Advantages of plasma for ultra-precision cleaning

Almost all surfaces have subtle dirt that is invisible to the naked eye, which seriously affects the further treatment of the surface, such as bonding, printing, painting or coating. These fine impurities on metal, plastic or inorganic materials can be removed by plasma cleaning without the need for additional chemicals. In contrast to plasma coating or plasma etching, the surface of the workpiece is not removed or coated, but merely corrected.

Ultra-precision cleaning of the exterior using atmospheric pressure plasma is the process of removing organic, inorganic and microbial exterior contaminants as well as strongly adhering dust particles. It's very efficient and very gentle with the treated appearance. At higher strengths, it can remove thin outer boundary layers, cross-link outer molecules, and even cut hard metal oxides. Plasma cleaning advances moisture and adhesion support a wide range of industrial processes, preparing the exterior for bonding, gluing, coating and painting. Although it is carried out with air or typical industrial gases, including hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, it avoids wet chemistry and expensive vacuum equipment, which positively impacts its cost, safety and environmental impact. The fast processing speed further facilitates many industrial applications.

What are the pollutants

Multiple layers of contaminants generally mask the exterior, even if they appear visually clean. Pollutants form naturally as a result of exposure to air. They contain oxide layers, water, various organic materials and dust. In addition, the technical process covers the surface with oil, release agents, composite components, monomers and oozing low molecular weight substances. Contaminants can greatly degrade the bonding quality by introducing a thin intermediate layer. In addition, their general low moisture properties cause the adhesive to not completely cover the exterior, further decreasing the bonding strength.

Advantages of plasma cleaning

Using a plasma treatment process, the pollutants are broken down into steam, so no residue is left on the surface, leaving the latter in an ultra-precision clean state. Most importantly, the plasma cleaning process operates at atmospheric pressure. Advantages over standard chemical and vacuum plasma cleaning processes include:

Ultra-precision cleaning, no residue

Gentle exterior treatment

No wet chemicals left

Air or inexpensive non-toxic working gases

Environmental protection

No expensive vacuum equipment required

Fast processing speed

Easy integration into existing production lines

Promotes moisture and adhesion