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Brighton Science Blog
Topic: Film & Flexible Packaging
Process Control Innovations for Card Manufacturers
We’ve all experienced the disappointing (and kinda embarrassing) moment when we’re at a register trying to buy armfuls of tortilla chips and salsa and the point of sale card reader screams out that an error has occurred. For credit and debit card manufacturers, these are the moments they want to...
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Posts by Topic
Using Data to Improve Ink Adhesion to Polymer Film
One of the most frustrating aspects of experiencing a problem in manufacturing isn't necessarily the issue itself, but rather, it's the difficulty of accurately determining and communicating what the problem actually is. In the case of blown and extruded polymer films (and many other...
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The Dangers of Missing Vital Surface Quality Information in Production
A major problem for manufacturers is a problem of sensitivity. There is a rampant lack of sensitivity to material surfaces for companies across every manufacturing industry. Granted, it’s not easy to test surface quality to predict the outcomes of common manufacturing processes like adhesive...
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How to Control Additive Blooming in Polymer Films
We all take the ease of peeling open, and resealing packs of double stuff Oreos for granted. The plastic packaging that maintains the freshness of our favorite snacks and foods has become so ubiquitous it doesn’t even register as existing, until we try to open that hotdog pack with our bare...
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Easy Ways to Find Manufacturing Adhesion Failure Sources
When adhesion failure plagues a manufacturing process it can be particularly disruptive. A production process may be humming along just fine and then it suddenly becomes clear that a coating is uneven, or paint is chipping (when it wasn’t before), or joints are weaker than they had been, or film...
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10 Most Common Surface Quality Mistakes by Manufacturers
Manufacturers are constantly fighting against adhesion problems. Surfaces not sticking and adhesives not working is the daily reality facing manufacturers looking to make high quality, reliable products. The daunting nature of the task to eliminate adhesion failure seems insurmountable and...
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Corona Treatment Concerns You Need to be Taking a Closer Look At
Disclaimer: this article is not about COVID-19, it is about a surface treatment process for better adhesion in manufacturing. If you're looking for information about cleaning, here's an article that discusses the difference between biological cleanliness and chemical cleanliness: COVID-19:...
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Surface Analyst 2001: The Tool That is Simplifying Adhesion Success
The BTG Labs suite of tools, that enable manufacturers and technicians to fully control their adhesion processes, has a new addition. The Surface Analyst 2001 introduces new levels of ease, simplicity and accuracy to manufacturing processes, providing the confidence that the surface will stick. ...
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How To Keep Up With the Changing Landscape of Advanced Materials
Co-written with Elizabeth Kidd, BTG Labs' Custom Applications Scientist. There's a logical fallacy akin to a "what's good for one is good for all" mindset that is devastating when applied to surface treatment in adhesion processes. Polymers are rapidly being developed and synthesized for niche...
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The Secret to Effective Polymeric Plasma Treatment is Control
Plastics are ubiquitous a material as they come, and there is nary an industry that does not utilize them in an adhesion application; medical device, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and flexible film and packaging industries all exploit the versatility of polymers in manufacturing. Take a...
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Webinar: BTG Labs + Plasmatreat Team Up for Polymer Surface Activation Discussion
This Tuesday, December 11 at 2pm EST we'll be partnering with Plasmatreat, a developer of surface treatment systems, to present a webinar hosted by Plastics Technology magazine. Dr. Giles Dillingham, BTG Labs' CEO and Chief Scientist, and Khoren Sahagian, Chief Process Engineer and Applications...
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What Happens if You Don't Continually Monitor Your Adhesion Process?
When a material begins its journey through a manufacturing process it becomes crucial to know and control everything that happens to that material as it makes its way down the line. There are two major factors to consider when understanding and controlling what happens to the surface of that...
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How to Control Your Adhesion Process by Getting to Know Your Critical Control Points
What is a Critical Control Point? A Critical Control Point (CCP) is any point in the manufacturing process where the surface condition of a material has the opportunity to change—intentionally or unintentionally—and impact adhesion, in a positive or negative way. Why should you care about them?
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Webinar: Getting the Most Out of Your Plasma Treatment
We've collaborated once again with Composites World for a webinar elucidating a surface prep tool that's widely used and seldom understood. Watch the video of the webinar "Strategies to Control and Optimize Plasma Treatment in Composite Manufacturing" to learn how to get the most out of plasma...
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Reaching Out - Upcoming October Events and Tradeshows
Autumnal vibes have landed at BTG Labs and along with football-watching, apple-picking, Halloween costume-planning we have an array of opportunities for you to interact with us and learn more about the Surface Analyst.
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New Webinar Discussing Additive Blooming Effects on Polymer Adhesion
Partnering with Plastics Technology, BTG Labs held a webinar about a topic that’s attracting a lot of attention.
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How to Uncover Hidden Adhesion Problems in Your Manufacturing Process
“We didn’t even know we were having process problems.” It’s an all-too-common phrase we hear from our customers, when they realize the level of understanding available to them now in their manufacturing operation. Simply put, you can’t solve an adhesion problem that doesn’t exist, and we’re...
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"We Speak Dyne, Too" Learn How in BTG Labs' New Video
In some industries--including film and flexible packaging--dyne is the primary language. BTG Labs’ Surface Analyst uses water contact angle measurements as a fast easy, objective, and non-destructive alternative to dyne inks. The main concern we hear from manufacturers is that both the suppliers...
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On the Surface: An Overview of Surface Types and Measurement Challenges in Manufacturing
Of all the challenges manufacturers face, creating and optimizing critical surface processes for various materials can be very difficult. Traits such as location, size, shape, and texture can add to the challenge. The success of any critical surface process requires an in-line, fast, easy, and...
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Read BTG Labs' Most Recent Publication in Converting Quarterly
Check out BTG Labs’ recent article published in Converting Quarterly’s Q3 issue. The official publication and technical journal of International Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators, Converting Quarterly is the go-to publication for web processing, converting, and finishing industries. Industry...
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BTG Labs Takes on Vegas
Image above: BTG Labs Sales Engineer, Derrick Merrell enjoying a game of Jenga at Pack Expo 2017. Last week, BTG Labs traveled to Las Vegas for the largest and most comprehensive packaging event in North America: PACK EXPO 2017. BTG Labs Sales Engineers met with leaders of the packaging...
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Here’s the Big Deal about Surface Cleanliness Measuring on Small Parts
Performing any kind of inspection on small parts can be difficult. When measuring for surface cleanliness, accessing small parts can be even more challenging, especially when measuring on the factory floor. With the Surface Analyst, measuring surface cleanliness on small parts has never been...
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Network and Learn with BTG Labs at AMI’s Polymer Testing & Analysis 2017
BTG Labs Lead Sales Engineer Lucas Dillingham will present “What Manufacturers Need to Measure When Controlling Surfaces for Adhesion” at AMI’s Polymer Testing & Analysis 2017 on September 20, 2017 at 12:10 pm. This event will run September 19-20 at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. The...
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Print Isn't Dead
Contrary to popular belief, print isn’t dead: at least not printed packaging, an industry growing to a worth of $8 billion of the $20 billion global print market. The printed packaging market is booming. As with any growing industry, manufacturers must work vigorously to produce the best product...
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Teflon: More than just pots and pans
Teflon is a household name that commonly invokes images of eggs sizzling on a skillet, spatulas flipping pancakes, or rice steaming in a pan. But, there is much more to this magical non-stick coating. Teflon, a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), prohibits food from sticking to pots...
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How to Measure & Control Bonding of Thermoplastics
Presented by Brighton Science's Chief Scientist Dr. Giles Dillingham who discussed the surface characteristics of thermoplastics. Dr. Dillingham also explored surface treatment processes such as flame, corona, and plasma, and ways to monitor and verify those processes. The ability to understand...
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Upcoming Webinar on Overcoming the Challenge of Bonding to Low Energy Thermoplastics
Every plastics manufacturer knows that bonding low energy thermoplastics can be challenging. In the upcoming webinar hosted by Plastics Technology, BTG Labs’ Chief Scientist Dr. Giles Dillingham will discuss practical ways to improve bonding of thermoplastics more reliably and efficiently.
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How Clean, is Clean Enough?
Manufacturers often encounter a similar puzzle, when cleaning invisible contaminants from a surface, how do you know when the surface is clean; how clean is clean enough? This is a common question that manufacturers ask when preparing their surfaces for bonding, coating, sealing, printing or...
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Connect with BTG Labs at ANTEC 2017
What is known as The Plastics Technology Conference, ANTEC (Annual Technical Conference) 2017 brings together diverse members of the plastics industry from around the world. Taking place in Anaheim, California May 8-10, ANTEC 2017 showcases the latest technologies and advancements in the...
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Building Smarter with the Surface Analyst
Roosevelt University, a liberal arts college in the Loop of downtown Chicago perfectly contrasts antiquated and contemporary architecture. Roosevelt’s first venue, constructed in 1889 just in time for the World Fair, is 17 floors of beautiful Art Nouveau structure. The Auditorium Building...
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New Webinar Emerges from Plasmatreat Open House: The 4 Surface Fundamentals for Successful Bonding in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are all too familiar with the challenges of getting a bond to stick and hold. The success of a bond relies on the surface created prior to that bond, so, monitoring and measuring surface processes is the only way to know that the surface is ready to bond reliably. BTG Labs’...
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Play Ball: It's Opening Day in Cincinnati
Image above by Cincinnati Reds via Cincinnati Business Courier It’s Opening Day in Cincinnati, Ohio! Now this isn’t just any season opener, Opening Day in Cincinnati is an unofficial city holiday. Downtown is painted red as people gather for the 98th Opening Day Parade and celebrations around...
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Q&A with Plasmatreat's President and CEO Andy Stecher on the Upcoming Open House and Surface TechDays
This week, BTG Labs will travel to Hayward, California to attend Plasmatreat’s Open House and Surface TechDays. As a partner of BTG Labs, Plasmatreat recruits the Surface Analyst to verify plasma treatments. We value chances like this to collaborate and offer customers complete surface treatment...
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Surface Energy Measurement on Food Packaging and Print
Food packaging and print industries often face the obstacle of adhering to low energy substrates such as polypropylene. Measuring the surface’s cleanliness prior to bonding or printing is the key to successful adhesion. The common method for measuring surface cleanliness, or surface energy on...
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BTG Labs Speaking at Plasmatreat's Open House
BTG Labs excitedly anticipates Plasmatreat's Open House and Surface TechDays. Held March 30 & 31 in Hayward, California. The 2-day event brings together leaders in the industries of electronics, automotive, and medical device. The Open House will showcase Plasmatreat's new R&D Center and Plasma...
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The Surface Analyst's Ability to Measure on Concave and Convex Surfaces
Broadening the Abilities of the Surface Analyst The Surface Analyst™ has the unique ability to measure on almost any surface: vertical, horizontal, smooth, rough, mirrored and in an easy, accurate, fast, and non-destructive way. However, until now, measuring on concave and convex surfaces...
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The Surface Analyst Technology Replaces the Old Language of Dyne
Smarter Surface Processes For over a decade, manufacturers and suppliers have spoken the language of dyne when dealing with surface preparation and treatment verification. Because the process of dyne analysis requires users to interpret the way the ink spreads on a surface, it is highly...
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Top 11 Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Surface Analyst
1. Does surface roughness affect the measurement? Can you measure on curved parts? Because the Surface Analyst uses patented Ballistic Deposition to deposit liquid drops, the user can easily take measurements on surfaces with varied shapes, orientation, and texture. While Ballistic Deposition...
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Common Surface Energy Tests: Dyne Inks
For years, manufactures have implemented a conventional method of testing surface energy using a solution called dyne inks. Dyne ink, when applied to a surface, can reveal the surface's adhesion potential. But, there's an inherent problem with the inks themselves...
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Can Contact Angle Quantitatively Measure Total Surface Energy?
Water Contact Angle as a Quantitative Measurement of Surface Energy Brighton Science's Surface Analyst™ uses contact angle of highly purified water ballistically deposited on a material to determine surface energy. This surface energy correlates directly to a material's ability to adhere....
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5 Primary Uses of the Surface Analyst
The Importance of Surface Cleanliness BTG Labs' Surface Analyst™ is a fast, easy, accurate, nondestructive, handheld device. It uses contact angle to measure the cleanliness level of a surface. Understanding and defining surface cleanliness within manufacturing is necessary. How a manufacturer...
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CompositesWorld Magazine, BTG Labs & Abaris Hosting Surface Energy and Quality Assurance Webinar
Webinar: Measuring Surface Energy in Manufacturing and Repair of Composites to Assure Quality of Bonded Interfaces Thu, Jun 9, 2016 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT OVERVIEWThis interactive tutorial provides a comprehensive look at common industry practices, including typical surface preparation methods...
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Automotive Applications Series: Polymer Painting and Bonding in Automotive Manufacturing
Polymers are some of the most common base materials used in automotive parts. Polypropelenes, Polyolefins, and ABS plastics are used in dashboards, door panels, bumper fascias, liftgates, sensors, and increasingly exterior doors and fenders. A polymer is a low surface energy material that...
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The Surface Analyst's™ Unique Method of Measuring Water Contact Angle
Image above: The Surface Analyst uses Ballistic Deposition to deposit water on diverse surfaces to measure contact angle. Fluid Deposition Style of Contact Angle Measurements Measuring the contact angle of a fluid on a surface provides an accurate reading of surface energy. However, methods...
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BTG Labs' Surface Analyst™ Instantly Measures Contact Angle to Determine the Potential Adhesive Strength of Bonds
Handheld Solution for Verifying Surface Cleanliness The Surface Analyst™ is an innovative handheld solution for use in the lab and on the factory floor. It reduces waste, rework, and recalls when poorly prepared substrate surfaces lead to bonding, coating, sealing, painting, or printing failure.
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Contact Angle Measurements on Oxidized Polymer Surfaces Containing Water-Soluble Species
When Polymer Surfaces are Not Easily Accessible A recent collaboration between BTG Labs and 3M scientists demonstrates that the Surface Analyst™ can provide receding contact angles. These contact angles precisely match the Wilhelmy-balance values, but in seconds instead of minutes. The Surface...
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