energy is
sufficient. If you are experiencing adhesion problems or starting a new
production process with low-energy materials, surface treatment is very
likely required.

Plasma and corona surface treatment are used across a wide range of
industries. Flexible packaging and film converting rely on corona treatment
to ensure ink adhesion in flexographic and gravure printing processes.
Label printing and narrow web applications use surface activation to
guarantee consistent print quality on difficult substrates. The automotive
industry applies plasma treatment to plastic components before painting,
bonding or assembly. Medical device manufacturing uses plasma activation
for reliable adhesion on technical plastics. Industrial manufacturing and
electronics also apply surface treatment to ensure reliable coating and
bonding performance.