In compliance with European standard EN 50575, adopted by the Italian Electrotechnical Committee (CEI) and related to CEI 64-8, every cable used in an electrical installation—whether residential or industrial—must be identifiable. Marking, one of the most widely used identification methods, can be carried out through:
- Colour, the simplest and most common identification method
- Codes and numbers, when colour identification is insufficient, as in more complex installations
- Labelling or permanent markers, for installations exposed to harsh environmental conditions or subject to significant wear and tear
The materials most commonly used in cable manufacturing include:
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Special PVC
- Silicone rubber
The use of atmospheric plasma treatment on cables has grown in recent years, driven by the increasing adoption of inkjet printing for coding applications. This technology uses inks that require a higher surface energy to achieve optimal adhesion.
Benefits of Plasma treatment
Plasma treatment activates the cable surface, increasing its wettability and enabling excellent ink adhesion, while ensuring marking that meets current quality standards.
- Targeted discharge: precise application of the discharge to the specific surface area to be treated increases the effectiveness of the process.
- Permanent marking: prevents the code from being erased or rubbed off during cable winding and use.
- A green alternative: reduces the need for aggressive and environmentally unsustainable chemicals and solvents.
- Easy integration: can be directly integrated into existing printing and extrusion lines.
Materials tested
Our laboratory regularly conducts tests on plastic cables for residential and industrial applications, medium-voltage cables, wiring and cabling systems, power distribution, and special cables. In numerous applications, we have verified the effectiveness of atmospheric plasma treatment in improving cable surface properties and ink adhesion.