The Plasma Torch from German supplier Technoplot received its worldwide debut at Fespa Digital last week.

The compact device was fitted to an adapted Roland UJC-640 eco solvent/UV-LED printer, although Technoplot said it was suitable for “virtually every printing system on the market.”

A 5mm wide cold plasma beam from the torch activates the material immediately before printing.

“Some materials have a challenging surface,” explained Technoplot sales specialist Nicolette Lerch. “The beam alters the surface a little bit, so the ink will stick to it.”

The system requires UV inks, and Lerch said that flexible inks were the best option, to avoid cracking. It is targeted at firms printing onto plastics such as polypropylene and ABS, as well as other tricky materials such as metal and glass.

“People have been very excited by it, we have two definite orders so far,” she added.

The Plasma Torch is attached to the cutting head on the printer. If there is no cutting head, then an alternative fitting system is required. It can also be used on an XY table for offline pre-treatment.

A modified Roland device including LED UV ink system fitted by Technoplot costs around €55,000 (£44,600). The Plasma Torch by itself is around €8,000-€10,000.

Munich-based Technoplot specialises in developing innovative solutions for wide-format printing applications.