The SKZ Plastics Center has expanded its surface treatment capabilities with the purchase of a state-of-the-art Plasma Treatment Unit (PTU) from Plasmatreat GmbH. Using atmospheric pressure plasma and a 6-axis robot, the system enables ultra-fine cleaning and activation of component surfaces made of a wide range of materials, including plastic, metal, glass and ceramics.

The potential of plasma activation and coating for the plastics industry is to be further developed. 
Ultra-fine cleaning with atmospheric-pressure plasma gently and reliably removes dust, release agents, additives, plasticizers and hydrocarbons from surfaces. The activation of surfaces by plasma treatment is used in particular for non-polar plastics and changes the surface properties from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. It helps increase surface energy by introducing hydroxyl groups, which improves adhesion in subsequent processes such as bonding, printing, painting and sealing. 

Functional layers in the nanometer range
"In addition to activating and cleaning surfaces, we can also use the system to apply functional layers in the nanometer range. In this application, a precursor is added to the plasma beam, which - depending on its composition - enables different functionalities on the surface. Examples include adhesion-promoting coatings for bonding or printing applications on plastic components and corrosion protection coatings on metal components," explains Dr. Benjamin Baudrit, Deputy Managing Director for Education and Research at SKZ.

Treatment of free-form surfaces possible
The use of a 6-axis robot enables the treatment of free-form surfaces and complex-shaped components. The plasma system provides many degrees of freedom to further develop the potential of plasma activation and coating for the plastics industry. The system is available to companies and partners of the SKZ for technology transfer in the form of seminars, demonstrations and pilot applications.

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