You ask, we answer!
Do you have questions about plasma, Plasmatreat or surface treatment in general? Then take a look at our FAQ: There we answer frequently asked questions.
If you can't find the answer to your question there, please contact us directly.
What are the main advantages of Plasmatreat’s Openair-Plasma® technology in comparison to other surface treatment methods?
There are many advantages to using Plasmatreat’s Openair-Plasma® surface technology. The main advantage is the enormously high efficacy when compared to other methods for the activation of surfaces. The Plasmatreat Openair-Plasma® surface treatment technology simply results in better and more durable surface activation. Plasmatreat’s Openair-Plasma® systems are also very easy to integrate into existing production lines, they are environmentally friendly, space-saving and have low operating costs.
What will you need to run a plasma pretreatment system?
Public current (230V/400V) as well as a compressed-air supply are sufficient. An extraction system is also required.
What are the possible production speeds that can be reached?
The result of the surface treatment depends on the speed of the passing material, on the effective distance of the nozzle end, and on the width of the treatment area. Partially, processing speeds of up to 400 m/min can be reached. When treating EPDM-/ TPE sections, e.g., the speeds run are about 2 to 30 m/min.
Can original methods (use of solvents) be replaced by the Plasmatreat Openair-Plasma® technology?
Plasmatreat has demonstrated in many user operations that its Openair-Plasma® technology can provide superior surface treatments as activation and cleaning than the use of solvents and, in many cases, allow users to completely abandon the use of environmentally damaging substances such as benzene or acetone.
Why is it that the plasma surface technology works so well for composites?
Normally it is extremely difficult to pre-treat composites because of the differing electrical and thermal conductivities. In the Plasmatreat Openair-atmospheric plasma process, low temperature plasma is applied to the material to be activated allowing superior surface treatment without any negative effects on composite materials.
Why is it so simple to integrate your plasma systems into production lines?
Plasmatreat’s plasma systems and nozzles require very little space and are easily installed into existing production lines. We can easily adapt our pre-treatment stations (plasma nozzles within a protective covering with extraction) to your individual manufacturing conditions.
What kind of running costs will arise?
The only operation expenses will result from the electricity and compressed-air consumption, and the ordinary maintenance costs. No costly operating supplies or other consumables are needed.
Are plasma flames hot?
Plasma is much cooler than other combustion flames (about 300°C). With most applications, the temperature of the moving material increases by about 15 °C. The process is cool enough that even fingernails can be treated using Plasmatreat’s Openair-Plasma® method.
Does the plasma process produce any toxic emissions?
No ozone is released during the plasma pre-treatment. Nitrogen oxides and monoxides can be produced when certain materials are pre-treated. For this reason complete Plasmatreat Openair-Plasma® surface treatment systems incorporate an extraction system to remove any such emissions.
Are any special gases required for the Plasmatreat Openair-Plasma® process?
You need nothing other than electrical energy and oil-free compressed air. If you do not have a separate compressed-air supply, we can provide the systems with low-pressure side channel compressors for you.
Is there any risk of an electric shock in the area of the plasma beam?
There is a risk of electric shock directly inside the plasma flame. The nozzles themselves are grounded and therefore can be directed by hand without risk of electrical shock.
How long does the activation effect on the surface last?
The length of time that the activation effect will last will vary depending on the material activated. The effect is strongest directly after the treatment, then fades gradually and settles at a level higher than before pre-treatment. Under ideal circumstances production steps such as coating or painting should be carried out directly after the pre-treatment. However, activation by Openair-Plasma® shows an extreme long-time stability in comparison to other pre-treatment methods. We would be pleased to discuss with you in detail how the activation effect will work in your particular application.
What is the distance between the plasma nozzles and the surfaces being treated?
About 1 to 2 cm. The necessary adjustments to achieve the proper distance are very simple and their use in the production process is uncomplicated. The components are not subject to mechanical wear and tear.
Is it possible to treat complicated or three-dimensional geometries?
Plasmatreat’s Openair-Plasma® flames infiltrate into grooves and small areas. The pre-treatment effect is even intensified in corners. Thus, you can effectively pre-treat plane surfaces as well as complicated shapes.
Does the Plasmatreat Openair-Plasma® process alter the mass properties of a material?
This process is a plasma surface treatment method where ions react with the material‘s surface. It does not change the mass in any way.
Does any scientific literature on the process exist yet?
The Fraunhofer-Institute in Bremen has attended to this subject. Relevant literature is available through us. Please send us an email if you require any further information.
