PR: New Openair-Plasma system for EPDM profiles
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Plasmatreat GmbH, the global market leader in atmospheric plasma technology, presented its new EPDM station with Openair-Plasma technology at Fakuma 2024. The new system offers manufacturers in the automotive industry an efficient, clean, environmentally friendly and highly compact solution for the surface pretreatment of EPDM/TPE profiles. The treatment improves the adhesion of adhesives and varnishes by activating the profile surface. With this development, the high-tech company from Steinhagen, Germany, underlines its comprehensive expertise in the pre-treatment of EPDM profiles and its competence as a partner of the automotive industry.
Automotive door seals are typically made from EPDM/TPE. This non-polar material makes further processing difficult, such as flocking or applying lubricating varnishes. Therefore, the plastic profiles need to be pre-treated to activate the surface: The plasma beam introduces hydroxyl groups to the surface. Plasmatreat's Openair-Plasma technology has established itself in the industry as a clean, efficient and environmentally friendly process that improves subsequent processes. Plasma technology has been proven in EPDM production for over 20 years and has long been the standard among suppliers. Plasmatreat is now introducing a new EPDM station that further optimizes and simplifies the process with a more compact design and multiple features. For example, it offers greater efficiency and improved adjustment of the plasma nozzles for flexible use in production.
New EPDM station - extremely compact and flexible
Plasmatreat's new EPDM station goes beyond the current standard. The system is much more compact than the previous one and can accommodate up to 12 nozzles in one housing. The generator is housed in the housing to save space, so there is no need for an external control cabinet or additional cable connections. This gives users maximum flexibility with minimum space requirements. With up to twelve individually controllable plasma nozzles, the new EPDM station is also extremely flexible. Rotating plasma nozzles can also be used for gentle pre-treatment without visible surface changes in lubricant varnish applications.
High-tech features for precise EPDM/TPE pretreatment
For precision and flexibility, each nozzle on Plasmatreat's new EPDM station can be individually controlled with individual recipes via the user-friendly HMI (Human-Machine Interface). Nozzles can be selected automatically: The system recognizes the selected nozzles thanks to sensor detection and coding. This allows fast switching between stored recipes. Automatic detection of product movement enables intelligent nozzle activation and ensures efficient, reliable processes. The system selectively and precisely treats EPDM/TPE profiles with a homogeneous plasma jet. This results in improved direct adhesion of the materials and consistent coating quality.
Clean processes, simplified maintenance - less system downtime
For optimum energy-saving climate control, the system can be fitted with energy-efficient Rittal Blue e+ climate control technology on request. The new EPDM station is also equipped with an optimized extraction system. This keeps the working environment clean and reduces the need for cleaning. The sophisticated maintenance concept also helps to reduce downtime. The system's plug-in nozzles, quick-change system and overall maintenance-friendly design reduce service times to a minimum.
