What is Corona Treatment Machine
A corona treatment machine is a device used to modify the surface properties of various materials such as plastics, films, and papers. It uses a high - voltage electrical discharge in the form of a corona plasma to treat the surface of the material. This plasma treatment creates free radicals and other reactive species on the surface, which can improve the material's wettability, adhesion, printability, and other surface - related characteristics.
History of Corona Treatment Machine
The concept of corona treatment dates back to the early 20th century. As the plastics industry grew and the need to improve the surface properties of non - polar materials became more pressing, the development of corona treatment technology began. Early machines were relatively simple and had limited control over the treatment process. Over time, with the advancement of electronics and plasma physics, corona treatment machines have become more sophisticated. They now offer better control over treatment parameters such as voltage, frequency, and treatment speed, allowing for more precise and effective surface modification.
Purpose of Corona Treatment Machine
The main purpose of a corona treatment machine is to enhance the surface energy of materials. In the packaging industry, for example, it is used to treat plastic films to improve the adhesion of inks during printing. This ensures that the printed designs on packaging materials are clear, durable, and do not peel off easily. For laminated materials, it helps to increase the bond strength between different layers. In the automotive and electronics industries, corona treatment can improve the adhesion of coatings and adhesives to plastic components, enhancing the overall quality and durability of the products.
Principle of Corona Treatment Machine
Corona treatment machines operate on the principle of dielectric barrier discharge. A high - voltage alternating current is applied to an electrode system, usually consisting of a metal electrode and a dielectric material (such as a ceramic or a polymer film). The high voltage creates an electric field that ionizes the air or other gases in the gap between the electrode and the material being treated. This ionization results in the formation of a corona plasma, which contains a mixture of ions, electrons, free radicals, and excited molecules. When the plasma comes into contact with the material's surface, it causes chemical reactions that break and reform bonds, increasing the surface energy and reactivity of the material.
Features of Corona Treatment Machine
- Versatility: Corona treatment machines can handle a wide range of materials, including different types of plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene), films, papers, and even some metals. The treatment parameters can be adjusted to suit the specific requirements of each material.
- Adjustable Treatment Parameters: These machines allow for the adjustment of key parameters such as voltage, frequency, treatment speed, and electrode gap. This flexibility enables operators to optimize the treatment process for different applications and achieve the desired surface modification.
- Non - contact Treatment: The corona treatment is a non - contact process, which means that it does not damage or deform the material's surface in a mechanical way. This is particularly important for thin and delicate materials such as films.
- High - speed Treatment: Many modern corona treatment machines are designed for high - speed operation, making them suitable for industrial - scale production lines where rapid and efficient surface treatment is required.
Types of Corona Treatment Machine
- Stationary Corona Treatment Machine: These machines are designed to treat stationary materials. They are often used in laboratory settings or for small - batch production where the material does not need to be continuously processed. The treatment area is usually fixed, and the material is placed under the treatment electrodes.
- Roll - to - roll Corona Treatment Machine: This type is specifically designed for continuous processing of materials in a roll - to - roll format. They are widely used in the film and packaging industries. The material is unwound from a roll, passed through the treatment zone, and then rewound onto another roll. The treatment process can be adjusted according to the speed and width of the material roll.
- Hand - held Corona Treatment Device: These are smaller, portable devices that are used for spot - treatment or for treating small - area or irregular - shaped objects. They are useful for touch - up treatment or for applications where a full - scale machine is not practical.
Precautions for using Corona Treatment Machine[!--empirenews.page--]
- Before using the machine, operators should be trained to understand the electrical safety hazards associated with high - voltage equipment. The high - voltage corona discharge can cause electric shock, so proper insulation and grounding of the machine are essential.
- When setting up the treatment parameters, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Incorrect settings such as too high a voltage or frequency can lead to over - treatment, which may damage the material's surface or cause other unwanted effects such as surface oxidation.
- Regular maintenance of the machine is necessary. This includes cleaning the electrodes to remove any deposits or contaminants that may affect the treatment quality. The dielectric material should also be inspected for wear and tear, as a damaged dielectric can lead to uneven treatment.
- When treating flammable materials, ensure that the treatment area is well - ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases generated during the corona treatment process.
Things to consider when purchasing Corona Treatment Machine
- Material Compatibility: Consider the types of materials you will be treating. Ensure that the machine is capable of effectively treating the specific materials in terms of their thickness, composition, and surface characteristics. Some machines may require additional accessories or adjustments for certain materials.
- Treatment Requirements: Determine the specific treatment goals such as the desired increase in surface energy, printability improvement, or adhesion enhancement. Look for a machine that can achieve these requirements through its adjustable treatment parameters.
- Production Volume: If you are operating in an industrial - scale production environment, consider the machine's treatment speed and capacity. Roll - to - roll machines are usually more suitable for high - volume production, while stationary machines may be sufficient for lower - volume or laboratory - based applications.
- Machine Durability and Reliability: Look for a well - built machine with a reputation for durability. Check the quality of the components such as the electrodes, the high - voltage generator, and the control system. A reliable machine will have fewer breakdowns and require less maintenance.
- After - sales Service: Choose a manufacturer or supplier that provides good after - sales service, including installation, training, technical support, and spare parts availability. A strong after - sales service can ensure the long - term operation and performance of the machine.
Terms of Corona Treatment Machine
- Treatment Voltage: The voltage applied to the electrodes during the corona treatment process. It is a critical parameter that affects the intensity of the corona plasma and the resulting surface modification. It is usually measured in kilovolts (kV).
- Treatment Frequency: The frequency of the alternating current used to generate the corona plasma. It can influence the stability and uniformity of the treatment and is typically measured in kilohertz (kHz).
- Treatment Speed: The speed at which the material is passed through the treatment zone in a roll - to - roll machine or the time of exposure in a stationary machine. It affects the extent of surface treatment and is usually measured in meters per minute (m/min) or seconds.
- Surface Energy: A measure of the energy of the material's surface after treatment. It is usually measured in milli - newtons per meter (mN/m) and indicates the material's wettability and adhesion - promoting properties.
- Power Consumption: The amount of electrical power consumed by the machine during operation. It is an important consideration for energy costs and is usually measured in kilowatts (kW).