Flame Treatment for the Converting Industry: Reliable Surface Activation for High-Speed Web Processes
- Sean Davies
- Jul 11, 2025
- 2 min read
In the fast-paced world of roll-to-roll (R2R) production, consistent adhesion performance is critical. Whether you’re producing packaging films, flexible electronics, or technical laminates, surface energy challenges on plastics and foils can lead to print defects, coating delamination, or failed laminations. Flame treatment provides a powerful and efficient solution — and Rapidflame is at the forefront.
Why Flame Treatment for Converting Industry Applications Is Essential
Modern converting lines operate at high speeds and often handle low-surface-energy substrates like polyethylene, polypropylene, or PET. These materials resist wetting by inks, adhesives, or coatings, making surface modification essential.
Flame treatment applies a controlled, high-temperature gas flame to modify surface chemistry through oxidation. On plastics, it breaks molecular bonds to raise surface energy and improve wettability. For metals, it removes organic contaminants without affecting bulk properties.
On paper and board, especially in high-speed applications, flame treatment, using Rapidflame's TRI Flame burner system ensures uniform surface preparation without scorching — as detailed on our Paper & Board page. Compared to corona or plasma, flame treatment offers more robust activation, particularly for multi-layer or inert substrates. Learn more on our main Flame Treatment page.
Applications We Support in the Converting Sector
At Rapidflame, our flame treatment systems are integrated into converting lines across industries including:
Flexible packaging (BOPP, PET, PE films)
Labelstock and release liners
Adhesive tapes
Battery and capacitor films
Technical textiles and nonwovens
Foam substrates and laminates
Our systems are designed for both single- and double-sided treatment and can be adapted to accommodate web widths from 1 to 20 metres, with speeds exceeding 600 m/min.
Why Choose Rapidflame Flame Treatment Systems?
✔ Robust industrial build — engineered for continuous operation
✔ Integrated safety features — auto-ignition, flame detection, emergency shutdown
✔ Modular burner construction — scalable for web width and treatment intensity
✔ Energy-efficient control — mass flow control and automatic line speed adjustment
✔ Proven in high-performance sectors — from aseptic packaging to automotive battery components.
We work closely with OEMs and end users to ensure our systems deliver consistent results with minimal maintenance. Our engineering team can also assist with full integration into coating, laminating, or printing lines.
For more information on our flame treatment products and services, visit our main Flame Treatment Page
Looking to improve adhesion performance on your converting line?
Talk to our team about a custom flame treatment system for your specific substrate and production parameters.
