PR: Modifying surfaces in a targeted manner
Plasma makes it possible: Plasma technology is a sought-after tool in almost all branches of research and industry to make processes more efficient and profitable - or to make them possible in the first place. Plasmatreat GmbH, a leading developer and manufacturer of atmospheric plasma technologies and systems, offers effective solutions for numerous material issues with its plasma applications: Plasma can be used to specifically change surfaces in order to process previously incompatible materials together and enable completely new material composites.
Switching to a new or recycled material, or changing the additives used for a material, can affect an entire process and, for example, cause the required adhesion between different materials to no longer exist. Plasma applications help to improve the bonding of different materials as required. A classic field of application in industry is the change from an engineering plastic to a less expensive standard plastic in order to save costs.
Plasma applications: Changed properties, better adhesion
Plasmatreat GmbH has developed various solutions for surface treatment: Fine cleaning with Openair-Plasma gently and safely removes release agents and additives from surfaces. Plasma activation increases the surface energy and enables or strengthens the subsequent adhesion of adhesives and coatings. The special PlasmaPlus process uses its nanocoating to create functionalized surfaces with specific properties, such as an anti-corrosion coating or an adhesion promoter layer. Innovative control systems ensure process control and reproducibility.
Improved haptics, appearance and bonding
Whether replacing an expensive engineering plastic with less expensive material or using materials that are difficult to machine - Plasmatreat opens up completely new, revolutionary possibilities for users and develops individual, customer-specific solutions. Thanks to Openair-Plasma, a manufacturer of white goods (tumble dryers) is now using a base module made of low-cost polypropylene (PP). Openair-Plasma technology enables reliable bonding between the floor module and foamed soft component made of polyurethane (PUR). Similarly, Openair-Plasma ensures reliable and economical processes in the automotive sector for sealing headlights and in medical technology for manufacturing dialysis and oxygenator housings. In medical technology, the spot-applicable, inline-capable Openair-Plasma technology enables the use of adjusting wheels for inhalation devices made of polyoxymethylene (POM), a plastic that is well-suited but normally difficult to print. In current projects, Plasmatreat is researching, among other things, the use of the PlasmaPlus nanocoating in medicine for improved osseointegration of implants made of high-end plastics. "Plasma applications offer an inexhaustible field of application. They enable material connections that make production in numerous industries safer, more reliable, more cost-effective, simpler and more environmentally friendly. Numerous companies approach us with unresolved material issues. In very many cases, we find a feasible solution," says Erhard Krampe, head of the Plasmatreat Academy at Plasmatreat.
