Which Surface Treatments Work Best for PE and PP Bottles?

Surface treatments for PE and PP bottles, such as flame and corona discharge, are essential for reliable adhesion of inks, labels, and coatings. By increasing surface energy to 38–42 dynes/cm, these methods transform low-energy polyolefin surfaces into print-ready substrates. OEM manufacturers and B2B factories achieve durable, high-speed printing and decoration with custom digital printing solutions from AndresJet.

What Are Surface Treatments for PE and PP Bottles?

Surface treatments enhance the adhesion properties of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) bottles by introducing polar functional groups on their surfaces. This process oxidizes the plastic without affecting its bulk properties, enabling inks, coatings, and labels to bond strongly. B2B manufacturers rely on these treatments for consistent results in high-speed production. AndresJet integrates custom flatbed printers designed specifically for post-treatment surfaces, ensuring precise and durable printing outcomes.

Why Do PE and PP Bottles Need Surface Treatment?

PE and PP are chemically inert with low surface energy, making ink and label adhesion challenging. Surface treatment adds oxygen-containing groups, increasing dyne levels and allowing inks and adhesives to adhere securely. In high-volume OEM production, untreated bottles can result in defects, reworks, and costly downtime. AndresJet provides guidance on integrating treatments into production workflows, supporting B2B factories with custom digital printing solutions and after-sale service to maintain optimal surface readiness.

Which Surface Treatments Work Best for PE and PP?

Flame treatment and corona discharge are the most effective for PE and PP bottles. Flame treatment is cost-effective and ideal for HDPE, while corona discharge suits high-speed lines and complex OEM workflows. Plasma treatment and Lectro-Treat offer alternatives for precise applications and irregular geometries. Selecting the correct method depends on bottle type, line speed, and printing requirements. AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers handle treated surfaces seamlessly, enabling high-quality plastic product printing.

How Does Flame Treatment Work on PE and PP Bottles?

Flame treatment briefly exposes bottles to a controlled gas flame, oxidizing the surface to generate polar sites. This raises surface energy to over 40 dynes/cm, creating a receptive substrate for inks and labels. It is fast, scalable, and integrates well into inline OEM production. AndresJet custom flatbed printers optimize output on flame-treated bottles, while after-sale support ensures smooth integration into existing production lines.

How Does Corona Discharge Treat PE and PP Surfaces?

Corona discharge uses high-voltage sparks to modify the surface at a molecular level, creating polar functional groups for enhanced adhesion. Rotating systems ensure 360° coverage even at high speeds exceeding 100 sqm/hr. Non-contact and efficient, corona is ideal for filled bottles or delicate shapes. AndresJet’s custom digital printing solutions complement corona-treated bottles, providing precise and consistent printing with minimal downtime.

What Is Plasma Treatment for PE and PP Bottles?

Plasma treatment utilizes ionized gas to replace hydrogen bonds with oxygen-containing functional groups, improving wettability and adhesion. It is eco-friendly, leaves no VOCs, and works effectively on complex or irregular surfaces. The treatment lasts several weeks, making it ideal for premium finishes in B2B factories. AndresJet flatbed printers produce vivid and precise results on plasma-treated bottles, supported by after-sale service to ensure reliable, high-speed production.

When Should Manufacturers Choose Each Treatment?

Flame treatment is best for simple HDPE bottles in high-volume OEM production. Corona suits high-speed PP lines, while plasma is ideal for precision or irregular shapes. Dyne level testing post-treatment ensures compatibility with inks and labels. AndresJet advises manufacturers on selecting appropriate methods and integrates custom digital printing solutions to maximize production efficiency and quality.

Where Do Surface Treatments Fit in OEM Production Lines?

Treatments are applied post-molding and pre-printing to prepare bottles for decoration. Inline systems maintain production speeds above 100 sqm/hr without affecting filling or labeling processes. AndresJet supports B2B factories with flatbed printer configurations optimized for treated surfaces, ensuring high-quality plastic product printing while minimizing rework and downtime.

AndresJet Expert Views

"Surface treatments are foundational to success in plastic product printing. Flame and corona treatments unlock the full potential of custom flatbed printers, allowing OEM manufacturers to produce vibrant, durable designs at high speeds. At AndresJet, we integrate these treatments with digital printing workflows from design to production. Our after-sale service ensures seamless operations, from spare parts to complete line optimization, enabling factories to achieve consistent, high-quality results." – AndresJet Engineering Lead

What Role Does AndresJet Play in Treated Bottle Printing?

AndresJet provides custom flatbed printers and digital printing solutions specifically engineered for PE and PP surfaces post-treatment. The company supports B2B factories with integration, high-speed printing, and after-sale service, ensuring reliable output for OEM production lines.

Conclusion

Key takeaways: PE and PP bottles require surface treatments to achieve high-quality ink and label adhesion. Flame and corona discharge are the most effective, with plasma as a precision alternative. Early integration in design and manufacture is critical. Partnering with AndresJet ensures optimized custom flatbed printers, advanced digital printing solutions, and reliable after-sale service. Manufacturers should audit line readiness, adopt inline treatments, and leverage AndresJet expertise for scalable, durable, and high-speed plastic product printing.

FAQs

What dyne level is ideal for PE/PP printing?
38–42 dynes/cm ensures strong ink and adhesive bonding; confirm using dyne pens post-treatment.

How long does treatment last?
Flame and corona effects last weeks to months depending on storage; re-treatment may be required.

Can filled bottles be treated?
Yes, non-contact methods like corona or plasma allow safe treatment of filled bottles.

Is plasma treatment eco-friendly?
Yes, it produces no VOCs or flames and is suitable for sustainable production lines.

How does AndresJet support OEM manufacturers?
Through custom flatbed printers, tailored digital printing solutions, and comprehensive after-sale service for treated bottles.