Compare Flame Treating with LectroTreat

One of the biggest disadvantages of flame treating equipment is that it often causes shrinkage, warpage, surface crazing and dulling of high gloss finishes. The LectroTreat eliminates these issues as its process yields an even, consistent surface treatment to the plastic part. It also eliminates any fire hazards due to having open flames in the plant.

LectroTreat	Evaluation Factors	Flame Treaters
Total uniform 360 degree treatment of three dimensional parts.	Surface Coverage	Treatment only where properly adjusted flame.
Guaranteed 100% treatment with one time control adjustment.	Testing	Constant testing required because treatment is not guaranteed.
Labor saving with the elimination of treatment validation testing and treater monitoring.	Monitoring	Must validate treatment constantly monitor treater for fluctuation caused by assorted influences (i.e. fuel and air supply fluctuation).
Energy efficient: KVA rating: - 8” Sys. 3.5 - 12” Sys. 5.0 - 16” Sys. 7.0	Energy Consumption	High energy consumption: Approximate Btu per hour guide: - 4 1/2” ring burner – 42,300 - 6” ring burner – 56,406 - 4 1/2” ribbon burner – 21,400 - 6” ribbon burner – 30,000
No heat damage to object.	Damage	Precautions required to prevent/minimize damage such as warpage, shrinkage or surface crazing and line stoppage fires.
Operator safe operation. No operator needed for normal operation	Safety	Safety required around open flame and extensive consideration for fire safety. Highly flammable plastic can cause a toxic atmosphere.
Material savings – reduced wall thickness is possible.	Wall Thickness	Heavier walled construction required to stand up to heat from flame.
No insurance surcharge.	Insurance	Potential insurance surcharge because of safety concerns with an open flame.
Zero set-up when switching products.	Set-up	Extensive set-up required for each object to be treated.
Zero scrap due to treating damage.	Scrap	Scrap products by warpage, damage, shrinkage, surface crazing or fire.
Simple installation. Only electrical and 6” exhaust hook up needed.	Installation	Extensive installation with piping, safety devices, coordination with conveyor system, automatic valves, air cylinder and feed devices.
Basically maintenance free – periodic cleaning necessary.	Maintenance	Constant maintenance because of the various controls, etc., and still requires cleaning.
Oriented or bulk feed, in line or off line operations.	Material Feed	Oriented feed only.
High production rates in single unit.	Production Rates	Several treaters required to match rates, thus compounding all of the above.
Reliable and repeatable production rates.	Repeatable	Production rates subject to all of the above.