iPlasma
Is iPLASMA a replacement for Corona – No!
This is a question we are often asked, so let us explain what it is, and how it differs.
In 95% of cases, Corona treatment of a substrate is still the perfect way to improve surface adhesion and deliver a first-class product. By modifying the surface energy of a non-absorbent material, like film or foil, Corona treatment will allow inks, lacquers and laminate film to adhere correctly and uniformly, and produce a quality result.
But, in the remaining 5% of cases, Corona treatment will not work because of the complexity of the chemical make-up of the substrate. And in these situations, Plasma treatment, or as we brand it ‘iPlasma®’, is needed to allow a secure bond. The simple difference is that where the Corona process is carried out in ambient air, iPlasma treatment requires a controlled environment and the use of a dopant gas.
Generally seen as a ‘softer’ process than Corona, iPlasma treatment offers different functionality and a new range of surface abilities. This is because the lower heat level has less impact on the surface, and the controlled environment allows the surface tension to be tuned to meet specific requirements. As a result, iPlasma is often seen as a combination of Corona and liquid primer but is in fact far more sophisticated and flexible in its capability.
Since introducing Plasma in 2010, Vetaphone has continued to develop the technology and the latest version of ‘iPlasma®’ is the most eco-friendly process available on the market, offering low running costs and reduced energy consumption.