FieroSil™ Printing Pretreatment System
Testimonial
"We inspect every order carefully, especially our UV-printed glass growlers. UV ink normally won’t adhere to low-energy glass—but after pretreating with the new FieroSil system, the difference was night and day. The ink bonded perfectly. I scratched at it myself — it's bulletproof."
– Murray Shelton
Buccaneer Container Corp
- Built for inkjet printing. FieroSil stops UV inkjet ink from chipping, peeling and fading on glass, plastic and metal.
- Made in the USA. Every part and the silica solution are sourced in the USA.
- A fraction of the price of the European option.
- Stand-alone unit or built into your inkjet line. Available for private label.
Pretreatment for Inkjet Printing
Inkjet inks chip. FieroSil makes them stay.
UV inkjet inks cure with LED light and sit on top of the surface. On glass, plastic and metal they chip, peel and fade, especially after the dishwasher. FieroSil applies a microscopic silica layer to the part before printing. The ink bonds to that layer and stays put.
Ideal for
- Drinkware. Glass tumblers, mugs, growlers and wine glasses printed with UV inkjet.
- Glass and plastic bottles.
- Cylindrical and curved parts printed on rotary inkjet printers.
- Promotional products that get handled, washed and reused.
- Low-energy plastics such as HDPE and polypropylene, and coated glass.
Why shops pick FieroSil
- Made in the USA. Designed and built in Farmington, Connecticut. Service and parts come from here, not overseas.
- Sourced in the USA. The silica solution and every component are US sourced.
- A fraction of the price. The only other silica pretreatment system is a European import that costs far more.
Private label
Inkjet printer makers and distributors can offer FieroSil under their own brand. Ask us about private label programs.
Compatible with leading UV inkjet inks from Marabu, Nazdar and Sun Chemical.
Built to integrate with inkjet systems from Inkcups, LSINC and other OEMs, and with Systematic Automation's own UV curing systems and screen printing machines.
Inkjet pretreatment FAQ
Why does my UV inkjet ink chip off glass and plastic?
Glass and many plastics have low surface energy. The cured ink has nothing to grip, so it chips. FieroSil raises the surface energy with a silica layer the ink can bond to.
Do I still need a primer?
No. FieroSil replaces liquid primers and wiping. There is no dry time.
Does it work with my inkjet printer?
Yes. FieroSil runs as a stand-alone station or in line with rotary and flatbed UV inkjet printers.
How fast is it?
The surface changes in milliseconds as the part passes the flame. Cycle times suit inline and high-volume production.
Can I private label FieroSil?
Yes. Contact us for private label terms.
Features
FieroSil Features
- Advanced HMDSO vapor deposition technology for superior surface activation
- Uniform nanocoating layer increases surface energy for permanent ink bonding
- Touchscreen interface with precise digital dosing control
- Zero-purge precursor delivery system for clean and efficient operation
- 1-liter high-purity precursor reservoir with level monitoring
- Consistent and repeatable treatment results across glass, plastics, metals, and composites
- Fast cycle times for inline and high-volume production workflows
- Compatible with UV inkjet, pad printing, screen printing, and hybrid workflows
Engineering & Control Features
- PLC-based control system for industrial reliability
- Emergency stop integrated with pretreatment control loop
- Rugged welded steel frame for vibration-free operation
- Adjustable mounting and system leveling pads for flexible installation
- Articulating monitor arm for ergonomic operator access
- Low-maintenance gas delivery and precursor handling system
- Standard 110V power (international voltages available)
- Made in the USA with rapid service and support
Options
- Standalone pretreatment unit
- Integration kits for conveyors and inkjet lines
- Multi-station pretreatment carousel (Flame 360 compatibility)
- Custom automation and robotics integration
- Remote monitoring and diagnostics package
- High-capacity precursor supply systems for 24/7 production
Molecular level pretreatment
Achieve unparalleled ink adhesion on even the most challenging substrates. Our Silica Flame Spray Pyrolysis technology transforms the molecular structure of your product’s surface in milliseconds. By depositing a nanoscopic silica layer, we bridge the gap between your substrate and your decoration—ensuring vibrant, permanent, and industrial-grade results every time.
A Brief History
While Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) has roots in the early 20th-century production of carbon black and fumed silica, its application as a localized pretreatment for industrial printing is a modern evolution. Historically, manufacturers relied on "blind" flame treatment or harsh chemical primers to increase surface tension.
The development of SFSP allowed for a "dry" chemical application. By embedding the chemical primer directly into the flame, the industry moved away from manual wiping and inconsistent liquid primers, leading to the highly automated, repeatable systems used in modern high-speed printing lines.
Why It Matters for Product Decoration
For inkjet printers of drinkware, bottles, promotional products and industrial parts, the challenge is not the print. It is the bond. Many modern substrates (like HDPE, Polypropylene, or coated glass) are naturally "low energy," meaning ink will bead up or scratch off easily.
The SFSP Advantage:
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Uniformity: Provides a consistent molecular layer that liquid primers cannot match.
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Efficiency: Eliminates the "dry time" required by traditional primers.
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Durability: Printed drinkware holds up through repeated dishwashing cycles.