Requirements in packaging

In packaging, clean, pre-treated surfaces are a prerequisite for printing and sealing. Controlling electrostatic charges also plays a role — particularly on plastic films and web material, whose surface tension is naturally low.

The tasks range from individual containers to roll material in the roll process and in large-scale series.

Typical products and materials

In this industry we mainly treat:

Products: films, web/roll material, containers, closures and labels
Materials: PE, PP and PET films, composite materials, aluminium (composite) as well as paper and cardboard
Topics & contaminants: low surface tension, electrostatic charging, dust and particles, release agents and migration substances

Suitable processes

Which process fits best depends on the part, the contamination and the batch size — we advise on a technology-neutral basis. For this industry, the following are particularly relevant:

Plasma & corona pre-treatment — corona and atmospheric plasma activation for printing on films and web material (from Ferben)
Electrostatics & ionisation — discharging, cleaning and targeted use of electrostatic charging (Simco-Ion)

Using electrostatics deliberately

In packaging, electrostatics is not only a disruptive factor but also a tool. TeSe uses it deliberately:

to measure perforations
to tack films together for automated transport — for example up to lamination or thermal welding

This turns the otherwise unwanted charge into a process-reliable helper.

Downstream processes: what the pre-treatment pays into

In the packaging industry, pre-treatment is typically followed by printing, lamination, sealing, bonding and coating. Each of these steps requires a sufficiently activated, clean surface — which is why the cleanliness and activation target is set according to the next process step.

Measurement and quality assurance

TeSe inspects the surface in-house: surface tension via contact angle measurement and test inks, plus checks under the high-resolution microscope. Electrostatic charge (ESD) can also be measured — important wherever charging is to be used deliberately or safely avoided.

Application examples

Typical applications from the packaging industry at TeSe:

A manufacturer of packaging machines for medical technology uses atmospheric plasma from TeSe before printing is applied inline directly onto the packaging.
A large-plant manufacturer uses Simco-Ion bars for process reliability, so that electrostatic charging poses no risks.

Frequently asked questions

Which packaging products does TeSe treat? Films, web/roll material, containers, closures and labels — made of PE, PP and PET films, composite materials, aluminium (composite) as well as paper and cardboard.

Why is corona or plasma pre-treatment necessary? Films and web material have a low surface tension. Activation ensures adhesion during printing, sealing and lamination.

How does TeSe use electrostatics deliberately? Not only for discharging (Simco-Ion), but also actively — to measure perforations and to tack films together for automated transport.

How is the surface inspected? Via contact angle measurement, test inks and microscope, plus ESD measurement — all in-house at TeSe.

Test the process at TeSe

Whether a process meets your industry’s requirements on your actual part is shown by a trial: 1–2 hours of testing free of charge. In-depth feasibility studies: CHF 1’200 per day, 50% creditable against a machine purchase.