Plasma activation with Venjakob

With plasma activation, Venjakob offers an excellent surface modification that optimises the surface for excellent adhesion of the coating. But what exactly is plasma activation? What does it do? How is it carried out and what needs to be taken into account? In general, it can be said that plasma activation changes the surface of a product to be coated in a way that offers the coating better adhesion. Plasma removes particles that contaminate the material to be coated - especially the finest impurities. Specifically, this requires the supply of energy, which causes a change in the aggregate states from solid to liquid and gaseous to plasma-like - i.e. plasma-activated. This creates a surface tension with polar charged molecules to which coating materials can dock and adhere better. Ergo: the finest cleaning and excellent coating preparation - that is plasma activation. But right from the start.

Surface modification with ionised gas

Plasma activation with ionised gas ensures particularly efficient surface modification of plastics, metals or composite materials, for example. Plasma activation modifies the surface energy precisely and selectively exactly where it is required. Cleaning processes can also be carried out with oxygen plasma - for example, if adhesives are subsequently to be applied to the surface. Oxygen can also be combined with other gases - this is recommended for etching surfaces, for example. In general, plasma activation results in significantly better wettability of the surfaces. This is an optimal prerequisite for the subsequent coating of workpieces and materials. Among the processes for surface pretreatment, plasma is only one of the activation processes alongside flame treatment and flame silicatisation.

The different processes of plasma activation

Plasma activation is a process that exists in different versions. A distinction can be made between the atmospheric pressure process, corona treatment and activation using low-pressure plasma.

Areas of application

Plasma activations are used in the following areas:

Objectives of plasma treatment

• Ultra-fine cleaning
• Increased wettability
• Improved adhesion

Application

1. Plastics
2. Metals
3. Composite materials

The advantages of Venjakob plasma systems

We could now say that the advantages of a Venjakob plasma system are flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. 1.firstly, because a Venjakob plasma system can be easily integrated into existing systems and production lines thanks to its modular design - be it throughfeed systems, robot systems or spindle chain systems. And secondly, because it is also available as a stand-alone solution if you wish. And thirdly, because we always offer you a customised solution - tailored to your production techniques, system technologies and requirements. But flexibility alone is not enough: the real advantages are of course in the area of first-class quality:

• Ultra-fine cleaning: The finest impurities, the finest deposits, barely visible or even invisible soiling don't stand a chance - simply activate the plasma and the surface is cleaned - thoroughly. In other words, plasma can be used in various ways to carry out ultra-fine cleaning. Another method is the use of plasma-vacuum technologies, i.e. the low-pressure process, which has the advantage that it can be used to clean much larger surfaces. Increased wettability: Plasma treatment ensures that the material and molecules are open for optimum wetting. They are ready for industrial finishing and coating of all treated materials.
• Optimised adhesion: Plasma treatment significantly improves the adhesion of coats. The reason for this is that the plasma modifies the surface during treatment. The surface of the object treated with plasma becomes smooth due to the increase in surface energy. This in turn leads to improved adhesion and adhesion properties of the coat. Increased wettability: Plasma treatment ensures that the material and molecules are open for optimum wetting. They are ready for industrial finishing and coating of all treated materials.

As a stand-alone or as part of the line - in each case completely customised.

We have already mentioned it, but a word about it is certainly helpful: Your Venjakob plasma system is also available as a stand-alone solution. Integrated into the feeding system, the required pre-treatment, which also includes plasma activation, followed by the actual coating systemitself, as well as the drying systems and exhaust air purification , Venjakob offers you a complete solution across the board. All components are perfectly harmonised - from input to output. Including feeding, the necessary pre-treatment, which also includes plasma activation, followed by the actual coating system itself as well as the drying systems and exhaust air purification, Venjakob offers you a complete solution right down the line. All components are perfectly harmonised - from the input to the continuous chain conveyor system or throughfeed system to the output. All aspects of possible process optimisation are included in the design. Whether it's parameter control or throughput speed, self-cleaning steel belts or easy cleaning of the spray booth.

Let's talk - about plasma activation and your Venjakob system

To summarise, plasma activation is a technique that optimises and cleans surfaces. Many people also refer to this as plasma treatment or plasma cleaning. It is usually used to treat various materials such as plastics, metals or organic substances. Put simply, during plasma activation, an ionised gas, the plasma, generates a strong electric field that affects the surface of the material to be treated. Plasma activation increases the surface energy of the material, making it easier for various chemical compounds to dock onto the surface. Three processes can be used - treatment with atmospheric pressure plasma (also known as AD plasma), with DBD plasma (known as corona treatment) and finally the low-pressure plasma process, in which the plasma is generated in a specially designed low-pressure chamber. Plasma activation is integrated into the surface pretreatment phase, which is followed by the actual coating - for example, spray painting. At Venjakob, we are also happy to offer you plasma activation as an individual solution if required. In general, however, we always recommend the complete solution including coating, pre-treatment, coating, drying, exhaust air purification and removal. All of our customised solutions are tailored to the quantities to be produced, the optimum use of coating materials and, of course, the use of energy. A further advantage is process optimisation, which enables you and your specialist personnel to operate and clean the system easily or even carry out occasional maintenance. If the worst comes to the worst, we are at your side not only before the job is carried out, but also afterwards.