Almelek

www.arcotest.net

Arcotest Corona Pens and Inks
Arcotest has been producing test inks and test pens since 1977 in Germany. The Arcotest test inks and test pens are means for determinating the surface energy value easily and exactly. This surface energy is one decisive criterion for the adhesion of printing ink, glue, varnish, etc. on many plastic and metal surfaces. Arcotest able to supply a full range of products for plating industry as test pens and test inks. 

Why Do You Need The Test Pens? ​
Apart from some exceptions the general rules is: The higher the surface energy of material is the better is the adhesion of anything meant to be fixed to its surface. Reasons for a low surface energy on the one hand might be material specific. For Example a lot of plastics show a very low surface energy and therefore need a chemical or physical treatment to achieve a good adhesion on them. As a general limit often 38mN/m are mentioned: If the surface energy level is below this value, the adhesion will be bad; above this value the adhesion will be good or sufficient. Anyway it is always highly advisable to check the surface energy being necessary for good adhesion for each special application. 

Application 
As a starting point for each check a test ink or test pen with a medium value should be applied, e.g. 38 mN/m. If the line of ink stays unchanged for at least 2 seconds on the surface energy of the material is the same or higher than the surface tension of the fluid. This testing method is well suitable for the operating personnel on any production line as routine check, which the result of can be immediately evaluated.