The process of converting raw materials into finished products involves several stages, including web handling and converting. During these processes, the surface energy of the web can become reduced, leading to poor printability and adhesion. To counteract this issue, a technique called “bump treating” is commonly used in the industry to increase the surface energy of web prior to adhesion.
A corona treater is placed prior to adhesion to essentially “bump” the substrate’s surface energy up to a compatible level for the ink or coating.
Corona treating is a surface modification technique that involves applying high voltage corona discharge to the surface of the web. The corona discharge generates a plasma that reacts with the surface of the web, creating new functional groups and increasing the surface energy of the material.
The process of bump treating can be carried out on a variety of materials that require higher surface energies for proper adhesion. The technique is especially useful in the production of flexible packaging materials, where the surface energy of the web must be maintained to ensure good adhesion of inks and coatings.
One of the main advantages of corona bump treating is its ability to modify the surface energy of the web without affecting its mechanical properties. Unlike other surface treatment techniques, such as flame treatment or chemical treatment, bump treating does not cause any physical damage to the material. Instead, it improves the surface properties by creating new functional groups that can interact with adhesives, inks, and coatings.
Another advantage of corona bump treating is its flexibility in adjusting the surface energy of the web. The level of corona discharge applied during the process can be easily controlled, allowing for precise adjustments to the surface energy of the material. This flexibility is essential for the production of high-quality flexible packaging materials, where the surface energy of the web must be finely tuned to ensure good adhesion and printability.
Thinking about installing a bump treater? Contact sales@qcelectronics.com.