The easiest way to check results with a Dyne Pen or Dyne Test Ink after Plasma Pre-Treatment !

Using a Dyne Pen or Dyne Test Ink to check surface energy after plasma treatment is a simple but important quality control step to ensure that the plasma process has effectively increased the surface energy (wettability) for better adhesion (for bonding, printing, coating, etc.).

Procedure for Using a Dyne Pen (Test Ink)

1. Select the Right Dyne Pen

• Choose a Dyne Pen or Dyne Test Fluids (bottles and brush) with a surface tension mN/m (dyne/cm) value close to your process target.
  • Common values: 38, 42, 46, 50, 54 mN/m (dynes/cm), depending on the application.
    • For printing/coating → typically 38-42 mN/m (dynes/cm)
    • For high-adhesion bonding → ≥46 mN/m (dynes/cm)

2. Prepare the Surface

• Plasma treat the surface as per your standard procedure.
  • Ensure no dust, oil, or fingerprints after plasma before testing.

3. Apply the Dyne Ink

• Using the Dyne Pen, draw a straight, continuous line (~2–3 cm) on the plasma-treated surface.
  • Apply lightly — Avoid excessive pressure to prevent scratching.

4. Observe the Behavior of the Ink (within 2 seconds):

• Continuous, even line →surface energy ≥ dyne value of the pen ✔️
  • Beads up or breaks into droplets → surface energy < dyne value ❌

5. Record the Result

• If the ink line remains intact for at least 2 seconds, the treatment is successful for that dyne level.
  • If it beads, test again with a pen of a lower dyne level to find the actual surface energy.

6. Clean or Retreat as Needed

• If the target dyne level is not reached, adjust plasma parameters (power, speed, gas) or repeat the treatment.
  • Retest after adjustments.

7. Alternative Methods

• Water Contact Angle Test (more precise but requires equipment).
  • Tape Peel Test (practical adhesion check).

8. Target Dyne Levels

Please contact Keylink Technology if you would like more information about how to test the results after plasma pre-treatment. We are also offering the needed Dyne Pens, Dyne Test Fluids as well as Contact Angle meters.