IEEC signs new agents

Talking of other developments on the show floor, Rohit Deshpande, director at IEEC, said: ‘We interacted with visitors from all over the world and received serious enquiries from Europe for new plasma treatment system meant for three-dimesnional applications or thick substrates. Manufacturing companies looking to improve product quality were interested in having a long-term partnership with IEEC for the plasma range of systems. OEMs also want to tie-up with us for this product for developing special surface applications. We received an overwhelming response and had the best show so far.’

With good feedback for its plasma range, IEEC has already started work on developing atmospheric plasma treatment for thin webs and films. ‘This technology will give access to customers to produce specialty films and coating which otherwise is not possible to produce using conventional corona treatment systems. The system is expected to be ready in 8-10 months. We would then take the pilot run with our system before making a mass production model,’ said Deshpande.

Turning to market trends, Deshpande said that converters are beginning to use non-tearable substrates such as plastic films and laminates that have inherently weak surface energies. ‘The purpose of corona and plasma treatments is to increase the surface energy prior to printing, coating or lamination. With the growth of non-tearable substrates, the need for corona treatment system is increasing. Any label manufacturer would safeguard print quality by increasing the surface energy in-line prior to printing by installing an in-line corona treatment system. The companies save a substantial amount by not buying top coated films and controlling product quality and delivery in-house.’

IEEC supplies corona treatment systems for the flexible packaging, wide web film extrusion and narrow web converting industries. Its manufacturing plant is spread across an area of 20,000 sq ft in Mumbai and houses an array of machines alongside a government recognized research and development centre for innovations in the field of surface treatment systems. Exports contribute to 40 percent of the company’s turnover and it has a strong presence in Africa and the Middle East.