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Foils, Metals & Metallized

Metallized Film on Roller

Metals, foils, and metallized films have a number of uses and benefits, including improved shelf appeal, increased shelf life, and flexible packaging. But, these materials have low surface energy, which makes it difficult for inks, coatings, and other materials to bond to their surfaces.

Foil on a roll

This is where corona treatment comes in for metals, foils, and metallized films. Corona treatment works by exposing the surface of the material to a high voltage electrical discharge, which ionizes the air and generates a corona discharge. This modification increases the surface energy and improves the wettability and adhesion properties of the surface. This allows for better treatment with inks, coatings, and other materials.

The benefits of corona treatment for metals, foils, and metallized films include:

  • Removal of foil surface oxide layers
  • Removal of organic surface contaminations
  • Increase in film polarity prior to metallization
  • Improvement in foil grain definition/adhesive anchorage
  • Removal of hydrocarbon contamination on metals prior to painting
  • Improved adhesion of inks, coatings, and other materials to the surface of the material.
  • Enhanced printability, making it easier to print on the surface of the material.
  • Improved surface cleanliness, which reduces the risk of contamination and other issues that can impact product quality.
  • Improved surface uniformity, which can result in more consistent coating thickness and improved product appearance.
  • Reduced need for primers, which can reduce costs and simplify the coating process.

Corona treatment can be used on a wide range of metals, foils, and metallized films, including aluminum, copper, and other metals, as well as metallized films used in packaging and other industries.

If you’re interested in more information about corona treatment stations from Pillar Technologies, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team will work with you to determine the best corona treatment configuration for your needs. 

FAQs About Surface Treatment for Foils, Metals, and Metallized Materials

How does surface treatment improve print and laminate quality on foils?

Corona or plasma treatment improves ink anchorage, eliminates ink beading, and reduces coating defects. It also enables adhesives to bond more consistently, resulting in stronger lamination performance and improved visual clarity, especially in high-gloss or reflective packaging applications.

Will corona or plasma treatment damage thin foils or metallized layers?

No, not when properly configured. Pillar Technologies offers high-precision control of power output and electrode design, ensuring effective treatment without pinholing, wrinkling, or overheating delicate substrates.

Can surface treatment help with barrier performance?

Yes. While surface treatment does not change the inherent barrier properties of the metal layer, it enables better adhesion of coatings, sealants, or laminates that can enhance moisture, oxygen, and light resistance in the final package structure.

Can these systems be integrated into existing foil converting or laminating lines?

Yes. Pillar Technologies’ corona and plasma systems are modular and designed for seamless integration into existing lines. Whether you're treating narrow web metallized films or wide rolls of foil, we’ll help you find a solution that fits your application and process speed.

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