A decisive factor for the printability and bondability of surfaces is their surface energy.  The High energy Excirad 172 radiation is able to break bonds in polymers.  These then react with ozone and oxygen radicals, which are also formed by the irradiation of atmospheric oxygen. This pretreatment results in a long lasting increase of the polar surface energy, which is decisive for the wettability and adhesion.

The low penetration depth of the 172 nm radiation prevents damage to deeper layers of the material, whereby the adhesion is further improved.  The surface activation is carried out without the formation of small volatile fragments of molecules, so that the effect can be maintained for months.  Since it is a “cold” process, in which there is virtually no heat input, it is also suitable for heat-sensitive materials such as plastics and thin films.