Our History
Pillar Surface Treaters began as Pillar Technologies in 1966. Located in Hartland, Wisconsin, Pillar is recognized worldwide as a global manufacturer of surface treatment systems. OEM’s and end-users in the industries of plastic film extrusion, coating, laminating, and printing have relied on Pillar’s surface treatment equipment to provide long term high quality surface treatment results of increased wettability, long term adhesion, and/or specialty surface modifications onto most all plastic film and paper.
In 1999, Pillar Technologies became a business unit of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a diversified global manufacturer. This acquisition brought operational efficiencies and broader market access, allowing Pillar to align with ITW’s lean manufacturing and customer-centric approach. ​
Pillar has maintained a strong commitment to innovation and service, with ongoing development of quality, high-performance systems and integration with other ITW divisions. Today, Pillar Surface Treaters remains a leading provider of corona and plasma treatment systems, operating as a respected division within ITW and serving global markets from its headquarters in Wisconsin.
Pillar Technologies’ mission is to provide superior quality and competitively priced solutions to customer requirements for material surface treatment and packaging applications while fostering a proactive, innovative business environment, promoting employee career growth and job satisfaction in a professional, ethical and safe work place.
Products for Many Applications
For applications covering blown or cast film extrusion, BOPP, laminating and coating, printing and specialty applications, Pillar has the equipment answer. From narrow web to wide web utilizing the patented “unitized” narrow web, the Universal or the Split-Box designs, Pillar maintains a product line to manage your solution for surface treatment. For the case of difficult to treat, sensitive, uneven surface substrates, or simply just for surface modification applications, consider the dual dielectric, corona gas atmosphere, or plasma configurations.
Pillar offers a full line of UL, CE and/or ETL certified power supplies. Various options are available including computer interface, proportional speed, watt density control, data logging, remote control stations/panels and Total Functional Control (TFC). The TFC option allows for color touch screen technology with PLC communication for most all platforms available in the industry today. Sizes range from 0.5 kW to 30 kW, all with varying input voltage requirements for both domestic and international applications.
Products and Patents
Pillar Technologies leads the market in new technology. Known for originating "Universal" Corona Treating; Pillar has also been the first to introduce a number of surface treatment innovations to the industry. ​
Over the past three decades, Pillar was the first to introduce epoxy covered treater rolls, ozone destruct Systems, and solid-state power supplies. Pillar piloted the first U.S. manufactured split box treater station, introduced "Universal" corona treating to the industry, and the first to introduce a unitized narrow web power supply/station combination unit with removable electrode cartridge (both U.S. and European patents received). ​
The abundant amount of technological patents awarded to Pillar Technologies over the years reflects our continued dedication to innovation and commitment to research.
Why Pillar?
Whatever your application, "Universal" corona treating in covered roll or bare roll configurations, Plasma, Controlled Atmospheric, Narrow Web, Flame, Splitbox treaters or any of the ancillary equipment areas of supply, you can rest assured that Pillar Technologies has your best interests in mind. We understand that equipment has to be built to withstand the daily grind that occurs on the production floor. Our design and sales expertise coupled with high standards and tight tolerances on purchased parts offer the best in longevity and the highest of quality.
Industry respected by OEMs and end users alike
Cost effective equipment
Application savvy sales and engineering support
Continuous product improvements
Numerous patents and more patents pending
Controls integration
Well-rounded world-wide representative network
Online troubleshooting
Product design flexibility
Communications interfacing capabilities
Backed by the best warranties in the industry
Cost-effective equipment pricing available today
Technical Service
Our home office service department is ready to assist you with your concerns. Call 262-912-7294 or toll free at 888-745-5276. Additionally, factory trained technical service and support advisers are on call at strategic locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Lab and Test Facilities
The Pillar lab facility is available for testing and trials for all prospective and active customer applications. Our lab facility can treat anywhere from 12” to 60” webs from 0.5 mil up to 0.1875 inch thickness. All bare roll, covered roll and atmospheric plasma applications of a special or sensitive nature are available for evaluation at Pillar. The line itself is capable of speeds up to 1,000 fpm with web tensions control in the range of 0.5-3.0 PLI. ​
For customized or extensive testing, Pillar will gladly evaluate your product and offer a proposal for test services.