Measuring surface energy – The starting point for plasma pretreatment

Every material surface has a specific surface energy. Every liquid (such as ink) also has an inherent tension. Reliable adhesion with long-term stability of printinggluing or coating requires that the surface energy of the material is greater than that of the liquid. Plastics, for example, have predominantly low surface energy (often less than 28 mN/m). If these plastics are to be printed, a surface energy of 40 mN/m for solvent inks or a surface energy of 56 mN/m for UV-curing systems is required. If water-based paint systems are used, the surface energy has to be above 72 mN/m.

For many industrial applications it is crucial that adhesives and/or printing inks and surface properties are optimally aligned. Targeted pretreatment with atmospheric-pressure plasma achieves a significant increase in surface tension. This gives materials the optimum capabilities for accepting printing ink (wettability) or adhesion.

Comparison surface energy - before and after plasma treatment

Plasmatreat offers different possibilities and services to measure the surface energy of your material

Book your individual material test

Give it a try: Our experienced application engineers are looking forward working with you to find the best solution for your use case. In our well-equipped laboratories, together we will pre-treat your individual parts with our plasma technology and analyse the results.

Plasmatreat test systems and plasma systems to rent

We offer our customers the option of testing our Openair-Plasma® surface technology, with no commitment and very little expense, under the real conditions you face, directly in your own production facilities.

Contact angle measurement

For years, in close cooperation with our partner KRÜSS, we have been relying on the accuracy of the contact angle measuring method.

Test inks – Order your set here!

You can choose from among ethanol test inks, formamide test inks, and methanol test inks, each available in two Dyne sizes and as practical kits in carrying cases.

AntiCorr® Test Fluids

In less than 60 seconds, this pioneering approach assesses corrosion by applying copper sulfate - a highly acidic and corrosive liquid - as a droplet to the surface.

Discuss your challenges with our Plasma experts face to face at this events:

Trade Fair
07. - 09. Oct 2025

parts2clean

parts2clean is the leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning.

Hall 10, Booth D52

 

Messegelände Stuttgart

Messepiazza/ Flughafenstraße

70629 Stuttgart

Top Trade Fair
08. - 15. Oct 2025

K 2025

K - The international trade fair for innovations in the plastics and rubber industry.

Hall 11, booth I65

 

Messe Düsseldorf

Am Staad

40474 Düsseldorf

Germany

Trade Fair
18. - 21. Nov 2025

productronica

World’s Leading Trade Fair for Electronics Development and Production.

Hall A2, booth 445

 

Trade Fair Center Messe München

Munich

Germany